Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 13 A total of RMB1.5 billion 2-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 17, 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.71 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre.
The visit is part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment and underscores the robust maritime partnership between India and Singapore.
During the stay, the ships’ crew will engage in a series of bilateral/ multilateral activities, including professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other participating navies of IMDEX Asia 2025.
These engagements aim to strengthen naval cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding between the two navies.
Guided tours for school children, cross deck visits with participating Navies and curated visits for defence industries are planned to foster greater awareness of maritime security and India’s naval heritage.
The visit highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional security, stability, and the longstanding friendship between the two maritime partners India and Singapore.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (May 7) presented commendations to over 70 participating organisations at the “I’m So Smart” Community Health Promotion Programme Recognition Ceremony for their collaborative efforts in promoting the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activities and obesity prevention.
Addressing the recognition ceremony, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said, “The DH launched the ‘I’m So Smart’ Community Health Promotion Programme in 2012 to promote the messages of a healthy diet, regular physical activity and obesity prevention through cross-sectoral collaboration so that they become rooted in the hearts of the general public for practice in their daily life. We are grateful for the staunch support from the community. In 2024-2025, the number of participating organisations reached a record high of 124, with nearly 60,000 participants joining different health promotion activities across the territory gaining insights of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
Question:
The 2017 Policy Address proposed to explore the introduction of automated cleaning machines or technology for trial use at suitable venues or after large scale events. According to the Government’s paper submitted to the Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Improvement of Environmental Hygiene and Cityscape of this Council in 2021, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has in recent years fully deployed technologies for mechanisation and automation of cleaning operations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the items of cleaning machinery or technology deployed by the FEHD in various districts of Hong Kong, and the average annual utilisation rates of such items, with breakdowns by each of the 18 districts across the territory; and
(2) whether the Government has regularly promoted and monitored the deployment of mechanised and automated technologies in cleaning operations by outsourced service contractors; if so, of the details; if not, how the Government will step up monitoring efforts?
Reply:
President,
In recent years, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has been actively introducing new technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of street cleansing and refuse collection services, enhance the occupational safety of frontline staff and strengthen enforcement effectiveness.
My reply to the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:
(1) The FEHD has widely adopted the following technologies and equipment in public cleansing services, including:
(i) Mini street washing vehicles equipped with high pressure hot water cleaners and pressure washer surface cleaners have been introduced in various districts, which can quickly remove dirt from pavements and come with the advantages of saving time and energy, being flexible, reducing disturbances to pedestrians, etc. Since early this year, 67 teams have been using mini street washing vehicles with pressure washer surface cleaners for street washing across the territory, and the locations covered by these vehicles have increased to about 3 600, including those with stubborn dirt or moss, with a view to bringing substantial enhancement to the cleanliness of such locations;
(ii) Litter sweeping plays an important role in street cleansing. The FEHD has widely deployed 11 teams of new mechanical street sweepers in various districts to sweep roads, footbridges and central dividers. It has also provided 118 low-entry driver cab type refuse collection vehicles to enable drivers and cleaning workers in collecting and transporting refuse;
(iii) To improve the refuse collection facilities in rural or remote sites and for better environmental hygiene, the FEHD is implementing a scheme to improve waste collection facilities, under which 287 solar-powered aluminium refuse collection points as well as 51 solar-powered compacting refuse bins and solar-powered refuse compactors have been set up in rural sites. These facilities feature a solar sensor or a foot pedal for touchless control of the inlet openings, and are more convenient and hygienic to use. Their enclosed design can also reduce odour emission and prevent pest infestation. Some of these collection facilities are equipped with a compacting function which will compact refuse to increase storage capacity when the refuse yield reaches a certain level, thereby reducing the need for provision of more refuse containers or more frequent refuse collection; and
(iv) The FEHD also utilises technologies to monitor the cleanliness condition in order to step up the combat against illegal deposit of refuse. Currently, Internet Protocol (IP) cameras have been installed at over 500 illegal refuse deposit blackspots in various districts. The footage captured will be analysed by artificial intelligence to identify the acts of illegal deposit of refuse so that the Department can plan more effective enforcement actions, and institute prosecutions directly. Recently, IP cameras have been installed on traffic roads at over 30 suitable locations in various districts to combat littering from vehicles by irresponsible drivers or passengers. The footage captured will be used for prosecution. In 17 remote coastal sites, 360-degree cameras are used to remotely monitor their cleanliness for timely removal of refuse.
