Month: July 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post announced today (July 30) that, as advised by the postal administration of Thailand, due to flooding in the northern region, in addition to postcode areas 31180, 32140, 32150, 32210, 32230, 33110, 33140, 33150, 34260 and 34280 that were previously affected by the circumstances in the region, mail delivery services to postcode areas 55xxx and 57xxx are also subject to delay.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

     Certain perspectives highlight that in view of the changes in people’s lifestyle habits and consumption patterns after the epidemic, the Government should focus its efforts on reviving the economy and attracting consumer traffic again to stimulate local consumption. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will consider, by following the Mainland’s “Plan for Subsidies for the Purchase of New Products”, launching a “Hong Kong Subsidy Plan”, i.e. individual consumers will be given a one-‍off subsidy for purchasing electronic products such as mobile phones and tablets, as well as household electrical appliances such as televisions and air-‍conditioners, and drawing up specific conditions of use under the plan (e.g. confining the use of such subsidies to local physical stores); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether it will consider supporting cinemas to offer movie ticket promotion for film shows on weekend evenings, so as to attract night-‍time consumption by young consumers, thereby driving the development of the relevant industries such as retail, catering and even transport services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) of the specific measures in place to revive the local night economy, so as to attract members of the public to stay and spend in Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has been working closely with various sectors of the community to strive for economic growth and development, actively seizing national and international opportunities to drive the economy forward. The gross domestic product has grown for 10 consecutive quarters, and its growth forecast for 2025 as a whole is maintained at two per cent to three per cent. The Government will continue to closely monitor the economic situation, and implement measures to duly assist the business community, and at the same time, encourages the retail sector to actively explore new avenues, bring forth new and innovative ideas to create new experiences for consumers, with a view to developing more business opportunities and growth areas.

     The data of the Census and Statistics Department show that the value of total retail sales in May 2025 was $31.3 billion, representing an increase of 2.4 per cent as compared with the same period last year. This marks the end of a 14-month consecutive decline, showing that the retail sector is beginning to return to a growth trajectory alongside the recovery of the overall economy. The Government is actively promoting tourism and mega events. In the first half of this year, the number of visitor arrivals was about 24 million, representing a 12 per cent year-on-year increase. The number of visitor arrivals for the whole year is expected to reach 49 million, and together with the increase in employment earnings and sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy, it will help further bolster consumption sentiment and support the consumption market.

     Having consulted the Financial Secretary’s Private Office, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:

(1) In assessing whether to implement one-off subsidy initiatives involving substantial public funds, the Government must adhere to the principle of prudent financial management and conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This includes considering the social and economic situation, the Government’s fiscal situation, and the long-term sustainability of the policy measures to ensure the proper use of public resources and safeguard the overall interests of Hong Kong. At the same time, the Government will continue to take multi-pronged measures to stimulate the overall economy, with a focus on implementing long-term economic policies and other initiatives. These include transformation of the innovation and technology industry and promotion of the stable and healthy development of the assets market, etc., thereby strengthening economic growth momentum, enabling the sustained increase in incomes, and in turn boosting market consumption.

(2) Both the Cinema Day and the 1st October Movie Fiesta have received very positive feedbacks from the public and the film industry, as these initiatives of offering concessionary ticket prices provided additional incentive of watching films at cinemas and boosted consumption in surrounding shops. The Government will continue to fund projects and activities that build local audience, so as to cultivate the habit of cinema-going and support the steady development of Hong Kong films and cinema industries.

(3) The Government launched the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign in mid-September 2023, where it joined hands with different sectors of the community to organise a wealth of attractive night-time events with local characteristics to showcase to the public and tourists the vibrancy and charm of nightlife in Hong Kong. The “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign was positively received by the community, with various activities of the campaign creating a dynamic vibe in Hong Kong.

     Subsequently, a series of activities of the “Day x Night Vibes @ 18 Districts” was launched in January 2024 by the 18 District Offices of the Home Affairs Department, in collaboration with the Working Group on Boosting Local Economy set up by the District Councils, with an aim to provide the public with a wide range of cultural and leisure events to showcase local diversity or traditional cultural connotations in various districts, so as to create a buoyant mood in the community. The activities have been well-received by the public, and the feedback received from stall operators has been predominantly positive, indicating high patronage and the activities’ effectiveness in promoting their businesses.

     In addition, the Government and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, in collaboration with the convention and exhibition industry and relevant organisations, will continue to encourage the organisation of international meetings, travels, conventions and exhibitions events of different scales and types in Hong Kong, so as to help attract more high value-added overnight visitors to come to Hong Kong, thereby driving the retail market forward. For example, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association organises the third edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival from July to August this year to provide special offers such as shopping discounts and free gifts to the public and visitors through cross-sector co-operation, so as to attract more new clientele, with a view to injecting new momentum into the retail sector.

     The Government will continue to actively plan and organise various large-scale events to attract visitors to Hong Kong, and at the same time, promote local consumption by the local public and visitors, so as to bolster consumption sentiment in the community, thereby driving the overall economy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):
 
Question:
 
     It is learnt that the application of innovative technologies is increasingly common in the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) of the Government, and various disciplined services are already equipped with different types of drones as well as mounted instrument systems to enhance work efficiency. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the current number of drones procured by each LEA and the costs involved; the number of operations executed by such drones and their scope of work in the current year, and whether various LEAs have formulated mechanisms to protect personal privacy in respect of the application of drones;
 
(2) whether it will study enhancing the application of drones in law enforcement, as well as expanding their inspection coverage and regularising their patrol arrangements, so as to combat crimes such as fly-tipping activities and burglaries in rural areas; and
 
(3) as it has been reported that the use of automated drones has been introduced under the Pilot Scheme for Operational Deployment of Drones of the Police to carry out border patrol work, but there are views that under poor lighting conditions at night, it is difficult for the pilots and observers operating the drones to effectively identify suspicious persons, whether the Police have plans to make use of advanced apparatus or artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the capability of drones to identify suspicious persons, so as to further enhance patrol efficiency?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Security Bureau has been actively encouraging and supporting the application of various innovative technologies in its disciplined services and auxiliary services to enhance service efficiency and quality. In particular, drone technology is gaining popularity and has become a major tool used worldwide in the areas of law enforcement and emergency response. The disciplined services and auxiliary services are using drone technology as appropriate through adopting different strategies and assessing the situation according to actual operational needs, in order to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
 
     The reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
 
(1)  The disciplined services and auxiliary services are, having regard to various operational needs, equipped with drones of different sizes and related instrument systems to enhance operational efficiency, thereby better utilising manpower resources. The number of drones purchased, the relevant expenditure and the number of tasks performed by drones in respective disciplined services and auxiliary services as of June 30, 2025 are set out in the Annex.
 
