Month: March 2025

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The total number of reported drug abusers in 2024 decreased by 9% from 2023 to 5,068, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today.

 

The number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 rose by 8%, however, to 720. Of these abusers, 226 had vaped the “space oil drug”.

 

The figures come from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse.

 

The most common substances taken by drug abusers in 2024 were heroin, cocaine and “ice” (methamphetamine), while people under 21 mostly took cannabis, cocaine and the “space oil drug”.

 

Since the first half of 2024, the “space oil drug” has been the third most common substance taken by drug abusers under 21.

 

To step up the control of the drug, the Government has listed etomidate, its main ingredient, along with its three analogues, as dangerous drugs.

 

The Security Bureau said the listing of etomidate as a dangerous drug has significantly enhanced deterrence against “space oil drug”-related crimes, and allowed law enforcement agencies to take more stringent enforcement actions against such crimes.

 

The committee’s Chairman, Donald Li, said he is glad that the Government adopted its suggestions to list etomidate as a dangerous drug.

 

He suggested that the Government should step up anti-drug publicity on all fronts and said he hopes primary and secondary schools can take the initiative to inculcate in their students the values of resisting drugs.

 

The Government’s new campaign, “Don’t fall into ‘space oil drug’ traps!”, has launched on various television and radio channels.

 

An Anti-“Space Oil Drug” Week was held last week by the bureau’s Narcotics Division and the Education Bureau. It was rolled out in all schools in Hong Kong, enabling students to understand the harms of the “space oil drug” and seriousness of crimes related to it.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Security Bureau announced today that six Hong Kong residents lured to Myanmar to engage in illegal work have been rescued following a joint rescue operation.

 

A dedicated task force, consisting of members from the bureau, the Police Force and the Immigration Department, had earlier travelled to the Mae Sot area of Thailand, near its border with Myanmar.

 

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung subsequently flew to Thailand yesterday to co-ordinate the operation alongside senior officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Justice, and police.

 

The six Hong Kong residents, comprising three men and three women all aged between 29 and 44, had been detained in Myanmar for periods ranging from five to seven months. After being rescued, they were sent to Mae Sot by Myanmar’s military. With the assistance of Thai authorities, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai, the task force escorted the six from Mae Sot to Bangkok, which they reached this afternoon.

 

Five of the residents will return to Hong Kong tonight, accompanied by the task force, while one is expected to return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

 

Mr Tang had earlier held a video meeting with the citizens and was pleased to learn that they were safe and in good condition. They expressed gratitude to those who had helped in their rescue and said they looked forward to reuniting with their families in Hong Kong.

 

Mr Tang thanked all units involved in the joint operation, including the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China; frontline personnel at the Thai-Myanmar border; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai; Thailand’s Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, police and military; relevant authorities in Myanmar; the task force; and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok.

 

Regarding three individuals who have yet to return to Hong Kong, the bureau stressed that it will actively follow up on their cases and strive to facilitate their return as soon as possible.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Government today clarified that information being circulated online about the launch of a “National Hong Kong Coin” on blockchain purported to be announced by the Chief Executive is fake and cautioned the public not to believe it.

It pointed out that the information is totally fictitious with fraudulent intent and strongly condemned those who have attempted to distribute fake information in the name of the Chief Executive.

The Government reminded members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of such content.

The incident has been referred to Police for a follow-up investigation.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung today led members of the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum on a Greater Bay Area study tour in Macau, in completion of a three-day, two-night exploration of national history, culture and development.

Mr Tang led members in visiting the Macao Light Rapid Transit East Line South Section. They learned about the project’s development and toured the campus of the Academy of Public Security Forces.

The youngsters also visited the Macao Customs Fleet and were briefed on customs duties and maritime rescue operations. They also explored various sites of historic and architectural interest.

Mr Tang listened to the participants’ interim reports on their thematic projects. He said that the participation of students from Shenzhen University in the forum’s last term and of youths from Macau in the current term has given young people in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau the opportunity to collaborate closely.

He praised the potential of members from the three places, highlighting that three members from Shenzhen University were recently awarded the Good Citizen Award by the Hong Kong Police Force for their bravery in saving a life in Hong Kong. He also mentioned that seven members from Hong Kong were awarded stars given to Chinese college students for self-improvement.