Given the extensive use of the above technologies and equipment in the discharge of regular duties, the FEHD does not keep any specific statistics on their utilisation rates. The summary of the utilisation of the equipment is set out in Annex.
The FEHD has made continuous effort in examining and testing out new technologies not only for greater work efficiency, but also for enhanced protection of the safety of frontline staff, who will have a reduced chance of sustaining work-related strains and injuries. For example:
(i) The FEHD is working with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) on the application of automated sweeping robots, which will be used for street cleansing so as to reduce the physical exertion of cleansing staff. The robots have been tested in the Hong Kong Science Park, and will undergo the second phase of testing on suitable pavements in due course;
(ii) Electrically assisted trolleys are introduced to ease the physical burden on frontline street cleansing staff. These trolleys, apart from being electrically assisted, are equipped with indicator lights, buffers, reflective stickers, etc, which help enhance safety and work efficiency; and
(iii) The FEHD is also bringing in the most advanced industrial grade robot dogs from the Mainland with a view to enhancing the efficiency in transportation of refuse and reducing the risk of injuries of cleansing workers caused by handling heavy objects. The Department will conduct tests on the refuse handling capacity of the robot dogs at specific locations, such as slopes, stairs and rugged areas. It will also explore ways to upgrade the ancillary facilities.
In addition, the FEHD plans to, in collaboration with the EMSD, commence a trial on hydrogen fuel cell street washing vehicles in Yuen Long District and North District in mid-May this year to promote the use of cleaner hydrogen energy, which will contribute to achieving the carbon neutrality target of Hong Kong.
After the trial use of new technologies, the FEHD will review their effectiveness and solicit views from different stakeholders for consideration of whether and how they should be put into wider use. It will also continue to identify technologies and equipment for improving street cleansing service and refuse collection work through various channels, such as drawing on the local, Mainland and overseas experiences.
(2) The FEHD encourages the contractors bidding for service contracts to put forward suggestions on innovative applied technologies. If any suggestion(s) is/are rated as effective and practical, extra scores will be given to the tender. If the contractor is awarded the contract, such suggestion(s) will become the contract terms that shall be implemented. Innovative applied technologies proposed by contractors in recent years include the use of on-board refuse bin cleaners, which can help reduce the need for manual washing and enhance efficiency. The FEHD will progressively extend their scope of application in view of the satisfactory results.
On the monitoring of contractors, the FEHD’s public cleansing service contracts will clearly set out the mechanical and automated cleaning equipment that shall be provided by contractors. The FEHD will monitor contractors’ performance (including whether applied technologies and equipment are provided as required in the contracts) through site inspections, surprise checks and examination of job records. In the event of any non-compliance with the contract requirements, the Department will take follow-up actions, which include the issue of warnings, default notices as well as deduction of monthly service charges. Contractors’ service performance records will also have a bearing on their eligibility or rating in future bidding for the FEHD’s outsourced service contracts.
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences revives two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu Manuscripts will inspire scholarly exploration and deeper engagement with India’s classical medical literature
Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi
In a significant stride toward preserving India’s rich legacy in traditional medicine, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has revived two rare and significant Ayurvedic manuscripts—Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu.
The publications are unveiled during an event organised by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai. The event was graced by Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi, who also delivered the keynote address highlighting the ‘Activities of CCRAS, Ministry of Ayush’, in research, digitisation, and revival of traditional Ayurvedic literature.
The manuscripts were critically edited and translated by renowned manuscriptologist and veteran Ayurveda expert, Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat of Mumbai. The release ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries, including Shri Ranjit Puranik, President, Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and Managing Director, Shri Dhootapeshwar Limited; Dr. Ravi More, Principal, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Sion; Dr. Shyam Nabar and Dr. Ashanand Sawant from Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal; and Dr. R. Govind Reddy, Assistant Director (Ayu), CARI, Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya emphasised the importance of such revivals in bridging India’s ancient wisdom with contemporary research frameworks. He said that “These texts are not just historical artefacts—they are living knowledge systems that can transform contemporary healthcare approaches when studied and applied thoughtfully”.
These critical editions are expected to serve as invaluable resources for students, researchers, academicians, and Ayurveda practitioners, further inspiring scholarly exploration and deeper engagement with India’s classical medical literature.