     As regards the scope of tasks, the use of drone technology is increasingly common in the disciplined services/auxiliary services. Examples include:
 
1. Crime detection and investigation: Drones are used in operations conducted by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and the Immigration Department (ImmD). Equipped with high-resolution cameras for video recording at crime scenes, especially in the countryside and at the sea where access by persons are relatively difficult, the drones are capable of assisting in investigation and evidence collection;
 
2. Beat patrolling and crime prevention: The HKPF officially launched the Pilot Scheme for “Operational Deployment of Drones” in May this year. Drones are used to perform patrols in the Border District and Kowloon West Region. In the Border District, the HKPF deployed an automated drone docking system which utilises smart planning of flight paths to enable automatic patrol operations. With drones conducting patrols within pre-defined zones, efficiency of border patrol is enhanced and police deployment has become more flexible. As for Kowloon West Region, through flexible deployment of drones for high-altitude patrols, the patrol coverage is expanded and operational efficiency is enhanced. It also boosts rapid response capabilities and optimises resource allocation of the Police;
 
     Since the launch of the Pilot Scheme in May, the use of drones has assisted the Police in detecting four cases so far, with three persons arrested. The HKPF will review the implementation progress of the Pilot Scheme as well as its effectiveness. In parallel, the HKPF will study the enhancement of the Pilot Scheme and will further expand its coverage to Cheung Chau Division and the Central District, which is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year;
 
3. Maintaining of public safety and public order; management of crowds and traffic: Drones are used by the HKPF to monitor crowd and traffic flow in large‑scale events. Through real-time images, potential safety hazards are promptly identified. The HKPF introduced a drone system capable of hovering at designated locations for an extended period of time for illumination and broadcasting, sending safety reminders to members of the public;
 
4. Rescue operations: The HKPF, the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Civil Aid Service use drones to surmount harsh conditions and quickly reach scenes like cliffs and mountains to assist in the search for missing persons. Throughout the rescue process, drones can conduct surveillance to ensure safety at the site. In addition, in major and special incidents where the scenes are complicated, drones can take high-definition photographs of collapsed and deformed debris for the production of three-dimensional models, thereby facilitating the assessment and planning of rescue operations by ground rescue personnel. If necessary, the airdrop system installed at the drones can be used to drop necessities to stranded persons;
 
5. Firefighting: The FSD uses drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to monitor temperature changes at the fire scene from multiple angles in the air. Based on such data, incident commanders can work out firefighting strategies and devise entry and evacuation routes to enhance the efficiency of firefighting and rescue operations and ensure the safety of rescue workers; and
 
6. Management of prisons and detention facilities: To further strengthen the security of these facilities, drone technology is employed by the Correctional Services Department and the ImmD to assist in the inspection of security facilities, for example, examining the deteriorating conditions of boundary fencing and checking roof-tops of buildings for anomalous objects, as well as assisting in taking swift emergency response actions.
 
     While applying drone technology, the disciplined services and auxiliary services will exercise stringent control and supervision in the course of performing their duties to ensure that the operation of the drones is safe and complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, so as to protect the privacy of the public. The disciplined services and auxiliary services will strictly comply with the Guidance on CCTV Surveillance and Use of Drones issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. For example, internal guidelines are formulated to regulate flight missions of the disciplined services and auxiliary services, video footage collected are handled properly, and flight paths are carefully planned to avoid unnecessary proximity to the public and residential areas.
 
(2)  In addition to the Pilot Scheme for “Operational Deployment of Drones” mentioned above, the HKPF is currently using drones in other specific operations, including anti-burglary patrols in rural areas to see if there are suspicious persons lingering or hiding. Other illegal activities, such as fly-tipping, that are detected during the patrols will be referred to relevant departments for follow-up actions.
 
(3)  The drones being used by the HKPF is equipped with various functions, including artificial intelligence technology. They are also fitted with thermal imaging cameras and night vision cameras to provide efficient and effective technological support for the detection of different types of crime during night time when lighting is inadequate.
 
     As drone technology matures, drones have become more versatile in terms of their functions. The disciplined services and auxiliary services will consistently observe innovative technology development while reviewing the application of various technologies, including the effectiveness of the use of drones. Meanwhile, the disciplined services and auxiliary services will examine ways to further enhance their service quality and operational efficiency through the use of advanced technologies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Adrian Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

According to the Police’s Traffic Report 2024, the number of traffic accidents has been on the increase in recent years, from 15 107 in 2022 to 18 354 last year, with a rate of increase as high as 21.5 per cent. At the same time, the number of road sections defined by the Transport Department (TD) as traffic black spots had increased from 29 in the first quarter of 2022 to 57 in the fourth quarter of last year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the total number of traffic accidents which occurred at the traffic black spots in each of the past five years, and its respective percentage in the total number of traffic accidents in that year;

(2) whether the authorities have conducted studies or on-site assessments on various traffic black spots across the territory to analyse the cause of their formation (e.g. whether it is related to the road design, traffic flow capacity or pedestrian activities at such road sections); if so, of the respective findings of the studies and plans to improve the road facilities; whether the authorities have plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the design of roads across the territory, or introduce a smart traffic system (such as using artificial intelligence to monitor vehicle speed and making real-time adaptation to traffic signals) so as to enhance monitoring, thereby further reducing the number of traffic black spots in the long run;

