Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ7: Draining pipe testing with dye powder Question:
It has been reported that on February 15 this year, the water of Tuen Mun River turned red extensively, causing panic among members of the public. The Government’s initial investigation revealed that there was draining pipe testing with red dye powder. Upon arrival of the Government’s investigating officers at the scene, they found that the river water had resumed normal and no fish deaths were found. They collected water samples on the same day for testing and found that the water quality indicators remained normal as well. However, it is learnt that similar incidents also occurred on Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Shing Mun River in Tai Wai in August 2023 and November 2022 respectively, which have aroused widespread concern in the community. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of the aforesaid similar incidents in the past five years, as well as the government department(s) involved in the investigation of each incident, the average manpower involved, the time taken for the investigations and the public expenditure involved;
(2) as there are views that although the test results have indicated that the aforesaid incident has not caused impact on the environment, water quality and fish for the time being, the incident has still caused panic among members of the public, whether the Government will take further actions to follow up the incident, so as to enhance protection for the public; and
(3) whether the Government has formulated detailed guidelines on draining pipe testing with dye powder at present; if so, of the details, including whether non-compliance with the relevant guidelines will constitute any offence or attract penalty; if not, whether it will consider formulating the guidelines and enhancing the relevant notification mechanism, so as to avoid causing misunderstanding or panic among members of the public in the event of an incident?
Reply:
President,
The reply to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho is as follows:
(1) and (2) In the past five years, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a total of 21 cases of inquiries related to dye test. Upon receiving relevant complaints, the EPD will promptly dispatch personnel to conduct investigation on site, including measuring the dissolved oxygen content and pH level in the water, as well as collecting water samples for further testing to determine the cause of water coloration and whether pollution has occurred. The EPD will also check in the vicinity of the site concerned for any fish deaths or other unusual circumstances, and trace the source of pollution along the stormwater drains. Depending on individual circumstances, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) may also assist in the tracing investigation. If illegal discharges of wastewater are found, the EPD will take appropriate enforcement actions in accordance with the law. The investigation of water coloration incidents is part of the EPD’s integrated enforcement efforts and the duration of investigation may also vary depending on the location and scope of individual case. Therefore, there is no breakdown of the expenditure involved.
To foster protection to the general public, the EPD will respond to inquiries from complainants and the media as soon as there are preliminary results of the investigation, in order to enhance information transparency and alleviate public concerns. Depending on individual circumstances, the EPD may also return to the site the day after collecting water samples to inspect whether there have been any changes and to further follow-up as required.
(3) Conducting dye tests is an effective method to check the sewer systems for misconnections to stormwater drains or leakage. When the EPD personnel conduct tests to examine sewer misconnection issues, they will use the minimum amount of dye possible to reduce the impact on nearby rivers and bays.
For the trades and private buildings, as well as housing estates, the EPD, the Buildings Department (BD), and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) have developed relevant guidelines for dye tests for pipe testing respectively (which can be downloaded from the websites of the EPD, the BD and the FEHD). Through promotion and education, we also remind the trades, including property management companies and building contractors, about the precautions and pollution prevention measures associated with dye tests. These include strictly adhering to the recommendations of the dye manufacturers during testing, arranging for personnel supervision, and notifying the property management company of the testing site and nearby residents in advance to avoid giving rise to public concerns. The above guidelines are administrative measures. However, we must emphasise that the dye used is a biodegradable and non-toxic substance, and does not affect water quality. In this regard, conducting dye test does not violate the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 358).
Regarding the notification mechanism, we understand that dye test may lead to public misunderstanding. Therefore, the DSD will issue notifications on its website before conducting regular dye tests to inform the public about the arrangements for these dye tests. The purpose of these regular tests is to ensure the integrity of the submarine outfalls of sewage treatment plants. Since conducting dye tests on submarine outfalls requires a larger amount of dye and involves a wider area, it is more likely to attract public attention.