About the Manuscripts
Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu:
Authored by Mudgala Paṇḍita in 1480 AD, this previously unpublished lexicon consists of eighteen chapters offering in-depth knowledge on drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties. A widely referenced text in Maharashtra until the 19th century, it draws from classical Nighaṇṭus like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu while documenting numerous novel medicinal substances from plant, mineral, and animal origins. This critical edition, revived by Dr. S. D. Kamat, is a monumental contribution to Dravyaguna and allied Ayurvedic disciplines.
Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, this unique work serves as a standalone appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, focusing exclusively on homonyms of drug and plant names—a complex area of study vital to Ayurveda. Encompassing 182 verses and two colophon verses, the text has been meticulously edited and commented upon by Dr. Kamat, enhancing its utility for scholars of Rasashastra, Bhaishajya Kalpana, and classical Ayurvedic pharmacology.
Dr. Kamat, known for his authoritative work on Saraswati Nighaṇṭu, Bhāvaprakāsha Nighaṇṭu, and Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, once again brings his deep scholarship and commitment to preserving India’s Ayurvedic heritage.
Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu—an erudite supplement to Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, exploring Ayurvedic homonyms with precision
These critical editions are more than scholarly achievements; they are beacons for future Ayurvedic practitioners, researchers, and educators. By digitising, editing, and interpreting these works, CCRAS and its collaborators are not only safeguarding literary treasures but also enriching India’s traditional healthcare system with validated ancient insights.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from May 22 to 26 (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.Issued at HKT 15:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Paul Tse and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
Question:
Recently, I, together with representatives of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), have organised a community talk on “Wills and Reverse Mortgages” to promote early retirement planning and legal knowledge of estate inheritance among the public. During the session, many members of the public have expressed keen interest in the “Reverse Mortgage Programme” (RMP) of “housing-for-pension”, and the demand for reverse mortgages is particularly high among those who do not intend for their children or family members to inherit their owner-occupied property upon their death. In addition, many members of the public have further inquired why the Government does not allow them to use their Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions to purchase their first home, so that they can buy their own home during a property price downturn and use the property for a reverse mortgage in their old age, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and adequate retirement protection. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the expenditure and manpower allocated in each of the past three years to promote the “Retire 3” Programme operated by HKMC (i.e. the HKMC Annuity Plan, the RMP and the Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme) (set out by year and plan/programme); the results of the promotional efforts; whether performance indicators have been established for such promotional efforts;
(2) as there are views that reverse mortgages have not yet gained popularity in Hong Kong, whether the Government has studied the underlying reasons;
(3) whether it has studied if allowing members of the public to use MPF contributions for first home purchases, thereby enabling them to “reverse-mortgage their homes” upon retirement, can help develop the reverse mortgage market and alleviate the Government’s burden in meeting the housing needs of the elderly; if such studies have been conducted, of the findings; if not, whether the Government can commence such a study immediately; and
(4) some members of the public have reflected that the Government has repeatedly “backtracked” on the issue of using MPF contributions for first home purchases in the past (including the former Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury indicating in his reply to my question on November 29, 2017 that the issue would be studied, and the Chief Executive also stating prior to the delivery of this year’s Budget that the Government would study the issue), with none of the commitments having been implemented to date, and there are views pointing out that each instance of “backtracking” by the Government has left the public deeply disappointed, whether the authorities will, in the light of the potentially significant public demand for a housing-for-pension scheme coupling MPF first home purchases with reverse mortgages, listen carefully to public opinion and consider the home for retirement plan of “MPF first home purchases plus reverse mortgages”; if not, of the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In consultation with the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), the reply to the four parts of the question is as follows:
(1) One of the missions of the HKMC is to promote the development of the retirement planning market. To this end, the HKMC launched the brand of “HKMC Retire 3” in mid-2021 to promote the HKMC Annuity Plan, the Reverse Mortgage Programme (RMP) and the Policy Reverse Mortgage Programme (PRMP). With ongoing efforts in promotion and education, public receptiveness to the three products has been enhanced. The business performance of the three products over the past three years is tabled below:
2022
2023
2024
RMP
(Number of approved
applications)
938
797
1 033
PRMP
(Number of approved
applications)
41
44
55
HKMC Annuity Plan
(Number of policies)
3 254
2 205
10 835
The daily operations of the HKMC Annuity Plan, the RMP and the PRMP involve various areas of work, including customer service, promotion, underwriting, finance, actuarial analysis, and information systems. The HKMC and its relevant subsidiaries deploy manpower resources as appropriate according to actual needs to properly operate and promote the products. For instance, as the Hong Kong community returned to normalcy after the epidemic, the HKMC has resumed promoting the “HKMC Retire 3” substantially since 2023, with 76 and 133 promotional events held in 2023 and 2024 respectively, including seminars and information booths. There were about 15 staff members directly planning and organising the promotional events. The expenses for the promotional activities were absorbed by HKMC’s internal resources.