(3) of the number of road improvement projects for traffic black spots in progress or completed (including but not limited to signages and improvement of transport facilities, etc) in each of the past five years; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the implementation of the projects concerned (including the numbers of traffic accidents which occurred at such road sections and the resultant casualties upon completion of the improvement works);

(4) given that the TD will install the “Traffic accident blackspot ahead” signs at traffic black spots to enable road users (including motorists and pedestrians) to identify the locations of traffic black spots more easily, and it has been reported that the TD had in the past put up notices and provided road markings of speed reduction at road sections at which serious traffic accidents had repeatedly occurred (e.g. the junction of Morrison Hill Road and Sports Road in Happy Valley), but the problem of frequent traffic accidents has not yet been resolved; with respect to road sections where traffic accidents still occurred frequently despite the taking of traffic improvement measures, of the measures and plans to be implemented by the authorities in the future, including whether it will co-ordinate with the Police and step up law enforcement, so as to minimise the risk of traffic accidents occurring on such roads; and

(5) whether it has drawn on the practices of other countries and regions or explored other feasible measures to further enhance the alertness and crisis awareness of road users when passing through traffic black spots?

Reply:

President,

After consulting the Transport Department (TD), my response to the questions raised by the Hon Adrian Ho regarding traffic accidents and measures to improve road safety at traffic accident black spots is as follows:

(1) The number of traffic accidents that occurred at black spots between 2020 and 2024, along with their proportion of the total annual traffic accidents, is shown in the table below. The figures for 2020 to 2022 may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in traffic accidents in 2023 and 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in the number of minor accidents.
 

Year	Numbers of traffic accidents occurred at black spots	Proportion to the total number of traffic accidents in that year
2020	448	2.9%
2021	355	2.0%
2022	479	3.2%
2023	729	4.2%
2024	649	3.5%

(2) and (4) The Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to enhance road safety and reduce traffic accidents at the source. Key initiatives include investigating and analysing the causes of traffic accidents at black spots, formulating targeted improvement measures, reviewing legislation to strengthen driving safety requirements and increase the deterrent effect of penalties, improving road design and traffic management, incorporating technology to enhance traffic oversight, and stepping up publicity, education, and law enforcement.

In general, most traffic accidents are attributed to driver-related factors such as inattentive driving, tailgating, and careless lane changes. To address these issues, the TD will continue to collaborate with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Road Safety Council to raise drivers’ awareness through education campaigns and stricter enforcement. The TD is also focused on analysing accident data from black spots and other high-risk locations to identify common patterns and causes, enabling the formulation of targeted improvement measures.

In addition, the Government has reviewed existing legislation in light of research findings, technological advancements, and practices from other regions. In 2024, several legislative amendments were submitted to the Legislative Council to strengthen road safety, including requirements for electric vehicles to be equipped with an acoustic vehicle alerting system, for vehicles with extendable aerial structures to have an over-height warning system, and for child passengers in private cars to use child restraining devices. These measures further protect road users. Furthermore, the Government has proposed to increase fixed penalties for 19 traffic offences under the Fixed Penalty (Criminal Proceedings) Ordinance, such as speeding, failure to comply with traffic signs and markings, crossing double white lines, and using mobile phones while driving, to enhance their deterrent effect.

The TD has also implemented traffic management and road improvement measures tailored to specific situations. These include adjusting traffic signals, adding central dividers, improving pedestrian facilities, and optimising signage and road markings. At the junction of Morrison Hill Road and Sports Road in Happy Valley, mentioned in the enquiry, the TD has introduced several traffic improvements over recent years. These include new signs reading “Stop 15 metres ahead” and “Beware of vehicles from the right,” lane-narrowing hatched markings and “Slow down” indicators, and yellow speed-reduction road markings. In late June 2025, the TD rearranged signs at the junction and added a “Stop and give way” warning sign with white letters on a red background to clearly signal the need to yield. Temporary water-filled barriers were also placed along lanes leading to Queen’s Road East and Aberdeen Tunnel to encourage speed reduction. The TD will continue to monitor the junction’s conditions, evaluate traffic impact, and consider further feasible improvements.

Regarding zebra crossings, the TD is replacing traditional Belisha beacons across Hong Kong to make crossings more visible and safer. These efforts are complemented by education and enforcement activities reminding drivers to stop for pedestrians. Additionally, the Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System is improving the pedestrian environment and road safety. The system is being expanded to approximately 50 independent signalised junctions starting in 2026. After a successful trial across eight linked signalised junctions in Tung Chung Town Centre, pilot installations will continue at other busy junctions. Data collected will help inform long-term strategies. The TD and the HKPF will also continue to leverage new technologies to improve traffic management and enhance road safety.

(3) Between 2020 and 2024, the TD carried out road improvement works at approximately 70 traffic accident black spots and other locations with a relatively high frequency of accidents. As of now, improvement works have been completed at over 50 of these sites. Among them, 30 locations recorded a reduction in overall traffic accidents and casualties by approximately 24 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, within one year following the completion of the works, compared to the year prior. For the remaining 20-plus locations, improvement works were completed less than a year ago, and the TD is currently gathering further data for analysis.

(5) In line with practices adopted by other countries and regions, the TD will implement measures to enhance driver awareness based on the specific conditions of individual traffic accident black spots and other areas with a higher concentration of accidents. These measures include installing appropriate traffic signs and road markings, such as “Pedestrian crossing ahead”, “Traffic signals ahead”, “Reduce speed now”, “Sharp deviation”, “Steep hill downwards ahead”, and “Slow down”, to provide drivers with a clearer understanding of the road conditions ahead and help them prepare accordingly to reduce accident risks. As mentioned above, we will continue to upgrade road infrastructure throughout Hong Kong, leverage new technologies, and conduct timely legislative reviews from a comprehensive standpoint to foster a safer road environment and reduce traffic accidents.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