Based on the complaint and specific circumstances of the case, the EPD occasionally needs to use dye tests to check on sewage misconnection issues or carry out enforcement actions. Yet these circumstances would involve a smaller amount of dye used and a smaller impact area which in general would not cause any impact. Issued at HKT 11:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ8: Public bicycle parking spaces
YearThe joint operations and enforcement actions are conducted by relevant departments in accordance with established procedures and empowered by relevant legislations. More specifically, the TD and the HKPF will issue and post notices respectively regarding the temporary suspension of the relevant bicycle parking spaces at least 14 days prior to the joint operation. Since such areas are no longer designated public bicycle parking space during the suspension period, any bicycle parked there may be regarded as unauthorised occupation of government land. On the effective day of suspension (generally two days before the joint operation), the HKPF will cover the bicycle parking signage and close off the area. The relevant District Lands Office will post statutory notice on each bicycle still present within the operation area under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28) and post notices at appropriate places, requiring the persons concerned to remove the bicycles by a specific date (i.e. the day of operation); otherwise the bicycles will be removed. On the day of joint operation, the FEHD will assist in removing the remaining bicycles parked in the area with notices posted, and hand them over to the local District Lands Office for taking over and disposal; the persons concerned cannot get back the bicycles. The bicycle parking spaces will be re-opened for public use after the operation.
The expenditures of joint operations are absorbed by the overall resources of the respective departments, and have not been separately identified.Issued at HKT 11:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hongkong Post to issue “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Paper Crafting Technique” special stamps Inscribed onto the first Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong in 2017, the paper crafting technique is a folk art with a long history. Utilising materials such as bamboo, bamboo splints, iron wires, rice paper strips and fabric, paper craft masters create a variety of products through four major steps, namely frame creation, paper mounting, painting decorative patterns and decorating. These paper craft products are used for folk festivals, as decorations, or as offerings in religious ceremonies.
To promote this intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, Hongkong Post will issue a set of four stamps, two stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Intangible Cultural Heritage – Paper Crafting Technique” to enhance public knowledge of this traditional craftsmanship.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ16: Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator Programme According to the information of the Customs and Excise Department, since the launch of the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator Programme, about 90 enterprises have become Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), and their goods transported to the 16 economies with which Hong Kong has entered into AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) can enjoy customs facilitation arrangements, which is instrumental in facilitating seamless cross-boundary movement of goods. However, there are views that the current rate of enterprise participation in the Programme and the coverage of the Programme are not extensive enough. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the volume and value of imported and exported goods involving Hong Kong AEOs in the past three years, as well as their respective percentages in the total volume and value of such goods;
(2) as there are views that in order to enhance the efficiency of the import and export of local and Mainland goods, Hong Kong must further extend the coverage of the MRA network, of the progress of the authorities’ entering into MRA agreements with more economies; and
(3) as there are views that apart from enabling enterprises to enjoy speedy customs arrangements, being accredited as the AEOs also helps enhance the management standards of enterprises, and the Mainland has even set up training bases to encourage more enterprises to become the AEOs, of the measures put in place by the Government to encourage more local enterprises to become the AEOs?
Reply:
President,
Having consulted the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), the reply to the question raised by the Hon Frankie Yick is as follows:
The volume and value of imported and exported goods involving Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) in the past three years, along with their respective percentages in the total volume and value of imported and exported goods, are shown below:
Year
Year At present, Hong Kong has ratified AEO mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) with 16 economies, ranking fourth globally in terms of the number of MRAs after Mainland China, Korea and the United States. The C&ED has been proactively expanding the global network of AEO MRAs with good progress made in recent years. It has signed action plans for AEO MRAs with eight economies including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Laos, Peru and Chile, marking a significant step towards the conclusion of the MRAs by both sides. The C&ED is now actively engaged in discussions and follow-up work with the customs administrations of these economies regarding the MRAs.
Looking ahead, the C&ED will continue its efforts to expand the MRA network by actively liaising with Hong Kong’s major trading partners and dovetailing with the national development strategy on the Belt and Road Initiative. Priority will be given to discussing the MRAs with Belt and Road economies, including member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and economies in the South American and African regions, with a view to benefitting more enterprises.
