Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today visited Po Lam Estate, Po Tsui Park and areas nearby in Tseung Kwan O to inspect the enhanced efforts to prevent chikungunya fever (CF) in the community.

The survey area inspected today recorded gravidtrap indices reaching level 3 alert level in May, indicating extensive distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

With the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to continuously strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in areas under their purview, the gravidtrap indices for this survey area in June and July have dropped to level 2.

In addition, Under Secretary for Environment & Ecology Diane Wong, together with representatives from the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection and the FEHD, met trade representatives this afternoon to brief them on the latest situation of CF, the current situation in places outside Hong Kong, collaboration on disease prevention and control between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as risk assessment of Hong Kong, control measures at boundary control points, emergency preparedness, publicity and education efforts.

To prevent the spread of CF, the FEHD has carried out targeted and sustained mosquito control actions at locations with higher risks. It also enhanced its inspections at construction sites, works areas and private residences.

Other mosquito control measures include encouraging resident participation in mosquito control campaigns in housing estates as well as strengthening public education and publicity.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau today said that as of July 23 this year, over 140,000 citizens have already enrolled for the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Pilot Scheme, and the target of having around 200,000 participants during the three-year pilot period is expected to be achieved earlier than planned.

While responding to media enquiries about the pilot scheme, the bureau highlighted that it has been well received since its launch in November 2023.

Currently, over 95% of the approximately 35,600 participants diagnosed with prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT) or hyperlipidaemia had chosen to continue receiving follow-up treatments from their family doctors.

The Government commissioned a local university in the first quarter of 2024 to conduct a study to assess the progress in meeting various targets and the overall performance of the pilot scheme.

Preliminary analysis indicated that participants’ health conditions improved overall after receiving health counselling and medical treatment under the pilot scheme.

The study team recruited 614 participants from 18 District Health Centres (DHCs) or DHC Expresses for a questionnaire survey.

Survey results showed that participants were satisfied with the pilot scheme, with the overall satisfaction scored at 82.5 out of 100.

Furthermore, 96.1% of participants with HT and 98% of participants with DM reported improvements in self-health management capabilities.

Apart from expanding the pilot scheme to selected General Out-patient Clinics under the Hospital Authority in phases since late March this year, the Government is also reviewing the pilot scheme’s effectiveness and optimisation strategies.

The bureau pointed out that Government will expand the co-care scheme based on the experience gained from the pilot phase, with a view to deepening the initiative by transforming it into a CDCC Platform.

It added that the Government will use hepatitis B screening and management as a pilot arrangement.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Police Force’s National Security Department yesterday arrested a 43-year-old local man in Sheung Shui for alleged seditious intention and criminal intimidation, in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the Crimes Ordinance.

An investigation revealed that the man was allegedly involved in mailing letters to media organisations in Hong Kong.

The force explained that the letters contain contents including demanding with menaces and provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the constitutional order and the executive, legislative or judicial authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as inciting other persons to do an act that does not comply with the law of the Hong Kong SAR.

He is being detained for further enquiries.

Police reminded members of the public that seditious intention and criminal intimidation are serious offences, and that offenders are liable to imprisonment for seven years and five years respectively upon conviction. It urged the public not to defy the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Bookings will not be required for vehicles travelling to Guangdong Province via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) under Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles scheme on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 1.

The Transport Department made the announcement today and explained that the move is to provide convenience to members of the public in travelling under the scheme more flexibly.

The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong mutually agreed to enhance the booking arrangements for travelling under the scheme after discussion.

The department will update the website later to set out dates in the coming six months when bookings are not required.

Dates in the following month when bookings are not required will be announced on the first calendar day of each month via the Specified Dates Booking System for applicants’ reference.

On specified dates, booking is still required, including Hong Kong or Mainland public holidays and the day before, toll-free days of the HZMB and other dates specified by the authority.

Booking is also required on Mondays and Thursdays to Sundays. The scheme’s eligibility, application procedures and balloting remain unchanged.

Existing arrangements of accepting bookings for specified dates in the following month from the 15th calendar day of each month will also remain unchanged.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions yesterday (July 31) in Sheung Shui and arrested a 43-year-old local man for “seditious intention” and “criminal intimidation”, in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and Section 24 of the Crimes Ordinance.

Investigation revealed that the arrested person was allegedly involved in mailing letters to media organizations in Hong Kong. The letters contain contents including demanding with menaces and provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the constitutional order and the executive, legislative or judicial authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), as well as inciting other person to do an act that does not comply with the law of the HKSAR, etc. The arrested man is being detained for further enquiries.

