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General Social Issues
Selection of views expressed by students in their articles printed in the South China Morning Post.
How can tampering with minibus speed monitors be stopped?
When speed monitors were introduced, they seemed like a good idea and an effective way of tackling the problem of speeding minibuses. However, many of them have been tampered with in various ways and. shockingly, no drivers have been charged.
Many minibuses pass the annual inspection, which would suggest there is a need for it to be more rigorous.
Not only must checks be stricter, they must also be more frequent. Also, the information recorded by the inspectors must be kept in official records. If there is any evidence of negligence, then someone must be held responsible and this can deter people from breaking the regulations.
I also think random checks should be carried out, because in advance of a regular check, the minibus driver can make the necessary adjustments. Although police cannot detain a minibus full of passengers, checks can be performed at minibus depots on random days- This will be more effective in combating the tampering of speed monitors. It is also important to educate minibus drivers. The Transport Department should have training programmes, so that drivers understand the consequences of fiddling with speed monitors.
By speeding, drivers can earn more for their families, but they may put passengers at risk, people who may be the sole breadwinners for their families. Why should minibus drivers be allowed to put other people's lives at risk?
Passengers should also be made aware of what they can do if the beeper does not go off when the minibus is clearly speeding. There are hotlines people can ring.
KMB buses have a fuel cutoff device to strictly prevent speeding and even have black boxes to record speed. These are effective measures and should be used in all of the city's minibuses.
Chan wai-yu, Tsuen Wan 4B
20/2/09
What do you think of restaurant food portions?
I agree with the Greeners Action campaign offering diners a HK$1 discount if they accept a smaller portion of rice. I think it is a very good idea.
I certainly have found that the portions of food served to me in restaurants are too large, in future I will ask for less rice with my meal.
I was shocked by the survey ("Green campaign to persuade city diners that less is more", February 4) that revealed that food waste makes up 35 per cent of total municipal solid waste.
It made me think about those parts of the world where people do not have enough to eat.
When I think about that, and that we live in Hong Kong, I know we are blessed.
It may be a small step to ask for less rice with your meal, but it is a step worth taking.
I hope as many people as possible will take part in this campaign.
Chau Kong-chung, Tsuen Wan 4B
17/2/09
What do you think of restaurant food portions?
I think the campaign launched by Greeners Action will be successful ("Green campaign to persuade city diners that less is more", February 4). A survey by the environmental group showed that about 84 per cent of people said they often could not finish their meals at restaurants and the leftovers are wasted.
It is a win-win situation because customers can help the environment and save money by getting a HK$1 discount [for taking a smaller portion of rice]. It seems a small amount, but in this economic crisis, every little helps. I urge people who are fairly sure they will not be able to finish their meals to ask for the smaller portion.
Everyone in Hong Kong should be showing more concern for the environment and taking part in this green campaign. Less is more. Even just a small gesture like this can help the planet.
Leung Po-yan, Tsuen Wan 4B
16 th Feb, 09
What do you think of restaurant food portions?
All of us must by now realise that the problem of global warming is getting more serious.
Municipal waste will produce greenhouse gases and this will only make things worse. Not only do we have to face global warming, but in Hong Kong our landfills are nearing capacity.
We can help our planet by reducing the amount of food that is wasted. Asking for less rice is one way of doing this. As your report pointed out ("Green campaign to persuade city diners that less is more", February 4), a survey by Greeners Action "found that 84 per cent of people often could not finish their meals and nearly half indicated they had been given too much".
When I go for lunch I always see diners leaving some food uneaten on their plates. This campaign can go some way towards solving this problem.
Also, given the financial crisis, even a rebate of HK$1 [for accepting a smaller portion of rice] will be welcomed by restaurant customers.
However, at present the campaign will be held by restaurants on the first Wednesday of every month. I think it should be held every day.
Holding the campaign every day would provide more opportunities for diners to order smaller portions and thereby help the environment. Diners can save money and protect the Earth at the same time.
Surely we do not want to see more of our beautiful country parks being turned into landfills?
Crystal Tse, Tsuen Wan 4B
SCMP 12 Feb 09
Disney dismay
The decision by Hong Kong Disneyland to increase admission fees has shocked many Hong Kong people. The company's decision is very unwise since it may further adversely affect Hong Kong's tourism industry and put the theme park's future at great risk. Hong Kong Disneyland is known for being relatively small. Such a big increase in admission prices will surely lead to fewer visitors.