To encourage local enterprises to become Hong Kong AEOs, the C&ED has continuously collaborated with the industry, major chambers of commerce and relevant partners to organise different types of publicity and promotional events, including briefing sessions and exhibition booths, to enhance enterprises’ understanding of the Hong Kong AEO Programme. Last year, the C&ED set up exhibition booths and hosted thematic seminars at major events, such as the Belt and Road Summit jointly organised by the Belt and Road Office and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), as well as the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the HKTDC, with a view to fostering exchanges with different fields and industries. In addition, the C&ED has been disseminating the latest information on the developments of local and global AEO programmes through its website and social media channels, so as to extend the reach of its publicity and promotional efforts as well as strengthen communication and engagement with stakeholders.
To further enhance the appeal of the Hong Kong AEO Programme, the C&ED has been actively seeking co-operation with various organisations to offer more benefits to the AEOs. For instance, the C&ED collaborates with the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation to provide Hong Kong AEOs with free buyers’ credit checks to help them cope with market risks. In addition, the C&ED signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhancing AEO Co-operation in the Greater Bay Area among Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Customs under the AEO MRAs with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and the Macao Customs Service in 2023. Through such initiatives as the mutual referral mechanism on AEO applications, enhanced joint publicity and staff training, the MoU deepens the co-operation among the three customs administrations and supports enterprises of the three places to seize development opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Issued at HKT 11:05
Following an announcement yesterday on the suspension of the disbursement of funds from the third million Tala, Cabinet met this afternoon to consider this matter.
Funds for the third million Tala were appropriated and approved by Parliament in June last year for disbursement within this current financial year. We are aware that a few constituencies have received the full allocation of their third million Tala, following satisfaction of financial requirements for the project. Other constituencies have received their first payment installment and are waiting for the second and final installment. However, other constituencies have not yet received a payment from the third million Tala.
The deadline set for disbursement of funds from the million Tala project is the 30th of June 2025. District Offices are urged to comply with requirements and conditions for the release of these funds, so they can receive payments before the 30th of June.
There shall be no further disbursement of funds from the million Tala project, after the 30th of June.
The Honourable Prime Minister is away this week on duty travel.
Cabinet continues to work closely with Ministries and Corporations to ensure the machinery of government continues to deliver its regulatory functions and service delivery for our people.
The Electoral Commissioner and his Office continue to conduct voters registration to date. It is important for all eligible voters to register within the prescribed timeframes as the country heads into election in August this year.
God bless Samoa, Soifua.
SAUNOAGA A LE AFIOGA I LE SUI PALEMIA – TUALA TEVAGA IOSEFO PONIFASIO MATAUPU MAI LE KAPENETA (Aso Lua, 10 Iuni 2025)
O lea ua lalafo i atutia ma si’ufanua, malama na ta’i ao i faiva ma faatufugaga o lenei aso. Ua mapu foi le fetu o le tapuitea i lona itulagi, ma ua lōgona taifa’ilagi i le fofotu mai o le taulaumea, le aso ua mapu i lona to’o.
Le Atua e, o Oe na e muāau ma tūtaumua i si o matou atunu’u i galuega o lenei aso. Faafetai alofa, malo pule agalelei. Faafetai, auā e lē o mavae ou fofoga matagofie i si o matou atunuu ma ou tagata.
Ou te faatulou atu i le afio o lau afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malo ma lau Masiofo;
Afifio Sui o le Fono a Sui Tofia;
Le paia o le Tafatolu o le Faigamalo a Samoa
Sui o Malo mai Fafo;
Faauluuluga o Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga Tumaoti a le Malo, Vaega Maoti ma Pisinisi i le atunuu;
Le paia i le aufaigaluega totofi a le Atua i Samoa nei ma atunuu e mamao;
Le paia o Samoa i ona tulaga faalupe mai Saua seia paia Fili ma Puletu’u;
Ou te faapai atu ma le agaga faaaloalo
O loo faaauau galuega a le Malo Tausi i le maea ai o le faataapeina o le Palemene i le Aso Lua, 3 Iuni 2025. O galuega o loo faaauau o loo galulue soosootauau ai le Malo Tausi ma Faauluuluga o Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga a le Malo, e faapea foi ma Ofisa Faafaavae. I le agaga maualuga, ina ia faaauau pea le tuuina atu o auaunaga a le Malo mo si o tatou atunuu.
