Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (September 28) that Middle Bay Beach in Southern District, which was temporarily closed earlier due to Super Typhoon Ragasa, has reopened.

Together with the 11 gazetted beaches that have reopened (including South Bay Beach, Lido Beach, Approach Beach, Butterfly Beach, Golden Beach, Kadoorie Beach, Anglers’ Beach, Casam Beach, Ting Kau Beach, Tai Po Lung Mei Beach and Pui O Beach), a total of 12 gazetted beaches are open for public use.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks made by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (September 28):
 
Reporter: As the Government is rolling out new cancer screening programmes, including hepatitis B, how many people are expected to benefit from the schemes? Is there a timetable for that? Also, as the scheme has a co-payment platform, how many per cent would be paid by the people themselves? Can you elaborate more on how AI can be utilised in this cancer screening programme?
  
Secretary for Health: In the Policy Address this year, the Chief Executive has announced that we will initiate some other cancer screening programmes, including using the study of artificial intelligence for the screening of lung cancer, which is in fact the number one cancer in Hong Kong. And also hepatitis B, which is the most common cause for liver cancer in Hong Kong – accounting for over 80 per cent of the cases, will also be included in the programme. The other thing is about the HPV virus – the human papillomavirus – screening for cervical cancer. These are the three programmes we will be rolling out in addition to the existing ones for collateral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings. 

     Regarding the platform we will be using, for hepatitis B, for example, we will be incorporating it into our existing Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme, which is at present targeting at patients with high blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol level. We will be using the same platform and the same kind of model for co-care, and following the same situation. The percentage of subsidy of co-care will be roughly in “half-half”, that is the concept we are going forward. 

     For individual cancer screening progamme, this is a study which will be commissioned with a university. As we figure out that for cancer screening, it requires radiology most of the time. Low dose CT scan is the existing screening modality. We will be targeting at certain high-risk groups, for example, those with family history of lung cancer. These are not the smoking-related squamous cell carcinoma. We are targeting at the more recent rising incidence of adenocarcinoma of lung. We will identify high-risk groups for screening, and it will be a commissioned project, which we will start likely at the beginning of 2026.

For hepatitis B screening, we will be targeting at the high-risk population as well. These are the family members of known chronic hepatitis B carriers. As you may know, we have already initiated the universal hepatitis B vaccination for all newborns since 1988, so people who are born after 1988 would have received vaccinations. The chronic carrier rate is very low, under one per cent. On the other hand, for those born before 1988, they may not have received vaccination. In fact, the chronic carrier rate is still at the region of about 7.8 per cent. We estimate there will still be roughly over 400 000 chronic hepatitis B carriers, and 40 per cent of them are yet known – they don’t know that they are carriers themselves. The most common population among those are the family members, so these are the targets that we are looking at, and that will be the programme we will be rolling out.

Reporter: Do you have an estimation like how many people are targeted for the hepatitis B screening?

Secretary for Health: For hepatitis B carriers, among the chronic carriers, we have roughly estimated that there are about 700 000 family members, and roughly about 40 per cent are eligible for screening, so we will be looking at the region of about 300 000 people. We will go by phases, and initially will be targeting at this high-risk population.

Reporter: Is there a target time for that?

Secretary for Health: We will be announcing the programme within this year, and we will be definitely incorporating it into our Chronic Disease Co-Care Platform, in which existing ones are screenings for hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. We will be mobilising our District Health Centres, all general medical practitioners and family doctors in the community, and that will help us build up a platform incorporating these parties, building up a concept of “Family Doctor for all”. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (September 27) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Sha Tin.

     Lam Choi-mui, aged 73, went missing after she left her residence in Foo Wo House, Wo Che Estate yesterday (September 26) morning. Her family made a report to Police today.

     She is about 1.55 metres tall, around 60 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed-face with yellow complexion and long white hair. She was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved shirt, black trousers, black shoes, carrying a red bag and an umbrella.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 9689 6212 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Housing Department (HD) today (September 27) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent email purportedly issued by the HD. The email concerned showed the sender address “heplan_no_reply@housingauthority.gov.hk”, but it was not delivered by the HD.
 