With the rising prevalence of electric mobility devices (EMDs) (such as electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, electric hoverboards and power-assisted pedal cycles), the Government is studying the regulation of the use of EMDs in Hong Kong and associated certification arrangement. The work of drafting the legislative amendments is being conducted with the relevant departments. It is learnt that the community has expressed concern about the latest progress of the above work. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) when the authorities expect that the formulation of the code of practice for EMD users and the certification arrangements will be completed, and when will they introduce the relevant legislative amendments on EMDs into this Council;

(2) whether the authorities will implement trial of share EMDs on more different cycle tracks before the completion of the relevant legislative amendments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that in the reply to a question from this Council in June last year, the Government indicated that it would open cycle tracks to the public for use of motorised personal mobility devices in phases under suitable circumstances, and that for the initial phase the cycle track sections being considered to be opened for use have to be at least 3.5 metres wide with high connectivity, and it would then review in a timely manner whether to open more suitable cycle tracks having regard to the effectiveness of the measures, whether the authorities have drawn up a timetable for opening various cycle tracks; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) as there are views that when EMDs can be used on cycle tracks in the future, the usage of such cycle tracks should increase, whether the authorities will provide more ancillary facilities for the cycle tracks, such as first aid stations, refreshment kiosks and toilets, etc; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Government has always adopted an open attitude towards new technologies for promoting green commuting, whilst attaching great importance to road safety. As electric mobility devices (EMDs) are mechanically propelled, they fall within the definition of “motor vehicles” under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance) and must be licensed before use on roads or private roads. We note that EMDs are becoming increasingly popular around the world. However, given the dense population and high passenger and vehicular flow in Hong Kong, we consider that EMDs should be properly regulated before they can be used to provide effective and safe short-distance commuting options.

In consultation with the Transport Department (TD), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng is as follows:

(1) Regarding users, EMD users must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet. The Government has set up a working group, comprising representatives from the trade and government departments, to formulate a code of practice to set out the technical details, operating rules, as well as safety advice and guidelines, etc, regarding EMDs. The TD will continue its work on publicity and education, instilling into EMD users proper driving attitude to ensure the safe and responsible use of EMDs.

Regarding product regulation, to ensure product safety, the TD is formulating technical and safety requirements for EMDs, and plans to require third-party accredited certification bodies to test the technical specifications as well as the electrical and mechanical requirements of the various products. Manufacturers or agents of EMDs will be required to apply to the certification bodies for certification of products, and certified products will be affixed with a QR code certification label for easy identification by the public and enforcement officers. With regard to the batteries and electronic devices mentioned in the question, we consider that it is necessary for them to be certified according to international standards, e.g. over-charging or discharging control, short-circuit and overheating protection, vibration and mechanical shock tests, to ensure product safety.

To ensure that the product certification is practical in the Hong Kong market, the TD has been consulting the trade, who generally finds the proposed arrangements reasonable. The TD is identifying certification bodies that possess the relevant capabilities and is working in collaboration with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to formulate the details of the relevant certification arrangements, and will continue to give careful consideration to the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders with a view to regulating product safety, so that members of the public can feel confident when purchasing EMDs and use them properly.

The Government is undertaking the relevant law drafting work, and will take into consideration the actual experience to ensure the practicality of the proposal. As the topic has a wide coverage, we plan to report the progress to the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport shortly, with the aim of introducing the Bill for amending the Ordinance and the new subsidiary legislation into the LegCo for scrutiny next year.

(2) To understand the actual usage and operation of EMDs, the TD had conducted site trials on the cycle tracks in Tseung Kwan O South and on those adjacent to the Hong Kong Science Park. In particular, the TD carried out a trial scheme on the shared use of power-assisted pedal cycles in Pak Shek Kok from 2023 to 2024. The implementation of the trial scheme was smooth in general and the results indicate that suitable ancillary facilities (e.g. battery facilities and frequency of charging) will be needed for the operation of the shared mode. The Government will make reference to such experience when planning for the road sections for use of EMDs.

(3) and (4) EMDs can serve as commuting means for short-distance travel and first-mile/last-mile connectivity to and from railway stations and stations etc, providing the general public with more options of active transport modes. The TD has been proactively discussing with relevant departments the construction of comprehensive cycle track networks in new development areas (such as the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area), and will select suitable cycle tracks in other areas that can accommodate the safe co-use of bicycles and EMDs, except those cycle tracks which do not fulfil the particular requirements (e.g. insufficient width or frequent crossings with pedestrian footpath and vehicular roads). As for power-assisted pedal cycles, we propose allowing them to be used on all cycle tracks since their operating mode is similar to that of bicycles.

In addition, places around many cycle tracks are already provided with first aid posts (e.g. Pak Shek Kok Promenade and Tai Po waterfront), refreshment kiosks or other eateries, and toilets (e.g. the Science Park, the vicinity of Tseung Kwan O South waterfront, and the Tai Po Waterfront Park). The Government will continue to review the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities in the New Territories and new towns and implement improvement measures, with a view to enhancing safety while facilitating a green and low-carbon lifestyle.

With regard to whether it is possible to open locations other than cycle tracks, the Government understands that public acceptance of EMDs varies. In previous surveys conducted by the TD, over 60 per cent of the respondents supported the use of properly regulated EMDs on cycle tracks, while the remaining 30-odd per cent of the respondents expressed reservation, with the main concerns being the potential risks of EMDs as well as the limited space of existing cycle tracks. The Government will carefully consider the differing views to ensure road safety.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Ma Fung-Kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question:

     The Government has earlier on announced that 50 per cent of new public works building works contracts, with tenders to be invited on or after March 21 this year, are required to adopt metal scaffolding (rather than traditional bamboo scaffolding) to enhance site safety. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has looked into the causes of industrial accidents that involved working on bamboo scaffolds and metal scaffolds in the past five years (e.g. unsafe bamboo scaffolding structures, improper work procedures, or human factors);

(2) of the details of current monitoring of the use of scaffolding in the construction industry by the government departments concerned, including whether regular inspections are conducted on construction scaffolds with longer service spans;

(3) whether it has compiled statistics on the output value of construction works involving bamboo scaffolding and metal scaffolding in the past five years, the number of existing practitioners (including the number of those trained and qualified, as well as the number of those currently in employment), and the average income of the practitioners;