Police remind members of the public that “seditious intention” and “criminal intimidation” are serious offences. Offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for seven years and five years respectively upon conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (August 1) met with trade representatives on mosquito and pest control matters, to share with them the latest situation of chikungunya fever (CF) and related counter measures and to strengthen co-operation among the Government, businesses and the community while encouraging various sectors to continue to adopt effective mosquito prevention and control measures so as to safeguard public health.
 
     The EEB has all along been concerned about the latest situation of CF and relevant preventive and control measures. The EEB has been collaborating with various government bureaux and departments and stakeholders of different trades to actively follow-up on mosquito prevention and control work. This morning, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, Assistant Director (Operations) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) Mr Peter Poon and representatives from related departments visited Po Lam Estate, Po Tsui Park and their nearby areas in Tseung Kwan O before the meeting, to inspect the enhanced efforts to prevent CF in the community.
 
     The survey area inspected today recorded gravidtrap indices reaching Level 3 alert level in May this year, indicating extensive distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The FEHD has been collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to continuously strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices at appropriate locations are operating properly. The gravidtrap indices for this survey area in June and July have dropped to Level 2.
 
     The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, together with representatives from the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health and the FEHD, met trade representatives this afternoon to brief them the latest situation of CF, the current situation in places outside Hong Kong, collaboration on disease prevention and control between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as risk assessment of Hong Kong, control measures at boundary control points, emergency preparedness, publicity and education efforts, etc.
 
     The representative of the FEHD reported to the meeting the most updated situation of gravidtrap indices. As at July this year, the gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus in June was 9.5 per cent, which was lower than the same period in 2023 and 2024 (16.4 per cent and 14.0 per cent respectively), with the overall situation remained at a relatively low level. From January 1 to July 31 this year, the gravidtrap indices in seven surveyed areas were higher than 20 per cent, reaching Level 3 alert level, indicating extensive distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Based on the latest gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus, the FEHD, together with relevant government departments and stakeholders, has implemented targeted mosquito prevention and control measures. They continuously strengthen efforts under their purview, primarily focusing on environmental management to reduce mosquito breeding sites, supplemented by biological and chemical methods to kill mosquito larvae or adult, as well as eliminating adult mosquitoes in their habitats (such as dense bushes) by conducting fogging operations. The FEHD also provides technical advice and guidance to reduce the number of Aedes albopictus in densely populated areas, thereby lowering the risk of diseases transmitted by these mosquitoes. The gravidtrap indices in the seven surveyed areas have also shown a decline.
 
     To prevent the spread of CF, the FEHD has actively implementing the following mosquito control measures:
 

• Convening special meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts to co-ordinate frontline departments and stakeholders to strengthen mosquito control, and to allocate resources to carry out targeted and sustained mosquito control actions based on the gravidtrap index and locations with higher risks;
• Enhancing inspections at construction sites, works areas and private residences. Enforcement actions will be taken against violations involving mosquito breeding;
• Collaborating with departments such as the Housing Department (HD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to strengthen inspections in public areas, public housing estates and parks. Upon detection of mosquito breeding grounds, immediate actions will be taken;
• Inviting the HD and property management companies to conduct mosquito control campaigns in housing estates and encourages resident participation;
• Working with the District Offices to assist in mosquito prevention and control at locations with infestation issues, such as “three-nil” buildings;
• Issuing letters to the property management and pest control industry to remind them the implementation of mosquito prevention and control measures, and organising seminars to disseminate the latest information on CF and mosquito prevention;
• Strengthening public education and publicity through promotional videos, posters and leaflets to remind the public to adopt mosquito control measures; and
• Enhancing dissemination of the Area Gravidtrap Index for Aedes albopictus to raise awareness among citizens in districts with higher readings.

​In addition to the introduction of effective mosquito prevention and control measures by the FEHD, Link and the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association also shared experience on mosquito prevention by slideshows. Participants will continue to motivate their members and staff to enhance mosquito prevention and control measures after the meeting, as well as to display the Government’s publicity and education materials at their venues.
 
     Representatives from different sectors (including markets/licensed hawkers, property management, catering, construction, hotels and camping) presented mosquito prevention and control measures in the meeting, and expressed they will share the relevant information with other stakeholders.
 
     The effectiveness of mosquito control relies on the concerted efforts and active participation of stakeholders from various sectors, including pest control operators in both public and private sectors, venue management and the general public. The Government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and the industry to prevent CF.
 