(2) The RMP has become increasingly popular since its launch in 2011. As of end-April 2025, a total of over 8 200 applications have been approved, with a year-on-year increase by around 30 per cent in the number of approved applications in 2024. As the RMP is by nature a loan arrangement, its demand depends on various factors, such as the personal needs of individual retired homeowners, the condition of the residential property and financial markets (including interest rate fluctuation), etc. The HKMC will continue its public education and promotion to help the elderly make proper financial arrangements for retirement.
(3) and (4) The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) system is set up to assist the public to save up for their retirement. Any proposals allowing early withdrawal of accrued benefits, including for the purpose of first-time home ownership, must take into consideration the corresponding reduction of scheme members’ accrued benefits meant for their retirement. The MPF is a long-term investment with compounding effect, designed to allow the MPF benefits to accumulate steadily and be kept in the accounts for value growth during the working life of scheme members. Therefore, accrued benefits should be preserved in the system as far as possible and should only be withdrawn upon retirement of the employed persons. If we were to relax the preservation requirement on accrued benefits and allow scheme members to make early withdrawal to meet home ownership needs, the accrued benefits would be leaked from the system and fail to accumulate for value growth, thereby undermining the integrity of the MPF system and rendering it difficult to achieve the purpose of assisting the working population to save for their retirement.
Therefore, we should carefully assess the implications of allowing scheme members to withdraw their the MPF accrued benefits early for the purposes of first-time home ownership and future application for reverse mortgage on their retirement savings. These considerations include: when comparing with other countries and regions, Hong Kong’s current MPF mandatory contribution rate is relatively low, and it may undermine the intended purpose of the MPF of providing basic retirement protection for employed persons if the preservation requirement on accrued benefits were relaxed; investments in real estate bear higher risks than those in the MPF funds, and purchasing properties with the MPF would diminish the MPF system’s benefits of investment risk diversification; the arrangements regarding whether the proceeds from the sale of a property of which the down payment for its purchase was paid for with the MPF funds should be reinvested in MPF, etc. The Government and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority will continually review the operation of the MPF system taking into account different factors, and welcome views regarding the MPF system reform from various sectors.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs earlier detected two cases of exporting smuggled cigarettes in Kwai Chung and, upon a follow-up investigation, dismantled an illicit cigarette packaging and storage centre in Yuen Long last night (May 6). A total of about 3.6 million suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $16 million and a duty potential of about $12 million were seized and two persons were arrested.
Customs earlier detected two cases of exporting smuggled cigarettes at a logistics centre in Kwai Chung. A total of about 1.9 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized in two batches of goods destined for Australia.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs took action last night and raided a metal warehouse in Tai Tong, Yuen Long, seizing about 1.7 million suspected illicit cigarettes and a batch of packaging tools. A 46-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman, who claimed to be a worker in a vehicle repair workshop and a retiree respectively, were arrested.
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate used a remote metal warehouse to collect and store illicit cigarettes. After repackaging, the illicit cigarettes were transported to the logistics centre concerned in Kwai Chung and were disguised as legitimate goods for exporting to Australia for profit.
Investigations of the cases are ongoing, and the two arrested persons were released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis, and step up enforcement actions to combat cross-boundary illicit cigarette activities. Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Doreen Kong and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (May 7):
Question:
There are views pointing out that although criminal offences of voyeurism and unlawful recording of intimate parts came into force in 2021, incidents involving clandestine recording of intimate parts of others in public places or private spaces still continue to occur from time to time following rapid technological development and widespread application of smart devices. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) since the offence of unlawful recording of intimate parts came into force, of the number of reports received by the Police regarding such an offence, and the number of cases in which prosecutions were instituted against the persons involved;
(2) given that it is learnt that mini recording devices currently available on the market are mainly sourced from Mainland e-commerce platforms, of the measures the Government has put in place to prevent members of the public from using recording devices purchased through such channels for the purpose of clandestine recording; and
(3) whether it will enhance the design of public places to prevent clandestine recording, and formulate building and design standards against clandestine recording, such as installing detection devices against clandestine recording (e.g. infrared scanners) in schools, shopping malls and other venues, as well as conducting improvement works to address design flaws in partition panels in certain restrooms and changing rooms?