     The HD has recently been informed by a company that it had received an email displaying the aforementioned sender address from a person who claimed to be a staff member of the HD requesting for the financial information of the company. The email included suspicious hyperlinks and attachments.
 
     The HD clarifies that the email was not issued by the department. It has reported the case to the Police for further investigation.
 
     Members of the public are reminded to stay vigilant to suspicious emails and not to disclose any sensitive information, click any suspicious hyperlinks or download any attachments. Those who suspect they have been scammed should contact the Police.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong:

The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB) announced a series of measures to enhance the regulation of the veterinary practice of the registered veterinary surgeons (RVSs) and veterinary services in Hong Kong today (September 27).
 
The VSB has been closely monitoring public opinions in enhancing veterinary services. As the statutory body responsible for the regulation, registration, and disciplinary control of professional activities of RVSs, the VSB is committed to ensuring that veterinary services in Hong Kong are maintained at a high standard. After carefully gauging stakeholders’ views, referencing practices from other regions, and balancing the needs of all parties, the VSB has introduced the following specific measures:

(1) Increasing the transparency of veterinary profession and enhancing the disciplinary inquiry arrangement
 

• Extending publication periods of disciplinary orders: The VSB has extended the periods of publication of disciplinary orders made after March 26, 2025. The publication period for orders involving removal of names from the register of RVSs has been extended from one year to three years; and that for other orders, from one year to two years (both with the RVSs’ names published). As regards publication of orders in an anonymised manner for educational purposes, the period has been extended from three years to indefinitely;

 

• Providing guidance for disciplinary inquiries: A set of Inquiry Committee Guidance Manual has been compiled for reference by inquiry committees when adjudicating disciplinary inquiries against RVSs;

 

• Mandating display of veterinarians’ full names at clinics and name identification in medical records: RVSs (including locum RVSs) must display their full names prominently at the entrances or within the waiting areas of the clinics at which they practise. Additionally, the treating RVSs should be identified by name in the medical records of all consultations and procedures; and

 

• Enhancing the reporting requirements for practising addresses: RVSs (including locum RVSs) are required to report their current regular or most regular practising addresses, enabling public access to current addresses at which RVSs primarily practise.

 
(2) Strengthening the regulation of the profession and public education
 

• Introducing requirements on the use of complementary/alternative treatments and substances: RVSs must ensure that the use of complementary or alternative treatments and substances is in the animals’ best interest and would yield equal or better results than the sole use of the available conventional treatments or medications for the condition concerned;

 

• Introducing requirements on governing the use of telemedicine in veterinary practice: No veterinary service shall be provided using remote means of communication, unless the veterinary surgeon has conducted a physical examination of the animal within the preceding six months that reasonably suffices to enable the veterinary service to be provided without a further physical examination of the animal;

 

• Suggested items in seeking clients’ consent: A suggested items checklist was published for reference of the veterinary profession in seeking clients’ consent in treatment and care of animals; and

 

• Enhancing publicity of the types of veterinary service: Enhancing public education and publicity to help animal owners distinguish between general and specialised veterinary practices, enabling them to make informed choices about the services they need.

 
(3) Increasing understanding of the current situation and need for regulating the veterinary nursing profession
 

• Survey on the veterinary nursing profession in Hong Kong: The VSB has launched a survey on the veterinary nursing professionin August this year, aiming to gather demographic information from RVSs, veterinary nursing practitioners (such as veterinary nurses, veterinary assistants, and veterinary technicians), as well as clinic owners. Information collected includes the number of practitioners engaged in veterinary nursing, their qualifications, areas of work, and their perspectives on regulation of the veterinary nursing profession. Based on analysis of the survey findings and with reference to the situations of the profession in Hong Kong and abroad, the VSB will explore the feasibility of establishing a regulatory framework for veterinary nursing practitioners.