The group of 72 – comprising the leaders forum and its partners from Shenzhen University and the youth groups of Macau’s public security forces – began its study tour in Foshan on Friday and continued to Macau yesterday.

During their stay in Foshan, the group visited the Shunde drone command and dispatch centre to learn about how the district has optimised urban management through the introduction of drones and the consolidation of collected data.

They also visited an intelligent manufacturing technology park, an innovation and research and development centre, and a manufacturing enterprise to learn about the development of high-tech industries on the Mainland and how various industries apply technology to improve production processes.

The young people also explored the Foshan Ancestral Temple to sample the local traditional culture.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution of the Department of Justice, chaired by Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, met several Legislative Council members today to discuss the way forward for developing sports dispute resolution in Hong Kong.

During the meeting, Mr Cheung provided an overview of the latest developments in sports dispute resolution in the city. Both sides exchanged views on the establishment of a pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution.

Highlighting that Hong Kong enjoys the advantages under “one country, two systems”, Mr Cheung said the city possesses strong potential to develop into a regional or even an international centre for sports dispute resolution.

He told the lawmakers that the advisory committee is carrying out in full swing preparatory work for a pilot scheme on sports dispute resolution, and expressed hope that the scheme would be launched in the second half of this year.

This can address the practical needs in relation to local sports disputes, thereby creating new momentum and advantages for Hong Kong, Mr Cheung added.

The advisory committee is currently actively engaging with major stakeholders, including representatives of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. As the next step, the Department of Justice will identify suitable organisations to administer the pilot scheme and provide relevant technological services as well as formulate a set of standard rules for sports dispute resolution.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The monthly mean temperature for February was 17.3 degrees Celsius, close to the normal of 17.1 degrees, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

 

The total rainfall in the month was 26.1mm, about 33% below the norm of 38.9 mm. The accumulated rainfall in the first two months of 2025 was 30.3mm, about 42% of the norm for the same period.

 

There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in February, the observatory added.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

In his 2025-26 Budget speech, Financial Secretary delivered an update on initiatives to harness green industries in Hong Kong, stressing that green finance and green technology are accelerating the build-up of multi-faceted industry clusters and creating huge business opportunities.

In terms of green finance, Mr Chan iterated that Hong Kong last year launched the Sustainable Finance Action Agenda, setting out goals for the banking industry to achieve net zero, and committed to becoming one of the first jurisdictions to align local requirements on sustainability disclosure standards with those outlined in the International Financial Reporting Standards.

He said that to support local green-finance talent training, the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme will be extended to 2028. 

The finance chief also reported that the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) will develop its InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a green technology hub, to be named “GreenTech Hub”. The hub will bring together more than 200 green technology companies, with the HKSTPC inviting partners such as financial and business institutions and universities to support the companies by providing training, business matching, and more.

With regard to shipping, the Government plans to develop Hong Kong as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre by the implementing the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering. Mr Chan said the Government will provide tax exemptions on green methanol used for bunkering. In the aviation sector, meanwhile, a Sustainable Aviation Fuel consumption target will be announced this year.

In terms of waste reduction, the Government will allocate additional funding of $180 million to increase the number of residential food waste smart recycling bins and food waste collection facilities across the city. I·PARK1, Hong Kong’s first waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste, is expected to commence operation this year, and an open tender has been invited for I·PARK2, which will have an expected treatment capacity of 6,000 tonnes per day. 

Mr Chan announced that the Government will launch a $300 million electric vehicle subsidy scheme in the middle of the year, adding that the scheme is expected to provide impetus to for the industry to install 3,000 fast chargers across Hong Kong by 2030.

In relation to public transport, the finance chief remarked that the Government recently launched a “Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis” and earmarked $470 million under the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidise franchised bus operators in purchasing about 600 electric buses.  A further $135 million was earmarked to subsidise the taxi trade in purchasing 3,000 electric taxis.  In addition, the “Funding Scheme to Trial of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heavy Vehicles” is now open for application.

The Government intends to invite tenders for a smart and green mass transit system project in Kai Tak this year, and for similar projects in East Kowloon and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas next year. 

Mr Chan also reported that the Government has reserved a site in Sheung Shui for the agriculture sector to set up the city’s first multi-storey, environment-friendly livestock farm.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

With the dominance of a dry northeast monsoon over southern China, January was marked by dry and sunny weather, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) said today.