(4) whether it has studied if there are differences between metal scaffolding and bamboo scaffolding in terms of the construction methods and worker requirements, and their differences in the equipment required and the labour costs involved;

(5) as there are views pointing out that bamboo scaffolding remains a widely used structure in Hong Kong’s construction industry, and in the light of the increasing height requirements for buildings, along with instances of super typhoons and once-in-a-century torrential rain in recent years, whether the Government will collaborate with the industry to explore ways to enhance the building technique of bamboo scaffolding to improve its safety; and

(6) given that the bamboo shed theatre building technique is one of the items in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Hong Kong, whether the Government has studied if the building technique referred to in this item covers bamboo scaffolding or building technique of bamboo scaffolding in the construction industry; if it has studied and the outcome is in the affirmative, of the Government’s plans for the inheritance and promotion of the building technique of bamboo scaffolding in the construction industry; if it has not studied, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

     From industrial safety perspective, provided that the requirements of the legislation and relevant codes of practice are complied with, work safety can be ensured irrespective of what kind of scaffolding materials used.

     Metal scaffolds have been widely adopted in the construction industry in advanced economies in the world and the Mainland. To further promote the adoption of metal scaffolds, the Development Bureau (DEVB) recently required 50 per cent of new building works projects under public works of the Government (excluding maintenance projects of building façades), with tenders to be invited on or after March 21, 2025, to adopt metal scaffolds. Based on the number of projects to be tendered this year, only one or two projects will adopt metal scaffolds. The Government has no intention to ban the use of bamboo scaffolds at this moment. The DEVB will continue to engage the industry and other relevant stakeholders to jointly explore measures from various aspects (including the application of technology) to enhance work safety of bamboo scaffolds.

     Having consulted with the DEVB and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the consolidated reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Ma Fung-kwok is as follows:

(1) According to previous investigations, the common attributing factors leading to accidents involving bamboo scaffolds and metal scaffolds include failure to conduct task-specific risk assessments and formulate safe work methods before the commencement of work, resulting in lack of planning and coordination at work; improper alteration of scaffolds; performing incompatible work activities concurrently on a scaffold, affecting its stability; failure to provide workers with suitable working platforms; not providing and ensuring that workers erecting or dismantling scaffolds using suitable personal protective equipment; and inadequate safety supervision, etc. In addition, some cases were caused by workers’ failure to implement occupational safety and health (OSH) measures.

(2) The current OSH legislation has specific provisions regulating scaffolding safety. The Labour Department (LD) has also issued the Code of Practice for Metal Scaffolding Safety and the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety, providing practical guidelines to duty holders for safe erection, alteration, dismantling and use of scaffolds.

     According to the current relevant OSH legislation, regardless of the service spans of a scaffold, the contractor shall ensure that the scaffold has been inspected by a competent person (who has completed substantial scaffolding training and has practical experience) before being taken into use for the first time and at intervals not exceeding 14 days preceding each use. The competent person shall report his/her findings in an approved form. If the competent person finds that the scaffold is unsafe during the inspection, the contractor shall make immediate rectification to ensure the ongoing safe use of the scaffold.

     Moreover, the LD carries out spot check on scaffolds from time to time during inspections and pays close attention to scaffolding conditions, including their structures, stability, influence by weather conditions and whether being properly used by contractors etc., to ensure that contractors fulfill their responsibilities for scaffolding safety.

     Apart from regular inspections, the LD also launches special enforcement operations targeting scaffolding work safety. Stringent enforcement actions will be taken if there is violation of OSH legislation, including issuing written warnings, “Improvement Notices”, “Suspension Notices” and initiating prosecutions. After issuing “Improvement Notices” or “Suspension Notices”, the LD will conduct timely follow-up inspections in accordance with the established procedures until the contractor has taken adequate measures to eliminate related hazards.

     At the same time, the LD is also adopting a multi-pronged strategy, including publicity and promotion, education and training, and the use of innovation and technology, to prevent accidents from occurrence.

     On the other hand, to further strengthen the supervision of scaffolding work, the DEVB in February 2025 requires contractors and resident site staff (RSS) of public works contracts to implement additional administrative measures, including requiring contractors and RSS to independently check the number of putlogs of the scaffolds every day and requiring competent persons to submit photographs or video records as evidence when conducting inspections to the scaffolds in accordance with legislative requirements.

(3) The statistics of scaffolders registered in accordance with the Construction Workers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 583) in June 2025 are as follows:
 

Trade Division Name	Registered Semi-skilled Workers	Registered Skilled Workers	Total
Bamboo Scaffolder	491	2 043	2 534
Metal Scaffolder	1 761	6 069	7 830
Scaffolder (Master) (Note)	72	204	276

     According to the statistical reports of the Average Daily Wages of Workers Engaged in Public Sector Construction Projects issued by the Census and Statistics Department in April 2025, the average daily wage of “Scaffolders” (including metal scaffolder and bamboo scaffolder) is $1,512.2.

Note: Possessing the relevant certificates of Bamboo Scaffolder and Metal Scaffolder concurrently.

(4) Metal scaffolds and bamboo scaffolds are different in erection methods, materials used and requirements on workers’ craftsmanship. The Code of Practice for Metal Scaffolding Safety and the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety issued by the LD respectively set out detailed guidelines on safety and health management for metal scaffolding and bamboo scaffolding operations, technical requirements for scaffolding safety and qualifications required for scaffolders, and practical guidance on inspection, maintenance and dismantling of scaffolds.

     Based on the experience in public building works contracts, using metal scaffolds will not significantly increase the construction cost. The overall expenditure on metal scaffolds is only about two per cent of the contract sum, and the expenditure of bamboo scaffolds is about one per cent of the contract sum.

