Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 2nd Regional Drug Enforcement Capacity Building Workshop organised by Hong Kong Customs, which started on September 15, concluded today (September 18). This workshop brought together 50 participants from a number of customs administrations, law enforcement agencies and international organisations, including the World Customs Organization (WCO), the International Narcotics Control Board, and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific. 
 
The four-day workshop was rich in content. Participants engaged in sharing the latest drug trafficking trends, exchanged practical skills related to investigations, and visited Customs training facilities. Hong Kong Customs expressed hope that the workshop would foster communication and co-operation with different organisations and institutions, focusing on enhancing the understanding of frontline officers of transnational drug trafficking trends and boosting the effectiveness of suppressing related crimes.

In his opening speech, the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, stressed that effective intelligence exchange and enforcement co-operation are of paramount importance in fighting transnational drug trafficking activities. He highlighted that participants could take this opportunity to share practical experiences with one another, reinforcing enforcement capabilities against drug smuggling and facilitating connection and information sharing.

As the WCO Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) region and the WCO Regional Training Centre in the A/P region, Hong Kong Customs will continue to strengthen intelligence exchange and enforcement collaboration with different organisations and stakeholders to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 18) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in September, covering 18 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	September 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Southern	Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Kai Tak North	7.5%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Ma Wan	4.2%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	September 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Eastern	Chai Wan West	0.9%	1.0
	Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho	9.5%	1.5
Southern	Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau	0.9%	1.0
Kowloon City	Hung Hom	8.4%	1.2
	Lok Fu West	6.8%	1.1
Kwun Tong	Kwun Tong Central	0.0%	N/A
Sha Tin	Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan	1.0%	1.0
North	Fanling	1.9%	1.0
Yuen Long	Tin Shui Wai	2.4%	1.0
	Yuen Kong	0.0%	N/A
	Ki Lun Shan	0.0%	N/A
	Sung Shan	0.0%	N/A
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun South	0.9%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan Town	3.4%	1.5
	Tsuen Wan West	0.0%	N/A

　　
     Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering three survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 15 survey areas in September, all were below 10 per cent.

     The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September 2025, covering 35 survey areas. Among these 35 survey areas, 29 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. August 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation had improved or maintained a low level. Six other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

     Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together 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 the 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 chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

     â€‹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 from 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

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the re-appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Roberto Alexandre Vieira Ribeiro as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law.

Mr Lee said, “I am pleased to accept the JORC’s recommendation on the re-appointment of Mr Justice Ribeiro as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Mr Justice Ribeiro is one of the most distinguished and intellectually able appellate judges at the highest level in Hong Kong. He has been highly praised as a ‘colossus’ in the legal world with a judicial reputation on par with that of the most eminent and experienced judges in the highest courts of major common law jurisdictions. He has made enormous and significant contributions to the jurisprudence of Hong Kong and the common law world. He is clearly an invaluable asset to the Hong Kong Judiciary. I am also grateful to Mr Justice Ribeiro for agreeing to continue his service in the Court of Final Appeal.”

Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course.

The curriculum vitae of Mr Justice Ribeiro is at Annex.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) today (September 18) reminded operators of employment agencies (EAs) to conduct their business in compliance with the law at all times.

The LD refused to renew the EA licence of Treasure Jade Limited, located in Prince Edward, as its sole director had been convicted under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Under section 53(1)(d)(i) of the Employment Ordinance (EO), the Commissioner for Labour may refuse to issue or renew an EA licence if the related person of the licensee has, within the preceding five years, been convicted of an offence involving membership of a triad society, fraud, dishonesty or extortion.

“Licensees and operators of EAs are reminded to conduct their business in compliance with all laws of Hong Kong and the Code of Practice for EAs at all times. Otherwise, their licence may be revoked, or their application for licence renewal or a new licence may be refused,” a spokesman for the LD said.

Should there be enquiries about EA-related matters or complaints about suspected violations by EAs, please contact the Employment Agencies Administration of the LD (telephone: 2115 3667; email: ea-ee@labour.gov.hk; address: Unit 906, 9/F, One Mong Kok Road Commercial Centre, 1 Mong Kok Road, Kowloon).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (September 18) that the Base Rate has been set at 4.5 per cent with immediate effect according to a pre-set formula.
 
