Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced a sentinel event today (August 22):

A patient was admitted to a medical ward of KWH on August 10 due to shortness of breath and chest pain, and lung shadow was later identified, necessitating further investigation. The patient’s clinical and emotional conditions were stable during admission screening and throughout hospitalisation.

At 3.10am today, healthcare staff had seen the patient entering the washroom. At 3.15am, a staff knocked on the door and the patient responded. The staff knocked again at 3.30am and received no response. The staff immediately broke the door and found that the patient was lying on the floor with loss of consciousness. The patient’s head was wrapped in a plastic bag and left wrist was bleeding. Healthcare staff performed resuscitation for the patient immediately, informed the patient’s family and reported the incident to the Police. The patient passed away at 9.10am.

The hospital was saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the patient. The hospital will provide assistance to the family as required and will fully co-operate with the Police in the investigation.

The hospital is very concerned about the incident which was classified as a sentinel event. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel has been formed to investigate the incident. The incident has been reported to the coroner.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department (BD) said today that it initiated 205 prosecutions regarding the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road in Kwun Tong.

 

Having received a report in August last year alleging that the steel reinforcements had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (BO), the BD served an order requiring the entire site to cease works, deployed staff to carry out multiple site inspections and required the project’s registered structural engineer (RSE) and registered general building contractor (RGBC) to open up the concrete at various locations in the superstructure of six residential towers for investigation.

 

The results revealed material deviations in part of the steel reinforcement installation from the approved plans in the six towers, including positional discrepancy and displacement of steel reinforcements, discrepancy in the size of steel reinforcements, fewer steel reinforcements than those shown in the approved plans, as well as misalignment of structural columns.

 

Based on the investigation findings, the BD found that the RGBCs and individuals directly concerned with the building works have violated the BO.

 

After consultation with the Department of Justice, the BD initiated 204 prosecutions under section 40(2A)(b) of the BO against the former and current RGBCs, the authorised signatories of the former and current RGBCs, and four technically competent persons directly concerned with the building works, involving two companies and six individuals.

 

Additionally, one prosecution was initiated under section 40(2AB) of the BO against one of the technically competent persons concerned.

 

The BD added that although there is no obvious danger to the overall structure of the six buildings, it is closely following up with the project RSE on the incident report and the necessary remedial measures, including localised strengthening of the buildings, demolition of parts of the structural elements where necessary, and the reinstallation of steel reinforcements and recasting of concrete.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Buildings Department (BD) said today (August 22) that regarding the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road, Kwun Tong, which had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance (Chapter 123) (BO), the BD has initiated 205 prosecutions.

The spokesman said, “The BD received a report in August last year alleging that the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works at a construction site at Anderson Road, Kwun Tong, had not been installed in accordance with the requirements of the BO. The site is related to a residential development involving six multi-storey towers. The BD subsequently served an order requiring the entire site to cease works, deployed its staff to carry out multiple site inspections and required the project’s registered structural engineer (RSE) and registered general building contractor (RGBC) to open up the concrete at various locations in the superstructure of the six towers for investigation. The results revealed material deviations in part of the steel reinforcement installation from the approved plans in the six towers, including positional discrepancy and displacement of steel reinforcements, discrepancy in the size of steel reinforcements, fewer steel reinforcements than those shown in the approved plans, as well as misalignment of structural columns.”

“Based on the investigation findings, the BD found that the RGBCs and individuals directly concerned with the building works have violated the BO. After consultation with the Department of Justice, the BD has initiated 204 prosecutions under section 40(2A)(b) of the BO against the former and current RGBCs, the authorised signatories of the former and current RGBCs, and four technically competent persons directly concerned with the building works, involving a total of two companies and six individuals; and also one prosecution under section 40(2AB) of the BO against one of the technically competent persons concerned.”

Although there is no obvious danger to the overall structure of the six buildings, the BD is closely following up with the project RSE on the incident report and the necessary remedial measures, including localised strengthening of the buildings, demolition of parts of the structural elements where necessary, and the reinstallation of steel reinforcements and recasting of concrete.

Pursuant to section 40(2A)(b) of the BO, any person for whom any prescribed inspection or building works or street works are being carried out and any authorised person, RSE, registered geotechnical engineer, registered inspector, qualified person, registered general building contractor, registered specialist contractor or registered minor works contractor directly concerned with any such inspection or works who diverges or deviates in any material way from any work shown in a plan approved by the Building Authority under the BO shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $1 million and imprisonment for three years.