Stephen Leung 9/2/09
You see a lot of Hong Kong people smoking on the street beside rubbish bins now that they can no longer smoke in indoor public places. I see this as a social problem that has to be solved.
I think the sight of so many people standing around a rubbish bin smoking creates a bad impression for tourists. I also feel that with these people congregating outside to smoke cannot help our poor air quality.
Fung Wing-tung 2/1/09
It is necessary to ban smoking in public areas, not just because it affects the health of people who are not smoking, but also because it is not good for the image of Hong Kong.
This problem will persist if the government delays the ban. The sooner the full ban is implemented, the sooner smokers will learn to adapt. I think the government should be willing to help those smokers who want to give up.
Li Ka-kei 2/1/09
I am against any delays to the full smoking ban, because the partial ban has not been effective. I do not believe bar owners will suffer from the ban. Where food is served, the smoke-free environment will attract more diners and even smokers will be willing to refrain from lighting up. Therefore, business will not be adversely affected. Legislation will also help smokers kick the habit.
Nicole Chan 28/12/08
What changes would you like to see at ATV?
I hope to see changes to ATV because they are really needed.
First, I think that the number of Chinese advertisements should be reduced as much as possible. These days, these kinds of adverts almost make me feel I am watching a mainland channel. Second, I think ATV should make more shows other than food programmes. Every night, , you see the same people discussing food at different places. I cannot believe that all viewers love this kind of show. Finally, I think ATV could buy more popular overseas dramas and films. This may change the viewing habits of some people. It might also attract more local advertising, thus reducing ATV¡¦s reliance on mainland advertisements.
Pokman Cheng 27/12/08
I am aware bar owners have cited problems
they are experiencing because of the economic downturn. I am not convinced that extending the grace period will necessarily be good for business.
I admit we are facing tough times, but that is no reason to put people¡¦s health at risk.
Ng Sze-nga 16/12/08
Should the full smoking ban be delayed?
As someone who is a victim of second-hand smoking, I do not think there should be any delay in the smoking ban. Apart from the health concerns for smokers and people exposed to second-hand smoke, we should also be thinking about the tourist industry. Smoke-free bars will leave tourists with a good impression of Hong Kong.
Katrina Yuen 15/12/08
What do you think of the MTR¡¦s notification system?
Three trains came to a halt during the December 8 incident because of damage to a power cable.
Why were passengers not notified about what was happening and advised to use the Island Line to Tiu Keng Leng,
or take buses and taxis instead? Clearly this was due to the MTR Corp¡¦s inadequate notification system.
The MTR Corp must be more decisive, especially during such a=busy periods when there are so many passengers.
Cheng Cheuk-hei 13/12/08
Some smokers say they light up because they are under a lot of pressure at work and it helps relieve some of the stress. However, they must be aware that they are harming themselves physically. They should realize that non smokers are also at risk from the effects of second-hand smoke.
LiChi 6/12/08
What do you think of restaurant food portions?
Food waste is a serious problem in Hong Kong, with tonnes of uneaten restaurant meals being wasted every day. By contrast there are many people in other countries struggling to Find enough food to eat.
The restaurants decide the portions you will receive. You do not get to decide and have no idea how much you are going to get. Restaurants should give customers some idea on the menu about the portions that will be served. This can help people decide what they want to order. They should introduce different portions in the same way as McDonald's offers different sizes of drinks.
Each dish could have two prices ¡V one for the medium-sized meal and a higher
rate for the large size. This would be a better arrangement than the HK$1 rebate ("Green campaign to persuade city diners that less is more", February 4).
Some people will look down on the campaign, because of the amount on offer. Furthermore, the discounts are only being offered by restaurants on the first Wednesday of every month and that is not enough. If we want everyone to get into the habit of treasuring food, then the discount should be offered every day.
I would suggest that restaurants could introduce fines for people who waste a lot of food.
For example a customer who wasted 1kg of food would have say HK$20 added to the bill. The government should do more to educate people so that they do not waste food. Officials can act as role models and ensure they do not waste what they order. Although the measures I have outlined cannot solve the problem, at least the amount of food wasted can be reduced.