E manatu ua faafofoga le paia o le atunuu i se faasalalauga na tuuina atu e se itutino o le Malo i le aso ananafi, e uiga i le taofia ai o le faamatuuina atu o le miliona tala lona tolu i Ofisa o Fnofaavae o Itumalo uma.
O le feiloaiga i le asō a le Kapeneta, sa laolao ai lenei mataupu, ma faaiugafonoina ai le faaauauina pea, o le faamatuuina atu o vaegatupe o le miliona tala lona tolu, e pei ona muai pasia ai e le Palemene mo le tausaga faaletupe o loo faagasolo nei. O aiaiga ma tuutuuga o le faamatuuina atu o nei vaegatupe, o loo malu, ma e galulue faatasi ai le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai, ma le Matagaluega o Tupe, atoa ai ma le Pule ma Su’etusi Sili.
Peitai o le a faamuta le faamatuuina atu o vaegatupe o le miliona Tala lona tolu i le aso 30 Iuni 2025. O lona uiga e taua tele mo Fono Faavae a Itumalo ona taunapa i le faamalieina o aiaiga ma tuutuuga, o le faamatuuina atu o nei vaegatupe e pei ona sau a’i i le miliona Tala muamua ma le lua.
O loo toesea le afioga i le Palemia i lenei vaiaso ona o fonotaga faalemalo i atunuu i fafo.
A o loo mapo pea le tuuina atu o auaunaga a le Malo Tausi i si o tatou atunuu. E faapea foi i le galulue faatasi o itutino uma o le Malo e tauala atu i Faauluuluga ma le aufaigaluega galulue i so’o se matātā auā le tautuaina o Samoa.
O loo solosolo lelei le galuega a le afioga i le Komesina ma le Ofisa o Faigapalota, i le faatinoina o lesitala mo le atunuu. Ma ua vaaia le taupati mai o le paia o le atunuu mo a latou lesitala. Faafetai tele i le atunuu le onosai, ma le vilivilita’i ina ia faamaea le lesitalaina mo le faiga palota a le atunuu i le masina o Aokuso.
E lē mavae le agalelei o le Atua i le aumaia pea o lona filemu, ma lona alofa e lautua ai so’o se faiva ma so’o se auaunaga mo le atunuu. Ma e taunapa pea le Malo Tausi i le tausisia o Tulafono ma Faiga Faavae, o loo faafoe ai ana galuega a o tapena atu le atunuu mo ana faiga filifiliga.
Ia manuia tele le faasausauga a le atunuu i lenei afiafi. Ia tumau pea le alofa tunoa ma le filemu o le Atua, na te apepeleina ai si o tatou atunuu.
Soifua ma ia Manuia.
Ata Pu’eina: Jasmine Netzler – Iose [Government of Samoa]
Keynote Remarks: Hon. Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour
Representatives from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, Representatives of the Media,
Talofa Lava,
It is an honor and a privilege to welcome our members from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) to witness the continuous commitment of our Government to Private Sector Development through the annual disbursement of the SAME Export Awards Grant.
The main purpose of this grant and export awards initiative is to recognise the achievements and contributions of the manufacturing and export sector in Samoa’s economy, driving economic growth, employment creation, and international trade. In recent years, this special program was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the establishment of SAME’s Buy Samoa Made initiative in the past fiscal year 2023/24.
However, the Export Awards remain an important initiative for the acknowledgement of local manufacturers and exporters. Therefore, the continuation of this initiative is a testament of the Government’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the development of the Manufacturing and Export Sector as reflected in its National Industry Development Policy & Strategy 2024/25 – 2034/35, and also aligned to the Key Priority Areas 8, 9 and 10 of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.