(5) To enhance bamboo scaffolding safety in the construction industry, the LD revised the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety last year in consultation with the industry. The major revisions include enhancing technical requirements for bracings, putlogs and access and egress of bamboo scaffolds; prohibiting unauthorised alteration of bamboo scaffolds including putlogs; and further specifying the requirements of competent persons supervising bamboo scaffolders who perform erection, substantial addition, alteration or dismantling of bamboo scaffolds, and conducting inspections prior to inclement weather. The Code of Practice also requires all workers who perform truss-out bamboo scaffold work shall hold a valid certificate of “Advanced Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training” or “Intermediate Level Truss-out Scaffolder Safety Training” issued by the Construction Industry Council before performing specified truss-out scaffold work.

     The LD will continue to maintain communication with the industry and relevant professionals, regularly reviewing and exploring the introduction of more advanced technologies and management methods to ensure the safety of bamboo scaffolding work.

(6) The Bamboo Theatre Building Technique is an item listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Hong Kong (ICH Inventory). Bamboo theatres, which are built of bamboo, fir and galvanised metal sheets, are used by the local communities as temporary venues to stage Shengong opera for appeasing gods and host related festive activities during the birthdays of deities, Jiao festivals or Yu Lan Festival. Bamboo scaffolds erected for building-related works are distinct from bamboo theatres, and are not included in the ICH Inventory. In response to public suggestions to include valuable traditional items in the ICH Inventory, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will conduct survey and research upon receiving such proposals. The findings will be submitted to the Sub-committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage Items and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee for review and deliberation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (July 30) that open auctions for a total of 474 stalls in 43 public markets will be held in August. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on August 22 on a first-come, first-served basis.

(1) Open auctions

The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat food, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food related dry goods and wet goods, service trades, siu mei and lo mei, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from September 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website.

​The date of the auctions and the number of stalls are as follows:

New Territories (1)
———————
Auction date: August 8 (Friday) (am)
Number of stalls: 73

New Territories (2)
———————
Auction date: August 11 (Monday) (am)
Number of stalls: 84

Hong Kong Island and Islands District (1)
————————————————–
Auction date: August 12 (Tuesday) (pm)
Number of stalls: 98

Hong Kong Island and Islands District (2)
————————————————–
Auction date: August 13 (Wednesday) (am)
Number of stalls: 88

Aberdeen Market
——————-
Auction date: August 13 (Wednesday) (pm)
Number of stalls: 10

Kowloon (1)
————–
Auction date: August 14 (Thursday) (am)
Number of stalls: 59

Lai Wan Market
——————-
Auction date: August 14 (Thursday) (pm)
Number of stalls: 2

Kowloon (2)
————–
Auction date: August 15 (Friday) (am)
Number of stalls: 39

Kowloon (3)
————–
Auction date: August 15 (Friday) (pm)
Number of stalls: 21

The open auctions will be held at Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.

(2) Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis

The tenancy agreement of market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from October 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website after the open auction.

Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on August 22 (Friday):

Districts in which the market stalls are located	Venues for selection of market stalls
Hong Kong Island and Islands District	Hawkers and Markets Section (Hong Kong and Islands) Office, 8/F, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building, 225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Kowloon	Hawkers and Markets Section (Kowloon) Office, Room 301-302, 3/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
Kwai Tsing District	Kwai Tsing District Environmental Hygiene Office, 9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices, 166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories
North District	North District Environmental Hygiene Office, 4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal Services Building, 13 Chi Cheong Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories
Sai Kung District	Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office, 7/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
Sha Tin District	Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office, Units 1201-1207 and 1220-1221, 12/F, Tower 1, Grand Central Plaza, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
Tai Po District	Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories
Tsuen Wan District	Tsuen Wan District Environmental Hygiene Office, 3/F, Yeung Uk Road Municipal Services Building, 45 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
Tuen Mun District	Tuen Mun District Environmental Hygiene Office, 1/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices Building, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
Yuen Long District	Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Office, 2/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories

A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis. The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”

​Details of the open auctions and the public market stalls concerned (including stalls for open auction at reduced upset prices) have been uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/open_auction_coming.html). Details on renting public market stalls on a first-come, first-served basis will be uploaded to the FEHD website after open auctions (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/FCFS/index.html). Interested bidders or applicants may visit the department website or contact the respective District Environmental Hygiene Office.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Professor the Hon William Wong and a reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that the Mainland has set up a national smart education public service platform (“smart education platform”) covering primary and secondary education, vocational education, higher education and lifelong learning to provide personalised online interactive learning materials along with round-the-clock support for students and continuing education participants. Some members of the community have suggested that the Government should prioritise the establishment of large language models (LLMs) and an education platform applicable in Hong Kong’s education system and incorporate therein correct history, culture and values so as to elevate the quality of education and the depth of cultural inheritance in the territory. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the total numbers of educational institutions in Hong Kong (including universities, secondary and primary schools, and vocational education institutions) which have currently established on-premises LLMs for subject-based education;
 
(2) whether it has plans to develop LLMs of subject-based education with local characteristics for use by students and people pursuing further studies in Hong Kong; if so, when the development will begin; if not, whether it will consider establishing such models; and
 
(3) given that the Mainland has already established a smart education platform, whether the Government will consider discussing with relevant Mainland authorities the possibility of replicating the platform in Hong Kong and adapting them for use by local educational institutions at various levels, following integration with the local curriculum?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     As global digitalisation continues to progress, the Education Bureau (EDB), in line with the national strategy for invigorating the country through science and education, actively promotes education innovation and takes forward digital education in order to nurture future talents to embrace the challenges and opportunities in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the formation of the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education, we have identified the directions and key focus areas for digital education, and are continuously optimising the curricula, strengthening relevant training for teachers, improving digital education infrastructure, enhancing learning platforms and AI technology as well as collaborating with stakeholders from various sectors, with a view to promoting the implementation of digital education and enhancing the quality of local education.
 
     Our consolidated reply to the question raised by Professor the Hon William Wong is as follows:
 
     With training in the form of deep learning of massive amounts of text data, large language models (LLMs) are able to generate natural language text and handle various natural language tasks such as text summarisation, questioning and answering, and translation. In the field of education, the application of LLMs serves as a learning and teaching aid which assists teachers in preparing lessons, setting questions and marking assignments on one hand, and help students search for information, obtain writing advice, etc on the other hand. At present, the application of LLMs in teaching is being developed and improved continuously. To effectively enhance the quality of education and the depth of cultural heritage, including incorporating proper values with respect to history and culture through the application of LLMs, it is essential for teachers to apply technology in a professional manner and make reference to resources from local, national and international online platforms, so as to flexibly adopt teaching strategies and design quality learning activities which align with the curriculum and meet the needs of students.
 
