Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Spanish award-winning multimedia theatre “Laika” to grace LCSD’s “Cheers!” Series in January next year Each performance will be followed by a meet-the-artist session (conducted in Spanish with Cantonese and English interpretation). Members of the audience are welcome to stay behind to join.Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
CSSA caseload for November 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CSSA caseload for November 2025
The total CSSA caseload at the end of November stood at 193 962 (see attached table), with a total of 256 425 recipients.
Analysed by case nature, unemployment cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 2.2 per cent to 15 345 cases. Single parent cases dropped by 0.7 per cent to 18 113 cases.
Ill-health cases registered an increase of 0.6 per cent to 28 011 cases. Both old age cases and low-earnings cases increased by 0.2 per cent to 110 891 cases and 1 281 cases respectively. Permanent disability cases remained steady at 16 406 cases.
Issued at HKT 17:00
NNNN
Hong Kong Customs detects first drug trafficking case involving underwater compartment of ocean-going vessel and seizes suspected cocaine worth about $256 million (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
​Hong Kong Customs, in a joint operation with Mainland Customs anti-smuggling departments, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department, detected its first drug trafficking case where an underwater compartment of an ocean-going vessel was used for drug concealment. During the operation on November 5 in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong Customs officers seized about 417 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value about $256 million and arrested two men.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs identified an ocean-going vessel and suspected that criminals were utilising its underwater hull structure to conceal drugs, and thereby formulated enforcement actions. On November 5, the ocean-going vessel that departed from Brazil was selected for underwater inspection, and 11 bags of suspected cocaine, weighing about 417kg in total, were found in an underwater compartment. After a follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs officers arrested two men, aged 45 and 37, who were suspected of being involved in the case in Tsing Yi.
The two arrested men have been released pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Hong Kong Customs will step up enforcement action to resolutely combat different kinds of drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Hong Kong Customs’ 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Traffic and public transport arrangements upon commissioning of Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) (with photos / video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Transport Department (TD) said today (December 16) that, upon the commissioning of the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) (CKB (YMT Section)), respective traffic and public transport arrangements will be implemented.
Traffic arrangements
The CKB (YMT Section) connects Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon and the Kai Tak Interchange in East Kowloon. At the Yau Ma Tei end, there are seven entrances and exits. Motorists can travel to and from Tsim Sha Tsui, the Western Harbour Crossing, Tai Kok Tsui or Kwai Chung via Hoi Po Road, West Kowloon Highway and Lin Cheung Road. At the Kai Tak end, the eight entrances and exits enable motorists to travel to and from Kai Tak, Kowloon Bay, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal or Kwun Tong via Shing Kai Road, Kai Cheung Road and Kai Fuk Road (see details in Annex 1). Upon its commissioning, it will divert the traffic along the existing major east-west corridors in Kowloon and alleviate the traffic congestion during peak hours.
Appropriate traffic signs and road markings have been put in place on relevant road sections to guide motorists to enter and exit the Bypass for various destinations. The TD appealed to motorists to heed traffic signs on-site and drive carefully when passing through road sections concerned, and reduce speed and be courteous when approaching the new merging points.
Public transport arrangements
From December 22 (Monday), the first working day upon commissioning, a total of eight bus routes, comprising three new routes and adjusting five existing routes, will provide services via the CKB (YMT Section) during peak hours on Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays):
| Three new routes via Bypass | Adjusting five existing routes to run through Bypass |
|
|
The above franchised bus routes plying via the CKB (YMT Section) will provide convenience for passengers across various districts. While journey times of travelling between East and West Kowloon will be significantly shortened, as the Bypass connects with the West Kowloon Highway, travelling times of long-haul bus routes operating between East Kowloon and New Territories West (including Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan) will be substantially reduced, improving their efficiency.
In the initial period upon the commissioning of the CKB (YMT Section), as motorists may take time to adapt to new road sections, it is anticipated that traffic may be busier during various periods. The TD urged motorists to refer to the driving videos of different driving routes set out in the driving guide and the TD’s YouTube channel playlist, and choose appropriate routes for their journeys subject to actual traffic conditions.