     The meeting, chaired by Miss Wong, was attended by representatives from 18 organisations or institutions, including:

(a) stakeholders participating regularly: The Hong Kong Housing Society, Link, People’s Place, the Hong Kong Property Services Alliance, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, the Hong Kong Association of Property Services Agents, the Hong Kong Institute of Housing, the Pest Control Personnel Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Pest Management Association, the Federation of Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories Hawker Associations, the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, the Institute of Dining Professionals, the Association of Restaurant Managers, the Hong Kong Japanese Food and Cuisine Association, the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association; and
 
(b) stakeholders invited this time: The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, Camping Association of Hong Kong, China.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In response to media enquiries regarding the Chronic Disease Co-Care (CDCC) Pilot Scheme, the Health Bureau provides the following response today (August 1):
 
     The Government launched the three-year CDCC Pilot Scheme in November 2023, subsidising Hong Kong residents aged 45 or above without diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) or hypertension (HT) to be paired with family doctors for DM and HT screening services in the private healthcare market to achieve the policy objective of “early prevention, early identification and early treatment”. In March this year, the Pilot Scheme was expanded to include blood lipid testing, achieving full coverage of the “three highs”. Participants diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT, or hyperlipidaemia after screening can proceed to the treatment phase and will be subsidised by the Government to continue their treatment with a family doctor of their choice, and subject to their health conditions, be provided with prescribed medication and dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services. The Pilot Scheme reinforces the “Family Doctor for All” concept and expands the community healthcare network through the District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses as resources hubs.
 
     The CDCC Pilot Scheme has been well received since its launch. Halfway through its three-year pilot phase, over 140 000 citizens have already enrolled (as of July 23, 2025), and the number of participants continues to rise. It is expected that the target of having around 200 000 participants during the pilot period can be achieved earlier than expected. Currently, among the approximately 35 600 participants diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT, or hyperlipidaemia, over 95 per cent of them had chosen to continue receiving follow-up treatments from their family doctors.
 
     The Government commissioned a local university in the first quarter of 2024 to conduct a study to assess the progress in meeting various targets and the overall performance of the Pilot Scheme. Preliminary analysis indicated that participants’ health conditions improved overall after receiving health counseling and medical treatment under the Pilot Scheme. Statistics revealed that after six months of participating in the Scheme, the average glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of participants diagnosed with DM dropped by about 1.0 per cent, while the average systolic blood pressure of participants diagnosed with HT decreased by about 15.0 mmHg. The findings demonstrated the positive effects of continual health management and professional support on disease control. The study team recruited a total of 614 participants from 18 DHCs/DHC Expresses for a questionnaire survey. Survey results showed that participants were satisfied with the Pilot Scheme; the overall satisfaction score was 82.5 (out of 100), and the satisfaction score towards the first family doctor consultation service was 76 (out of 100). Furthermore, in terms of HT and DM management, 96.1 per cent of participants with HT and 98.0 per cent of participants with DM reported imrpovements in self-health management capabilities. 
 
     To address the primary healthcare needs of the underprivileged groups, the Government expanded the CDCC Pilot Scheme to selected General Out-patient Clinics (GOPCs) under the Hospital Authority (HA) in phases since late March this year, providing screening and management services of the “three highs” (DM, HT and hyperlipidaemia) for the underprivileged groups (including Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme recipients, Old Age Living Allowance recipients aged 75 or above, or holders of valid Certificate for Waiver of Medical Charges). The first phase of the service was launched in seven GOPCs in late March 2025 and extended to 14 GOPCs in the end of June 2025 to provide the relevant services. The Government and the HA are planning to extend the services to have GOPCs in all 18 districts to provide the relevant services by the end of this year. 
 
     The Government is reviewing the Pilot Scheme’s effectiveness and optimisation strategies, and will expand the Scheme based on the experience gained from the pilot phase, with a view to deepening the initiative by transforming it into a CDCC Platform. The Government will use hepatitis B screening and management as a pilot arrangement, leveraging the Platform to further expand and integrate primary healthcare services, and gradually extend it to cover more types of chronic diseases having regard to considerations such as scientific evidence and resource utilisation. More health empowerment elements and preventive care programmes will also be added to establish a more systematic and coherent integrated primary healthcare community network.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Celebrate Singapore’s 60th Anniversary (SG60) Gala Dinner organised by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) tonight (August 1):

Honourable Consul General Ong Siew Gay (Consul General of Singapore in Hong Kong), Chairman Lawrence Chia (Chairman, Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong)), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I’m honoured to be here at the SG60 Gala Dinner organised by the Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong) to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Singapore.

This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. This milestone gives another meaning and significance to this year’s celebration.

Just two days ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government attended Singapore’s 60th National Day Reception and underlined the deep and long-standing ties that bind our two economies, our two cultures and peoples.