Reply:
President,
The act of clandestine photography seriously invades the victims’ privacy and often inflicts incurable physical and mental harm on them. In 2021, the Security Bureau amended the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) to introduce four new offences to combat voyeurism-related acts: (1) the offence of voyeurism, which deals with the act of peeping or clandestine photography in circumstances that give rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy; (2) the offence of unlawful recording or observation of intimate parts; (3) the offence of publication of intimate images originating from commission of the above two offences; and (4) the offence of publication or threatened publication of intimate images without consent.
The four new offences carry a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment. The Government seeks to convey a clear message to the community that clandestine photography or malicious dissemination of intimate images will not be tolerated and that there are serious consequences for committing the relevant offences, thereby achieving a deterrent effect and protecting possible victims. Through high-profile law enforcement actions as well as publicity and education, the Police have been combatting voyeurism-related acts on all fronts to protect the privacy of the public.
The reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
(1) The statistics on cases received by the Police, and the relevant numbers of arrests, prosecutions and convictions since voyeurism-related offences since the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) came into effect in October 2021 are tabulated at Annex. In 2024, for the offence of voyeurism, the Police received 172 cases and arrested 107 persons; 59 persons were prosecuted. For the offence of unlawful recording or observation of intimate parts, the Police received 350 cases and arrested 252 persons; 193 persons were prosecuted.
(2) According to the Police’s statistics, in nearly 98 per cent of the offences of voyeurism and unlawful recording or observation of intimate parts in the past year, offenders used smartphones with camera functions that they carried with them to commit the crimes. Most of these cases occurred in places with high pedestrian flow, such as public transport, transport stations, and shopping malls. The offenders took the advantage of the crowdedness to follow the victims when boarding or alighting from the vehicles or when taking the escalators, and surreptitiously took photos with their smartphones, which were handy and not easily spotted.
There are of course still cases involving the use of other general photographic equipment, which can be purchased from various channels. Similar to smartphones, the intended purposes of most of these types of photographic equipment are proper and legitimate. For example, to provide better care for elderly living alone, many families install video cameras at home, so that family members can render timely assistance to the elderly persons when they need help. Therefore, we are of the view that regulation on photographic equipment or its purchasing channels may not be the most direct and effective way to combat such crime. The Government needs to strike a balance between combatting crime and protecting the rights of the public to reasonably use technology products.
(3) On using architectural designs that prevent clandestine photography, the Police will continue to strengthen collaboration with public transport operators, shopping malls, public housing estates, private residential buildings and property management agencies, encouraging them to take into consideration the prevention of voyeurism-related offences in their overall crime prevention plan. The Police will also advise and encourage different stakeholders to conduct on-site reviews to ensure the safety of their venues. The Police are ready to offer advice on access control, illumination, mirror installation, coverage of closed circuit televisions, etc. to minimise the risks of crime. If necessary, professional advice can be sought from the Crime Prevention Bureau of the Police.
On law enforcement, the Police have been stepping up efforts to combat voyeurism-related acts, particularly targeting high-risk places such as public transport, shopping malls and changing rooms. The Police have also been implementing anti-crime operations and intelligence-led operations to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement.
As for preventive measures, through ongoing collaboration with various stakeholders by way of publicity and education, the Police seek to heighten public vigilance and proactively disseminate messages on alertness against clandestine photography. Topics such as ways to identify suspected acts of clandestine photography and self-protection measures in different places (such as changing rooms and toilets) are covered. The Police also encourage citizens to come forward to report crimes.
The Police have also produced posters, videos and publicity stickers on prevention of voyeurism-related acts, and distributed them through channels such as schools, shopping malls, public transport and government venues. Besides, the Police regularly organise crime prevention seminars and community activities to brief the public on relevant legislation and ways of self-protection. To further boost the publicity effects, the Police have uploaded relevant information, including educational videos and publicity posters, on the offence of voyeurism and prevention of clandestine photography on the website SafeCity.HK for public access and downloading.
The Police call on members of the public to heighten their vigilance. In case suspected acts of clandestine photography are identified, they should not hesitate to report the crime and provide evidence to assist in the Police investigation. We will continue to combat voyeurism-related acts on all fronts through high-profile law enforcement actions, publicity and education to protect the privacy of the public.