A spokesman for the TD said, “The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will closely monitor the traffic condition of the CKB (YMT Section) upon commissioning, including the traffic flow and public transport services of road sections connecting the existing road network and trunk roads across the territory. Motorists, transport trades and the public should plan ahead their journeys, and reserve time to adapt to new routes and adjust their commuting habits.”
The TD also reminds passengers to refer to the notices, websites or mobile apps of bus operators to take note of the new arrangements of the routes plying via the CKB (YMT Section), as well as their bus stop locations and service hours. The TD has steered bus operators to closely monitor the operations of these routes and reserve standby vehicles and manpower to meet passenger demand. The TD will continue to proactively discuss with bus operators any additional routes or adjustment to existing ones to make better use of the capacity of the Bypass for the benefit of more passengers.
The Government has briefed District Councils concerned and stakeholders on the above arrangements, including distributing pamphlets to District Council members, district personalities, neighbouring housing estates and schools, relevant motoring associations and public transport operators on various driving routes. The Highways Department and the TD have stepped up publicity since December to remind motorists about the new arrangements via large banners, tunnel broadcasts, variable message signs on major roads and electronic parking meters in the districts in phases.
Members of the public may refer to the TD’s webpage on CKB (YMT Section) and the HKeMobility mobile app for details of the traffic and transport arrangements. They should also heed the latest traffic news through radio and TV broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) and the HKeMobility.
Thematic Household Survey Report No. 83 published
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Thematic Household Survey Report No. 83 published
This publication contains key findings on enforcement of maintenance orders based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from April to August 2024.
The survey results showed that 432 300 persons aged 16 and over had ever been divorced/separated at the time of enumeration, constituting 6.9% of all persons aged 16 and over in Hong Kong. It should be noted that the number of persons who had ever been divorced/separated might be subject to under-reporting because some of the target respondents may not be willing to reveal that they had ever been divorced/separated. Data users are reminded to interpret the related figures with caution.
Of the 432 300 ever divorced/separated persons, the majority (344 500 persons or 79.7%) had neither applied nor intended to apply for a maintenance order, of whom 10 900 persons had a maintenance agreement with their ex-spouse for receiving maintenance. The most commonly cited reason for the remaining 333 600 persons not doing so was “no such need” (44.2%). On the other hand, 83 500 persons (19.3%) had applied for a maintenance order from the court at the time of enumeration, while 4 300 persons (1.0%) intended to do so.
Among the 83 500 ever divorced/separated persons who had applied for a maintenance order, the great majority (77 900 persons or 93.3%) were successful in obtaining the maintenance order, while 3.4% were not successful. Results for the remaining 3.3% were not yet known. Coupled with 10 900 persons who had a maintenance agreement with their ex-spouse for receiving maintenance, there were 88 800 ever divorced/separated persons receiving maintenance at the time of enumeration.
Among the abovementioned 88 800 persons, there were 35 200 persons receiving a nominal maintenance of $1 from their ex-spouse or awaiting the court’s ruling on the mode of maintenance payment. More than half (51.8%) of the remaining 53 600 ever divorced/separated persons receiving maintenance were able to receive the maintenance payment in full, including those who had received a lump sum maintenance payment or periodic maintenance payments on time during the 12 months before enumeration.
Other information
The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453
Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5103 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30
NNNN
Unemployment and underemployment statistics for September – November 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for September – November 2025) released today (December 16) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.8% in September – November 2025, same as that in August – October 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6% in the two periods.
Comparing September – November 2025 with August – October 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 2 800 from 3 672 700 in August – October 2025 to 3 669 900 in September – November 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 8 000 from 3 822 300 to 3 814 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 5 200 from 149 600 in August – October 2025 to 144 400 in September – November 2025. The number of underemployed persons in September – November 2025 was 60 900, about the same as that in August – October 2025 (60 800).
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.8% in September – November 2025, same as that in the preceding three-month period. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, and the number of unemployed persons also decreased further.”
Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, “The solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy and the improving consumer confidence should continue to render support to the overall labour market. Yet, the employment situations in some sectors may remain under pressure as their businesses face challenges.”