Part of the above measures involve amendments to the Code of Practice for the Guidance of Registered Veterinary Surgeons and the Rules of the Veterinary Surgeons Board (Registration of Veterinary Surgeons). The VSB notified RVSs of the amendments in late August this year. The amendments will take effect from September 29, 2025 and will be available on the VSB’s website (www.vsbhk.org.hk/english/rules/relevant.html). RVSs should read through and acquaint themselves thoroughly with the amendments thereby avoiding the danger of inadvertently transgressing accepted codes of professional ethical behaviour which may lead to disciplinary actions.
 
The VSB will continue to listen to views from various sectors of the community; and safeguard the health and welfare of animals and interests of animal owners, through the development and improvement of professional standards and registration of veterinary surgeons.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (September 29) to deepen collaboration, which will inject new impetus into the sustainable development of correctional services and the promotion of talent training.

     Witnessed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, and the Chairman of the VTC, Mr Tony Tai, the MOU was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), Mr Ng Chiu-kok, and the Executive Director of the VTC, Mr Donald Tong.

     The MOU establishes a collaboration framework between the CSD and the VTC to jointly explore innovative development initiatives in multiple areas over the next three years. These include researching the application of new energy in correctional work; introducing innovative design concepts and technological elements to promote rehabilitation work and community and crime prevention education; and providing VTC students with diverse learning experiences to gain professional knowledge and practical skills in correctional work, preparing them for future careers in related professions. The collaboration not only provides VTC students with valuable learning opportunities but also enhances synergy between the CSD and the VTC and their collaboration in talent training and vocational and professional education and training (VPET), jointly nurturing more competitive professionals to meet Hong Kong’s long-term development needs.

     In his speech, Mr Wong said that the CSD has been seeking collaboration with various professional institutions to foster cross-sector innovation. The signing of the MOU will contribute to the sustainable development of correctional work and the enhancement of custodial work, rehabilitation work and community and crime prevention education. In addition, the CSD and the VTC will work more closely in talent training and VPET to nurture more professional talent for the CSD and Hong Kong, contributing to society.

     Mr Tai said that as the largest VPET provider in Hong Kong, the VTC is committed to providing high-quality and up-to-date pre-employment and in-service training to equip young people and working adults with the latest knowledge and skills. He expressed gratitude to the CSD for its continuous support for the VTC and VPET. The signing of the MOU marks a new milestone in the collaboration between both parties in the field of VPET. He firmly believes that the collaboration will not only benefit VTC students, persons in custody and CSD staff but will also bring long-term benefits to Hong Kong society.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, convened the first working meeting of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis today (September 29), focusing on discussing and guiding the future directions and strategies of the three working groups to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis. The three working groups will commence work as soon as possible and fully advance the accelerated development of Northern Metropolis according to the instructions given.
 
Mr Lee stated at the meeting that the Northern Metropolis possesses unique geographical advantages, with its land area and planned population intake accounting for about one-third of Hong Kong’s total. It serves as a new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development, possessing enormous development potential and economic value. It will create many jobs, increase income and enhance Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness. He emphasised that expediting the high-efficiency development of the Northern Metropolis is an urgent and strategic priority for Hong Kong’s future development. The Government must spare no effort to seize development opportunities, advance Hong Kong’s economy towards a new phase of high value-added growth and strong competitiveness.
 
Mr Lee pointed out that over the past three years, the Government has formulated development plans as well as accelerated construction for the Northern Metropolis. The main purpose of establishing the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, personally led by him, is to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development, streamline administrative procedures, remove barriers, break through bottlenecks, and adopt new thinking to achieve construction goals that are safe, cost-effective, and time-saving. The Committee also aims to enact dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis.
 
The 2025 Policy Address announced the establishment of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, under which three working groups would be set up. The Committee seeks to strengthen supervision and promote the development of the Northern Metropolis at full steam, focusing on advancing dedicated legislation, facilitating industry and enterprise establishment, finalising development strategies for the Northern Metropolis University Town, and expediting the approval and implementation of land and construction projects. The Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis is chaired by the Chief Executive. The three working groups are the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models, led by the Financial Secretary, responsible for designing development and operation models tailored to the nature and scale of each designated development area in the Northern Metropolis; the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, which specialises in researching the development model for the Northern Metropolis University Town; and the Working Group on Planning and Development, led by the Deputy Financial Secretary, which is tasked with managing the whole process from planning to execution.
 