We hope that this Grant will encourage manufacturers and exporters to strive for excellence, and reach new heights for Samoa in terms of productivity, trade and competitiveness in the global market. Your hard work and significant contribution to the development of Samoa’s economy
does not go unnoticed. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deep appreciation to all our local manufacturers and exporters for all that you have done and continue to do for Samoa.
I would also like to express my utmost gratitude to SAME for their continued support and dedication in strengthening the manufacturing and export sectors as vital engines of Samoa’s economic prosperity.
Your devotion is seen through your endeavours to develop robust networks for members, advocacy work, as well as your efforts in facilitating this award. Without your collaboration and partnership, this initiative would not be possible.
It is through such meaningful alliances that the Government is able to drive progress, empower local industries, and create lasting opportunities for our people. So let us continue to foster strong partnerships, celebrate excellence, and work together toward a thriving and resilient future for Samoa.
Fa’afetai tele lava, and may we all be inspired to keep striving for excellence, and wishing our SAME all the best with preparations for the Exports Awards
SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!
FESOASOANI MO LE FAALAPOTOPOTOGA A PISINISI GAOSI OLOA MA OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO MO LE POLOKALAME O FAAILOGA MO OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO (EXPORT AWARDS) 2025
SAUNOAGA AUTU: Afioga Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minisita o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa – 6 Iuni 2025
Sui Peresitene – Faalapotopotoga a Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo Sui o Ofisa Faasalalau,
Talofa Lava,
Ua tatou potopoto mai i lenei aso, tatou te molimauina le fesoasoani faaauau a le tatou Malo mo Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i fafo e tauala atu i le Polokalame Faailogaina mo Oloa auina atu i Fafo a le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo (SAME Export Awards).
O le sini autu o lenei polokalame ina ia amanaia aloaia ma faailogaina le sao taua o Vaega ma Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo i le tamaoaiga o Samoa, e ala atu i se fesoasoani tau tupe mai i le tatou Malo mo le tatou fa’alapotopotoga nei .
O lenei fesoasoani e le i mafai ona faataunuuina i tausaga ua mavae ona o le faamai o le Koviti19, fa’apea tapenaga o le Polokalame a le SAME ua taua o le ‘Faatau Oloa Samoa’ mo le tausaga faaletupe ua mavae, 2023/24.
O le naunautaiga a le Malo ina ia faamalosi’au ma lagolago le atina’eina o Pisinisi Maoti tau Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo ina ia ausia ni isi tulaga maualuga ma lelei mo Samoa e ala lea i le fa’aauau pea o lenei Fesoasoani.
E o gatasi lenei fesoasoani ma le Faiga Faavae mo le Atina’eina o Alamanuia i Samoa 2024/25-2033/34 o lo o fa’atautaia e le Matagaluega, ma o lo o feso’ota’i uma i lalo o Vaega Fa’amuamua 8, 9 ma le 10 o le Ta’iala mo le Lumana’i Manuia o Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.
A o le’i fa’ai’u se fa’amatalaga, e momoli atu le faamalō ma le faafetai i a tatou Pisinisi gaosi oloa ma pisinisi o loo auina atu i fafo a latou oloa mo lo outou sao tāua i le atina’eina o le Vaega Maoti faapea
foi le tamāoā’iga o Samoa, e ala i le faatupulaia ai pea o avanoa mo le fa’afaigaluegaina o tatou tagata, le faatupulaia o a tatou fefaatauaiga ma isi atunuu o le lalolagi ma le manuia lautele o si o tatou atunuu.
E le tau fesiligia le tele o lo outou tautigā ma lo outou sao mo Samoa, o lea e momoli atu ai le agaga faafetai tele mo a outou taumafaiga mo se lumanai manuia o lo tatou atunuu.
E momoli atu foi le faafetai tele i le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo.
O lo outou ta’imua i le lagolagoina ma le una’ia o Pisinisi taitasi Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo mo le atina’eina o Samoa, o lo o molimauina i a outou taumafaiga ma galuega fa’afaufautua, faatasi ai ma le fa’afoeina o le polokalame mo le amanaia o nei Pisinisi e tauala atu i lalo o lenei Fesoasoani.