     In this connection, the EDB has been encouraging and supporting schools to explore and adopt diversified and appropriate teaching strategies based on their school contexts and students’ learning needs, and to make good use of technology including LLMs. At the same time, schools are encouraged to nurture students’ information literacy as well as proper attitudes and values towards the application of innovation and technology (I&T) which align with the aims and objectives of the school curriculum. Currently, some schools in Hong Kong are trying to develop school-based LLMs for application in learning and teaching. While the EDB supports school-based innovation, we do not require all schools to develop their own LLMs for subject-based teaching at the present stage. As such, relevant statistics are not available. To keep abreast of the times, we will closely take heed of the trends in technological development and application, strengthen the professional development of teachers, and review the application of LLMs in a timely manner.

     To promote digital transformation in education, we have allocated $500 million under the Quality Education Fund for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme to develop e-learning ancillary facilities that meet local learning and teaching needs. There are a total of 22 funded projects in which I&T such as LLMs are deployed. The deliverables of the projects are to be released in four batches starting from mid-2025 for the use of publicly-funded schools. In fact, schools may utilise different resources such as the Composite Information Technology Grant in a flexible manner according to their school contexts for procuring different digital teaching tools and platforms to tie in with subject teaching and cater for the diverse learning needs of students in learning.
 
     On resources development, the EDB has been committed to providing schools with quality teaching materials, including learning and teaching resources on different subjects, the Educational MultiMedia and the EDB One-stop Portal for Learning and Teaching Resources, covering the Key Learning Areas and cross-disciplinary subjects or areas at kindergarten, primary and secondary levels. The EDB has also been collaborating with the Hong Kong Education City Limited (HKEdCity) to provide one-stop services on e-learning, e-reading and e-assessment including platforms such as the eRead Scheme and the Student Assessment Repository to meet the needs of local schools, and with the provision of the online learning platform and related courses on AI and computational thinking for students, the aim of sharing resources is achieved.
 
     Regarding the smart education platform developed by our country, local teachers and students at present can browse around for free without the need to register. However, as the curricula of the two places vary, Hong Kong schools need to make adaptations and relevant technical adjustments when using the platform. The EDB has already liaised with relevant authorities to gain insights into the mode of operation and types of resources provided by the platform. We will also actively study and make reference to the relevant experience of the platform, so as to explore feasible options for the enhancement of local teaching and learning resource platforms to better support learning and teaching. We will continue to strengthen professional teacher training on I&T and AI, optimise the platform of the HKEdCity, make reference to and utilise existing high-quality learning and teaching platforms, LLMs and programmes locally and from our country and overseas, encourage cross-sectoral and cross-school sharing of resources, and explore cost-effective approaches to further support the learning and teaching of digital education in Hong Kong.
 
     For post-secondary education, with the advent of AI, innovative and breakthrough technology in the new era, post-secondary institutions are encouraged to actively explore and experiment in teaching and learning. Amongst others, the University Grants Committee (UGC) launched the $100 million Fund for Innovative Technology-in-Education in 2023 to provide an impetus for universities to harness innovative and breakthrough technologies in transforming pedagogies and enriching student learning experiences. The eight UGC-funded universities are capitalising on the funding to continuously implement around 100 new projects, with the aim to drive transformation in pedagogies, curricula, assessments, and student development; advance digital competency comprehensively; promote technological social responsibilities and academic integrity; and foster academia-industry collaboration and enhance authentic learning experience. The goal is to nurture university students into a digitally competent and technologically responsible new generation under the digital economy. These projects are underway and expected to be completed in 2026.
 
     In addition, through targeted support measures, including the Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education, as well as the Quality Enhancement Support Scheme, we support universities of applied sciences and self-financing post-secondary education institutions to enhance teaching quality by seizing the opportunities arising from technological advancement and make good use of AI.
 
     In response to the rapid development of AI technologies, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) has also established the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), which admitted its first cohort of students in the 2024/25 academic year (AY). The VTC is developing AI-enabled interactive learning materials, including introducing educational chatbots to provide students with instant learning feedback to enhance their learning outcomes. The EDB has been supporting post-secondary institutions to introduce appropriate teaching frameworks and new programmes, so as to enhance support for academic staff and students, and meet ever-changing societal needs. In the 2024/25 AY, there are about 10 programmes related to AI offered by the UGC-funded universities. A number of UGC-funded universities have also offered AI-related undergraduate programmes in the 2025-28 triennium in response to the strategic directions set by the Government, for example, “Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence” of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and “Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science” of the University of Hong Kong.

     As regards the self-financing post-secondary sector, institutions have the flexibility to develop programmes that meet market demands and adjust the curricula and intake places of relevant programmes, in response to the ever-changing manpower needs of society. In the 2024/25 AY, there are a total of 15 post-secondary programmes relating to AI by 10 self-financing institutions. The HKIIT of the VTC also offers a total of 21 programmes in the 2024/25 AY, covering areas including cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering.
 
     In sum, the EDB will continue to encourage schools to use I&T and keep a close watch on the application and development of I&T in this field, strengthen the exchange and collaboration with partners in the Mainland and overseas to facilitate the high-quality development of digitisation of local education.
 
     Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Lai Tung-kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 30):

Question: 

It has been reported that some individuals holding Exit-entry Permits for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (commonly known as Two-way Exit Permits) have been driving vehicles in Hong Kong as tourists for illegal carriage of passengers for reward (commonly known as white licence cars). There are views that the Transport Department’s current practice of allowing individuals with valid travel documents to apply for direct issue of full Hong Kong Driving Licences without test (direct issue of HKDLs) may encourage Two-way Exit Permit holders, or even non-refoulement claimants holding (commonly known as going-out passes), to illegally engage in work such as driving for carriage of passengers or food delivery in Hong Kong for reward. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of non-Hong Kong residents who applied for direct issue of HKDLs in each of the past five years, with a breakdown by the type of documents/papers held by the applicants (i.e. foreign passports, Two-way Exit Permits and going-out passes);

(2) of the number of illegal worker cases handled by the Government in each of the past five years; among such cases, the number of those involving driving for carriage of passengers or food delivery, and the immigration status of individuals involved in these cases; and

(3) whether it will consider revising the policy of direct issue of HKDLs in order to plug the loophole that allows visitors holding valid travel documents or individuals with going-out passes to obtain direct issue of HKDLs and subsequently illegally engage in work such as driving and delivery?

Reply:

President,

According to section 52(3) of the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), no person shall drive or use a motor vehicle, or suffer or permit a motor vehicle to be driven or used, for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward unless a hire car permit (HCP) is in force in respect of the vehicle. The Government has all along been very concerned about the use of motor vehicles by any person for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, and has been taking targeted enforcement actions to combat illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities. 

Regarding direct issue of a Hong Kong full driving licence without test (direct issue), the Transport Department handles direct issue applications in accordance with regulation 11(3) of the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations (Cap. 374B) (the Regulations), which allows a person holding a driving licence issued by one of the 32 countries and places specified in the Fourth Schedule to the Regulations (recognised countries or places), and provided that specified conditions are met, to be directly issued with a Hong Kong full driving licence without taking a local driving test for driving four classes of vehicles: private cars, light goods vehicles, motor cycles and motor tricycles.

To apply for direct issue, the driving licence issued by the relevant recognised country or place must still be valid or expired for not more than three years, and be obtained by the applicant after successful completion of a driving test conducted in the issuing country or place. Also, the applicant must be aged 18 years or above and meet one of the following requirements: (1) the driving licence held was issued during a period of the applicant’s residence of not less than six months in the issuing country or place; or (2) the applicant has been holding the driving licence issued by the recognised country or place for not less than five years immediately prior to the application; or (3) the applicant is the holder of a passport or other equivalent travel document issued in the country or place in which the driving licence was issued.

In consultation with the Security Bureau and the Transport Department (TD), our reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Lai Tung-kwok is as follows:

(1) According to regulation 10 of the Regulations, an applicant for direct issue who is not a holder of Hong Kong identity card shall submit a valid travel document as defined in section 2(1) of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) (for example, a passport or equivalent valid travel document) as his/her identity document. The TD does not accept any person on recognisance holding form no. 8 issued by the Immigration Department (ImmD) as a valid identity document for submitting a driving licence application. If the TD has doubts about the supporting documents submitted by the applicant, it will verify and confirm with the relevant agencies.

According to TD’s record, over the past five years, the number of direct issue applications approved by the types of identity documents other than Hong Kong identity card including passports, Exit/Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (commonly known as Two-way Permits) etc., are tabulated below:
 

Year	Exit/Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao	Passport	Others (Note 1)
2020	3 300	2 307	119
2021	4 279	3 522	188
2022	5 498	4 656	128
2023	25 589	13 127	407
2024	27 917	12 776	254
2025 (As at end of June)	15 095	4 553	89

Note 1: Other identity documents include the Consular Corps Identity Card.

(2) The Government is committed to combatting illegal employment, with a view to protecting job opportunities for the local workforce. It is a serious offence to engage in illegal employment. Employers, illegal workers as well as aiders and abettors of illegal employment will be liable to prosecution in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). Illegal immigrants and non-refoulement claimants, etc., who take any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establish or join in any business, are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. Besides, any person who takes up any employment, whether paid or unpaid, in contravention of a condition of stay, shall be guilty of an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment.

According to ImmD’s record, the number of illegal workers prosecuted over the past five years is tabulated below:
 

Year	Number of illegal workers prosecuted
2020	615
2021	815
2022	539
2023	943
2024	1 013
2025 (up to June)	528

According to ImmD’s record, of the prosecuted illegal workers mentioned above, those who were prosecuted for engaging in delivery work and their status in Hong Kong are tabulated below:
 

Year	Number of illegal workers prosecuted for engaging in delivery work	Status in Hong Kong
		Visitors	Persons on recognisance holding form no. 8	Others
2020 (Note 2)	0	0	0	0
2021	7	0	6	1
2022	7	0	6	1
2023	1	0	1	0
2024	17	0	17	0
2025 (up to June)	16	1	14	1

Note 2: ImmD has maintained the relevant statistics since October 20, 2020.

On the other hand, according to the Hong Kong Police Force’s record, of the cases involving the use of a motor vehicle for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward in the past five years, the number of persons who were also prosecuted for suspected illegal employment and their status in Hong Kong are tabulated below:
 

Year	Number of persons prosecuted for suspected illegal employment in cases involving the use of a motor vehicle for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward	Status in Hong Kong
		Visitors	Persons on recognisance holding form no. 8	Others
2020	0	0	0	0
2021	0	0	0	0
2022	0	0	0	0
2023	1	1	0	0
2024	3	3	0	0
2025 (up to June)	4	4	0	0

(3) Mutual recognition of driving qualifications and the issuance of driving licences without test are common practices in many countries or places, and direct issue has also been implemented in Hong Kong for many years, with a view to facilitating citizens in different places to obtain driving licences for relevant vehicle classes in accordance with local application criteria, saving the resources and time of taking assessments and obtaining local driving licences afresh. As mentioned above, the TD does not accept a recognisance form as a valid identity document for applying for direct issue. For holders of passports or equivalent travel documents that meet the conditions mentioned above, they can apply for direct issue. In fact, Hong Kong residents holding a valid Hong Kong driving licence and a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents can also obtain a Mainland driving licence without test in Guangdong Province.

The TD will continue to collaborate with relevant policy bureaux and departments on driving licence-related matters, including referring any suspected cases of illegal carriage of passengers for reward to relevant law enforcement agencies for follow-up, fully co-operating with relevant investigations.