Mr Lee also directed the three working groups to convene meetings and commence work as soon as possible, report detailed work plans to the Committee, and formulate plans for matters that can be advanced in the short term.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To facilitate the holding of flag-raising ceremonies on October 1 in celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of People’s Republic of China, the Police will implement special traffic arrangements in phases in Wan Chai North, Central and Tin Hau from early hours of September 30.

A. Road closure

     The following roads will be closed, except for authorised vehicles:

(I) From 0.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1:

– Expo Drive;
– Expo Drive Central;
– Expo Drive East;
– The slip road leading from Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel to Expo Drive; and
– Eastbound Lung Wo Road between the Wan Chai portal of Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel and Fleming Road.

(II) From 5.30am to 1pm on October 1:

– Westbound Lung Wo Road between the Wan Chai portal of Central-Wan Chai Bypass and Expo Drive East; and
– Lung Tat Path.
 
(III) From 6am to 8am on October 1:

– Lung Wo Road between Edinburgh Place and Tim Wa Avenue.

(IV) From 6.30am to 7.30am on October 1:

– Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lai Yin Lane.

B. Traffic diversions

During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

(I) From 0.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1:

– Traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road heading for Fleming Road and Hung Hing Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Hop Street, and those heading for Island Eastern Corridor should enter eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel via eastbound Lung Wo Road;
– Traffic turning right from northbound Lung Hop Street can only enter eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel via eastbound Lung Wo Road; and
– Traffic from Central heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via Man Po Street, eastbound Yiu Sing Street and eastbound Lung Wo Road.

(II) From 5.30am to 1pm on October 1:

     Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading for westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Fleming Road, northbound Fleming Road, westbound Harbour Road, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street and northbound Lung Hop Street.

(III) From 6am to 8am on October 1:

– Traffic along eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Edinburgh Place;
– Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Tim Wa Avenue;
– Traffic along eastbound Harcourt Road cannot enter Tim Wa Avenue; and
– Traffic along southbound Tim Wa Avenue cannot make a U-turn to northbound Tim Wa Avenue.

(IV) From 6.30am to 7.30am on October 1:

     Traffic along westbound Causeway Road must proceed straight ahead.

C. Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

     The metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive, and the on-street parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive East will be suspended from 0.01am on September 30 to 1pm on October 1.

     All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lin Fa Kung Street West will be suspended from 10pm on September 30 to 8am on October 1.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

     The Police will implement appropriate arrangements, subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of police officers on site.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met China Media Group (CMG) President and Editor-in-Chief Shen Haixiong at Government House to exchange views on strengthening co-operation in the field of communications.

Mr Shen is leading a delegation to Hong Kong to attend a ceremony marking the deepening of co-operation between CMG and various sectors in the city.

Welcoming Mr Shen and his delegation, Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to CMG for supporting the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continually.

Noting that CMG’s countrywide broadcasting services wield extensive influence both domestically and internationally, the Chief Executive said its diverse range of news reports and programmes enables Hong Kong citizens to better understand the country’s history and development, enhancing their sense of national identity.

​Mr Lee also outlined that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having national and global opportunities. The reshaping of the global trade order prompts Mainland enterprises to shift from concentrating on a single market towards proactively tapping into emerging markets.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will further enhance Hong Kong’s role in “bringing in and going global”, especially serving as a platform for overseas expansion, and deepening international exchanges and co-operation to better integrate into overall national development.

Hong Kong will deepen co-operation with CMG by leveraging its international communication network to jointly tell the world good stories of China and Hong Kong, and contribute to the country’s high-quality development.

​Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong will, for the first time, co-host the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games with Guangdong and Macau this year.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to closely collaborate with CMG to present audiences with a variety of exciting competitions and athletes’ sportsmanship, he added.

Director of Information Services Apollonia Liu also attended the meeting.