The Base Rate is the interest rate forming the foundation upon which the Discount Rates for repurchase transactions through the Discount Window are computed. The Base Rate is currently set at either 50 basis points above the lower end of the prevailing target range for the US federal funds rate or the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rates (HIBORs), whichever is the higher.
 
Following the 25-basis point downward adjustment in the target range for the US federal funds rate on September 17 (US time), 50 basis points above the lower end of the prevailing target range for the US federal funds rate is 4.5 per cent, while the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month HIBORs is 2.94 per cent. The Base Rate is therefore set at 4.5 per cent according to the pre-set formula.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital made the following announcement today (September 18) regarding an assault incident involving healthcare staff:

     Four staff members at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic were assaulted this morning during a meeting with a female patient and her family. Staff immediately gained control of the situation and reported it to the Police. The Police later arrested a female patient at the hospital who was suspected of being involved in the incident.

     Among the four injured staff members, one did not require hospitalisation. The other three were sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and were discharged after treatment. They continue to assist the Police with the investigation.

     The hospital is deeply concerned about the incident and expresses sincere sympathy to the injured staff. The hospital will provide psychological support to staff in need. The hospital condemns this violent act and maintains a zero-tolerance approach to workplace violence. The hospital will seriously follow up on and fully co-operate with the Police’s investigation. The hospital has always placed great emphasis on staff safety with established guidelines and measures to prevent workplace violence. The hospital will review and strengthen safety measures at the outpatient clinic to ensure staff safety during work.

     The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office through the Advanced Incident Reporting System.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved four building plans in July – one in Kowloon and three in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, one was for an apartment development, one was for a commercial development, and two were for community services developments.

Consent was given for works to start on 16 building projects which, when completed, will provide 118,275 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 2,216 units and 44,053 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

Additionally, the department has received notifications of commencement of superstructure works for nine building projects.

It also issued 17 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and 11 in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 179,523 sq m gross floor area for domestic use involving 2,391 units, and 32,713 sq m was for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,773 reports about unauthorised building works in July and issued 705 removal orders.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Director-General of the Air Traffic Management Bureau (ATMB) of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Mr Miao Xuan; the Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Mr Victor Liu; and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Stanley Pun, attended the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao 2025 civil aviation high-level air traffic management meeting in Macao yesterday (September 17).

The senior management of the three parties reviewed the overall progress and work plan of the Airspace Management Technical Sub-group and the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Technical Sub-group, including work progress and achievements in airspace optimisation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the ATFM in the Asia-Pacific region. 

With regard to airspace management, the Tripartite Working Group (TWG) continued to follow up on the airspace simulation model evaluation. The fast-time simulation modelling was conducive to the implementation of the related airspace optimisation measures, enhancing the operational efficiency of flights in the GBA airspace.

For the ATFM, the TWG completed the preparation work for establishing the Asia-Pacific ATFM video conference, and the inaugural meeting was convened on September 15. By strengthening collaboration with regional partners and sharing real-time operational and weather information, the conference aims to optimise information exchange and enhance the efficiency and transparency of decision-making.  

To support the orderly implementation of national policies on low-altitude economy (LAE), the three parties also exchanged views on cross-boundary low-altitude airspace operations. The three parties will continue to maintain close communication and collaboration under the work co-ordination mechanism of the CAAC’s General Aviation and LAE and the co-operative framework of their dedicated working group. 

Mr Liu said that the TWG was putting forward various enhancement measures in phases. With the full support of the ATMB of the CAAC, the CAD will continue to actively promote these measures and, in accordance with the direction of the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the GBA, further strengthen and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. 

Mr Liu continued his itinerary in Macao today (September 18). He paid a visit to Macau International Airport in the morning before departing for Hong Kong at noon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Buildings Department approved four building plans in July, with one in Kowloon and three in the New Territories.

     Of the approved plans, one was for an apartment development, one was for a commercial development, and two were for community services developments.

     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 16 building projects which, when completed, will provide 118 275 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 2 216 units, and 44 053 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notifications of commencement of superstructure works for nine building projects.

     The department also issued 17 occupation permits, with three on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and 11 in the New Territories.

     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 179 523 sq m involving 2 391 units, and 32 713 sq m was for non-domestic use.

     The declared cost of new buildings completed in July totalled about $11.2 billion.

     In addition, four demolition consents were issued.

     The department received 2 773 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in July and issued 705 removal orders on UBWs.

     The full version of the Monthly Digest for July can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).