The monthly total sunshine duration amounted to 222.3 hours, about 52% above the norm.

Only 4.2mm of rainfall was recorded in the month, about 13% of the norm.

The month was also slightly warmer than usual with a mean temperature of 17.1 degrees Celsius, 0.6 degrees above the norm, the HKO added.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Environmental Protection Department today announced the details of the 2025 Peach Blossom Trees Recycling Programme. The trees collected will be processed and turned into recyclable products such as a bulking agent for composting and mulch for gardening.

From February 5 to 13, citizens can leave peach blossom trees at the central collection point at Y·PARK or at 54 district collection points, including 11 GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, six Outlying Islands Transfer Facilities and 37 public refuse collection points.

From February 14 to 20, members of the public as well as commercial and industrial organisations can deliver the trees to Y·PARK from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

The department added that an e-certificate will be issued to participants who deliver peach blossom trees to Y·PARK or GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations for recycling; those who deliver the trees to GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations will also receive a gift, while stocks last.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Spanned by footbridges and shaded by greenery, the open nullah at King Yip Street in Kwun Tong has undergone a remarkable transformation. Now known as Tsui Ping River, the revitalised waterway brings the Government’s “River in the City” concept to life.

New life

In implementing the project, the Drainage Services Department worked hard to enhance both the ecology and landscaping of the river. More than 50 Chinese banyan trees now line the riverbanks, forming a precious green corridor.

Bird perches, rock pools, and aquatic plants were introduced, while parts of the concrete riverbed were replaced with natural materials to make the habitat more welcoming of biodiversity. These improvements breathe new life into the former nullah.

Precise control

In order to lower the risk of flooding, meanwhile, part of the riverbed was also deepened, and a smart water gate was installed to manage water levels effectively.

Drainage Services Department Senior Engineer (Drainage Projects) Antony Wan explained: “Tsui Ping River is operated by a precise control system which is linked to the weather forecast system of the Hong Kong Observatory. It collects river water or tidal level data through the water level monitoring devices installed in the river. Through data analysis, the system controls the operation of the Tsui Ping River according to real-time conditions.

“The smart water gate installed at the downstream of Tsui Ping River can adjust its rise and fall according to the tidal flow to regulate the water level and stabilise the water body. When the river water flows downstream, a waterfall effect will be created to ensure drainage capacity and enhance the waterscape.”

Mr Wan added that during inclement weather, or when there is a high water level at the upstream, the smart water gate will be lowered to the riverbed level to maintain the normal drainage capability of the river.

The smart water gate not only regulates tidal flow but also minimises unpleasant odours caused by the river drying up. In addition, dry-weather flow interceptors were installed on Shui Wo Street, King Yip Street and Wai Fat Road to intercept polluted dry flow from storm drains and divert it to the sewerage system, thereby reducing the flow of pollutants entering the Tsui Ping River.

Cultural change

In recent years, the Government has been keen to promote a water-friendly culture, which includes turning rivers into spaces that attract people. On the Tsui Ping River, a floating pontoon has been installed. Connecting to both banks, it rises and falls with the tides, offering a unique walking route for residents and visitors.

The department’s mascot, “Drainy”, appears in 75 different illustrations along the river, inviting people to record their walks with a selfie or two. Meanwhile, a total of six cross-river walkways, including one that connects Cha Kwo Ling and the Kwun Tong Promenade, enhance the waterway’s accessibility for nearby residents.

Vibrant district

The Government is dedicated to turning Kowloon East into a Green Core Business District.

Energizing Kowloon East Office Senior Works Consolidation Manager Cheng Wai-ho outlined that in implementing the Tsui Ping River project, the authorities aimed to transform the former nullah into a green and vibrant urban artery and create an open public space centred on the river.

“Driven by the Energizing Kowloon East initiative, Kowloon East has been transformed into a unique, attractive and vibrant central business district,” he said. “At present, Kowloon East has the highest density of green buildings in Hong Kong. We hope that Tsui Ping River will become a new landmark of Kwun Tong, attracting more multinational companies, financial institutions and startups to Kowloon East.”

Besides attracting businesses, the district continues to expand its recreational spaces. The Government’s aim is to develop Kowloon East into a vibrant central business district that supports a harmonious work-life balance for inhabitants.