Pursuant to section 40(2AB) of the BO, any person (whether or not an authorised person, a RSE, a registered geotechnical engineer, a registered general building contractor, a registered specialist contractor or a registered minor works contractor) directly concerned with any building works or street works set out in items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Column A in the table to section 17(1) who contravenes any condition imposed under that section in respect of such building works or street works, or the plans thereof, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 22) that the Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District has been temporarily closed until further notice for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (August 22) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in General Viamonte of the Province of Buenos Aires in Argentina, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 1 140 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Argentina in the first six months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Argentinian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 22) released the seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering four survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	7.5%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	12.7%	1.7

 

District	Survey Area	August 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Kwun Tong	Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping	5.5%	1.0
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	10.3%	1.2

The FEHD has so far announced seven batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 42 survey areas. Among these 42 survey areas, 26 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared with the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained at a low level. Eleven other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Among the seventh batch of indexes released, Tsing Yi North in Kwai Tsing District and Tuen Mun West in Tuen Mun District recorded an index over 10 per cent. In accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation that strengthens mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20 per cent or above, the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Tsing Yi North showed that the areas with more mosquito problems included parks, public and private housing estates. The gravidtrap index for Tsing Yi North dropped from 15.5 per cent in July to 12.7 per cent in first phase in August. The gravidtrap data for Tuen Mun West showed that the areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and private housing estates. The gravidtrap index for Tuen Mun West dropped from 10.6 per cent in July to 10.3 per cent in August. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. Additionally, the FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in those two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
 

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest Gravidtrap Index and the Density Index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools, to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on August 13 detected a suspected gold-smuggling case by air freight, and seized about 26.2 kilograms of suspected gold with an estimated market value of about $22 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).  

Based on risk assessment, Customs on that day examined an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying plastic flower boxes departing for Japan, at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound at HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found a batch of suspected gold, which had been moulded into thin sheets, concealed inside false compartments at the bottom of the flower boxes. The total weight of the suspected gold was about 26.2kg. 

An investigation is still ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against all kinds of smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
​
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A Government spokesman said today (August 22) that the Chief Executive (CE), politically appointed officials and members of the Executive Council (ExCo) have updated their annual declarations of interests, and the updated declarations are available on government websites for public inspection.
 
The updated declaration of interests of the CE has been uploaded to the website of the Chief Executive’s Office (www.ceo.gov.hk/en/links.html). The declarations of interests of politically appointed officials, made in accordance with the Code for Officials under the Political Appointment System (PAO Code), have also been updated and uploaded to the websites of the respective offices or bureaux.
 
Information on the registrable interests for ExCo (including that of the President as well as Official and Non-official ExCo members) has also been uploaded to the ExCo website after updating (www.ceo.gov.hk/exco/eng/interests.html).
 
The PAO Code stipulates that politically appointed officials shall declare their investments and interests on appointment and annually thereafter. These declarations are uploaded to the websites of the respective offices or bureaux. The CE voluntarily observes the above declaration arrangement. ExCo members are likewise required to declare their registrable interests on appointment and annually thereafter. These declarations are uploaded to the ExCo website.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

Exchange Fund Notes tender results
**********************************

Tender date	:	August 22, 2025
Paper on offer	:	EF Notes
Issue number	:	02Y2708
Issue date	:	August 25, 2025
Maturity date	:	August 25, 2027
Coupon	:	1.85% p.a.
Competitive Tender Result
Amount applied	:	HK$5,430 MN
Amount allotted	:	HK$1,200 MN
Average price accepted (yield)	:	99.00 (2.38 PCT)
Lowest price accepted (yield)	:	98.92 (2.42 PCT)
Pro rata ratio*	:	About 4 PCT
Average tender price (yield)	:	98.70 (2.54 PCT)
Non-competitive Tender Results (for applications submitted through Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited)
Amount applied	:	NIL
Amount allotted	:	NIL
Allotment Price (yield)	:	NIL
Pro rata ratio*	:	NIL

 
* “Pro rata ratio” refers to the average percentage of allotment with respect to each tender participant’s tendered amount at the “lowest price accepted” level.