Pokman Cheng, Ma Wan
Important to seek help from adults
The number of teenage suicides in Hong Kong is on the rise. Teachers give students a lot of homework, projects and tests. It puts students under pressure and can drive them to commit suicide.
Relationship problems may drive teenagers to suicide. Family problems can also make teenagers feel desperate. Some parents work long hours. When they go home at night, they may vent their frustration on their children.
Teenagers should talk to someone-their parents or school social worker-about their problems. Suicide is not the answer.
Cheng Man ¡VTang
POCA Wong Siu Ching Secondary School
6/11/2001
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US haters
Why do some countries hate the US so much?
Some people in the Middle East resent American backing for ¡§occupation¡¨ of their lands. The US is also seen as a supporter of ¡§corrupt¡¨ governments.
Many poor countries are bullied by stronger ones. Rich countries and their huge multinational corporations exploit poorer ones and hinder their development by dominating their economies. Osama bin Laden, in my opinion, is just a symbol of someone who resists American power. He has the support of those who hate the US.
William Cho Wai-Lip
10-10-2001
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Eye diseases
I am writing in response to the article ¡§show stresses regular eye tests¡¨ (Young Post, March 21).
The number of pupils suffering from short-sightedness has risen.
Over 50 per cent schoolchildren suffer from myopia because of the lack of space in Hong Kong homes. The distance between the TV set and the viewer is so short. Children do not like to site on chairs to read books, but like to read in bed under dim lights. Also the heavy load of homework and numerous examinations strain their eyes.
Parents are too preoccupied with work to spend a more time with their children.
TIMOTHY
Over the past few years, Japanese products have had a great influence in Hong Kong. Most young people in Hong Kong have become Japanophiles. But do you know why youths like things which are made in Japan? It¡¦s because the products have beautiful and cute packages, Japanese electrical appliances are hi-tech and their films have handsome artists and beautiful leading ladies.
There are also many students who always like to use pens and pencils made in Japan.
But are all these Japanese products good? I don¡¦t think so. The producers emphasize the packaging rather than the quality of the products. And the cost of the packaging is in the price of the product. For example, one pen with a popular cartoon costs $23, while one without sells for $10. that means we pay $13 for the cartoon. Is it worth it?
The use of the pen is more important than its packaging. Teenagers should wake up and not judge products by their packaging.
KY YUNG
Crackdown undermines public¡¦s faith
The Falun Gong problem is a controversial issue. I do not know if the group is spreading evil ideas or not, but the Chinese Government has been too harsh on its members.
I have read reports of members being tortured and abused. Maybe they were ignorant and ha been misled by Falun Gong leaders, but the Government should not resort to brutal punishment.
If members have done society any harm, they should be forgiven.
Some members have gone on a hunger strike to protest against the Government. I think it is unwise. They should not put their lives at risk.
The Chinese Government should be more open and point out what is wrong with the outlawed spiritual group.
It should try to educate people instead of punishing them.
Resorting to punishment and torture would only make people lose faith in the Government.
KU SHUK-FAN
Plea for early unity of Beijing and Taipei
More than 150 countries took part in the Sydney Olympic Games. When the North and South Korean sports teams holding one flag marched into the sports ground, it was a very touching sight. All the spectators stood up and applauded the ¡¥unified¡¦ Korean team.
Korea was divided into two states about 50 years ago. The people suffered the pain of separation. But at the games, they marched under one flag. That was a symbol of peace.
The mainland and Taiwan could not do that. Both are Chinese societies. The mainland is a communist nation and Taiwan is a capitalist society. So are North and South Korea. So were West and East Germany, North and South Vietnam.
But the relationship between Beijing and Taipei has been unduly often very tense. Why cannot Taiwan accept ¡§one country, two systems¡¨? I hope they will unite as soon as possible.
CHO WAI-LIP
I got very angry watching a news report on Police Call. The reporter said beggars spoiled Hong Kong¡¦s image. The report said some beggars were fined $ 500.
Beggars are poor and have nothing, but the Government constructs transport networks and builds Disneyland instead of giving beggars financial assistance.
That is why beggars have to beg.
I think the Government is crazy because it helps rich people to become richer while making poor people even poorer.
The Government ought to help the poor. For example, it should make the poor work, not just pay money to assist them; force the mainland Chinese who do not have the right of abode to go back to China.
If the Government oppresses people like this, people will resist the Government soon.
NGAI CHI-HUNG
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