O la outou lagolagosua ma le faigapa’aga ua mafai ai ona fa’ataunu’uina lenei fa’amoemoe.
E talitonu o le a fa’aauau pea le tatou faiga faapa’aga ma tatou galulue soosoo tauau mo le agai i luma o le atina’eina o le tamaoaiga ma se lumanai manuia o Samoa ma ona tagata lautele.
[PRESS RELEASE] – As it continues to improve services at its domestic ports in Mulifanua and Salelologa, for the convenience and accessibility of the general public, the Samoa Ports Authority completes the construction of the new Public Restroom Facilities at Mulifanua, while other developments continue.
The new public restroom facilities are now open for public use since Friday, 9th May 2025, replacing the old restrooms. The new restroom facilities have nine (9) toilets on each side for females and males, and are accessible from the left corner of the main building.
The Security Hut at the gate is now fully operational monitoring the vehicles entering and exiting the Mulifanua wharf at all times for safety and security reasons.
The Authority also provides Free Wifi services at the departure terminals in Mulifanua and Salelologa for the travelling public easy access and better communication at all times.
The other developments at Mulifanua that are still in progress to be completed soon, include;
1. Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles under the EV Project facilitated by the United Nation and funded by the Government of Japan;
2. Sheltered / secured Parking Lot for vehicles at $10 fee a night;
3. Re-fencing of the whole compound
Apart from these developments for the general public, the Authority also provides opportunities for our business community, to promote their services, through advertising at the domestic ports.
“We are currently contracting out, advertising services at Mulifanua and Salelologa for our business community as well as our Government Ministries and Corporations.” said the General Manager, So’oalo Falelima Kuresa So’oalo.
Interested advertisers may contact our contractor – EMD Samoa or contact our Office for further information.
[Government Press Secretary]- Fui Mau Tupai Simanu will remain as Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure (MWTI) for the next three years.
A Master in Engineering Management from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Fui’s re-appointment was sealed by Cabinet this week.
Fui is a dedicated public servant having worked in Government for more than 30 years.
He started as a senior lecturer at the former Samoa Polytechnic and continued to serve his country later on in his public service career as Chief Engineer with the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) for over 10 years.
The Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) Office of the Health Bureau today reminded the public to stay vigilant against fraudulent VHIS advertisements to safeguard their personal interests.
The VHIS Office has recently noticed that some advertisements were placed on social media under the pretext of promoting VHIS products, inducing the public to click on embedded hyperlinks to fraudulent websites.
It emphasised that it does not request members of the public to click on hyperlinks through advertisements, emails, text messages, or any other means, nor does it collect any personally identifiable information on its website.
Members of the public should avoid clicking on suspicious advertisements, and refrain from providing personal particulars to any unverified websites.
The office has already contacted Police and relevant social media platforms for follow-up.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government welcomes passage of Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 The series of measures includes: (i) introducing new offences of serious tenancy abuse of public rental housing (PRH) flats; (ii) empowering authorised officers to demand personal details from suspects; and (iii) extending the limitation of time for prosecution of offences of false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations. Meanwhile, the Amendment Ordinance also empowers the Director of Housing to specify the forms for fixed penalty notice and demand notice to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) in combating unauthorised use of roads within housing estates.
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, ”Public housing is a precious social resource that must be allocated to those in genuine need and utilised in a reasonable manner. The series of measures to be implemented under the Amendment Ordinance reflects the Government’s determination to combat abuse of PRH flats. The HA will continue to enhance its policies to ensure that public housing resources are focused on helping those in greatest need.”
The legislation as passed will be gazetted on June 20. The amendment empowering the Director of Housing to specify the forms of notices will come into operation upon gazettal. The other three new measures will take effect from March 31, 2026, onwards.
The HA will step up publicity efforts to ensure that PRH tenants and members of the public understand the contents of the new package of measures in combating PRH abuse. Issued at HKT 19:36