Hong Kong and Singapore have long enjoyed close and cordial bilateral trade and economic relations. To note, Singapore is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and our largest ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) partner in merchandise trade, as well as the fifth-largest destination of our outward investment. The fact that the Chief Executive led a high-level business delegation to Singapore two years ago highlights the importance we place on strengthening our partnership with Singapore. 

Hong Kong is keen to contribute further to regional integration through our early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). We are encouraged by the favourable responses we have received from RCEP members, and we are grateful to Singapore for lending support to our formal accession request.

I look forward to much more collaboration between Hong Kong and Singapore down the road. Under the great concept of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong, being a Special Administrative Region of China, benefits from national programmes such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. At the same time, Hong Kong has been accorded the position of the “eight centres” in the National 14th Five-year Plan, which has opened up a whole host of new opportunities for various industries in Hong Kong, ranging from finance, I&T, trade, aviation, logistics to arts and cultures. These opportunities are not only for Hong Kong, but are also open to overseas companies – including of course Singapore companies – which can use Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between Mainland China and the rest of the world.

Singapore and Hong Kong bear a lot of resemblance. We are geographically small, and our population is not big. What’s more is that our people are hardworking and possess characteristically good entrepreneurial spirit and a global perspective. And we are good-natured and friendly people. I have no doubt the friendship between Singapore and Hong Kong will grow stronger and stronger, for us to shine together, today and tomorrow.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take the opportunity to bid farewell, once again, to Consul-General Ong Siew Gay, who will be returning to Singapore next week. Siew Gay, you have been such a dear friend and partner, not only to the Hong Kong SAR Government but also to the whole Hong Kong community. Thank you for your immense contribution, and we wish you the best in your new journey.

Tonight, with dinner, wine, dancing and entertainment, as well as a charity auction and lucky draw, and even a supper of Singaporean hawker fare, this will surely be a night to remember.

     So, enjoy the party. Best wishes to Singapore and Singaporeans in Hong Kong! Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In response to the recent significant increase in the number of chikungunya cases reported in neighboring regions and some overseas countries, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 1) that the LCSD has implemented multiple mosquito prevention and control measures at its recreational venues, including major parks, sitting-out areas, sports grounds, beaches, playgrounds and cultural venues to protect public health. The LCSD will also conduct joint operations with relevant government departments to enhance mosquito control effectiveness.
 
     The mosquito prevention and control measures taken by the LCSD at its venues include:
 

• strengthening inspections at the venues; trimming vegetation; cleaning flower beds; properly disposing of garbage, especially water-storing containers and wastes that easily retain water; and sweeping fallen leaves on the ground and in drains;
• removing stagnant water from manhole covers, open drains, water tanks/containers, tree holes and plant saucers, and applying larvicide oil and sand at suitable locations;
• covering all water storage containers and manholes to prevent stagnant water;
• installing mosquito traps and mosquito zappers, and conducting fogging treatments to exterminate adult mosquitoes;
• making reference to the Gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas with higher indices; and
• placing display panels at prominent locations in the venues to enhance public awareness of the importance of mosquito prevention and maintaining venue cleanliness.

     For more information on chikungunya, please visit the thematic webpage of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health: www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (August 1) that, to provide convenience to members of the public in travelling under Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the Scheme) more flexibly, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong have after discussion mutually agreed to enhance the booking arrangements for travelling under the Scheme.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, “From September 1, 2025 onwards, bookings will not be required for vehicles travelling to Guangdong Province via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) under the Scheme on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, except specified dates. Booking is required on specified dates, including Hong Kong or Mainland public holidays and the day before, toll-free days of the HZMB and other dates specified by the authority. Booking is also required on Mondays and Thursdays to Sundays. The Scheme’s eligibility, application procedures and balloting remain unchanged.”
 
     The TD will update the website later to set out dates in the coming six months when bookings are not required. Dates in the following month when bookings are not required will be announced on the first calendar day of each month via the Specified Dates Booking System for applicants’ reference. Existing arrangements of accepting bookings for specified dates in the following month from the 15th calendar day of each month will also remain unchanged.
 
     Of note, travellers planning to travel on specified dates are required to complete the reservation before noon on the day before travel via the Specified Dates Booking System, so that they may travel during the reserved time slot. To ensure the Scheme’s smooth operations, if any vehicle is found travelling on specified dates without prior reservation, travelling beyond the reserved time slot or absent after booking, the TD will strictly enforce the penalty, including suspension of its booking eligibility for a period of time, revocation of its Closed Road Permit (CRP), or even suspension of the CRP holder’s eligibility to re-apply for the Scheme.
 
     The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will continue to monitor the Scheme’s operations and maintain close liaison to review and enhance its arrangements in a timely manner. Applicants may refer to the Scheme’s thematic website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk) for details later.