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for September – November 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 69 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of September to November 2025.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter July – September 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter October – December 2025 will be available by end February 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Communications Authority grants consent to CMHK to cease its 2G services
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Communications Authority grants consent to CMHK to cease its 2G services
Having considered various relevant factors, the CA approved the application pursuant to Special Condition 10.4 of CMHK’s Unified Carrier Licence. These include the very low proportion of customers affected (including customers of 2G pre-paid services, those who are still using 2G handsets/devices for connection to CMHK’s network and those using handsets/devices that do not support VoLTE (Note) function), and CMHK’s provision of support services for the affected customers such as offers to upgrade service plans or to replace handsets/devices. For customers who choose not to continue the service or not to replace their handsets/devices, CMHK will make reasonable service termination arrangements and provide them with sufficient advance notification and customer service support. Moreover, the CA has required CMHK to maintain satisfactory 2G services until the scheduled service cessation date.
CMHK is the last operator to shut down its 2G mobile network and will cease the provision of its 2G services on June 23, 2026. Affected customers may refer to the relevant press release
After the phased shutdown of 2G mobile networks by individual mobile network operators, June 23, 2026, will mark the end of the 2G era in Hong Kong. OFCA takes this opportunity to call for customers of 2G services and those who are still using 2G handsets/devices to upgrade their service plans and handsets/devices before June 23, 2026, to ensure the continuity of their mobile services. OFCA also encourages members of the public to assist their family and friends, especially the elderly, in upgrading their services in order to experience better service quality and more advanced and diversified features provided by the newer generations of mobile services.
Note: VoLTE, which stands for Voice over Long Term Evolution (LTE), is a technology that enables voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network instead of older 2G or 3G networks.
Issued at HKT 16:25
NNNN
Hong Kong and Norway enter into tax pact (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong and Norway enter into tax pact
Mr Hui said, “Norway is an important trading partner of Hong Kong in Northern Europe. This June, I travelled to Norway specifically to discuss with their Ministry of Finance the early conclusion of the CDTA between our two jurisdictions. The Norwegian authorities responded positively, which led to the formal signing of the agreement today, just six months after the trip. The CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Norway, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities and enjoy avoidance of double taxation. It is envisaged that this CDTA will create a more attractive business environment for the two places.
“The HKSAR Government has been committed to promoting international tax co-operation and has achieved significant results. Just this year, we signed a total of four CDTAs with Jordan, Maldives, Norway and Rwanda. The agreement signed today with Norway marks Hong Kong’s 55th CDTA, fully reflecting Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts in expanding its CDTA network.”
In accordance with this CDTA, any tax paid by Hong Kong residents in Norway will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO). Moreover, Norway’s withholding tax rate for Hong Kong residents on dividends, currently at up to 25 per cent, will be reduced to 5 per cent or 15 per cent, depending on the percentage of their shareholdings.
The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the IRO, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting. Details of the CDTA are available on the Inland Revenue Department’s website
Mr Hui added, “During my visits to Slovenia and Poland this year, I also reached consensus with senior financial officials of both countries on CDTA negotiations. The HKSAR Government will continue to deepen tax co-operation with other countries and regions, thereby further enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as an international business and investment hub. We plan to commence CDTA negotiations with Slovenia and Oman early next year. In addition, Hong Kong’s active participation in international efforts to enhance tax transparency and combat tax evasion has been well-recognised. Earlier this year, Hong Kong was successfully removed from the respective ‘tax blacklists’ of Chile, Colombia and Portugal.”
At today’s bilateral meeting, Mr Hui highlighted to Mr Dysvik the strengths of Hong Kong as an international financial and commercial centre, and explored co-operation opportunities between the two sides in the financial sector, including maritime finance, green finance and wealth management.
During his stay in Beijing, Mr Hui also called on the Ministry of Finance to discuss the preparatory work for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 to be held in Hong Kong in October next year. Hosted by the Ministry of Finance, the FMM will be held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government. A dedicated task force led by Mr Hui is responsible for co-ordinating relevant planning and preparatory work.
Mr Hui will return to Hong Kong this evening.
Issued at HKT 15:42
NNNN
Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on January 4, 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Auction of personalised vehicle registration marks to be held on January 4, 2026
“A total of 221 approved PVRMs will be put up for public auction. A list of the marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html
The reserve price of each of these marks is $5,000. Applicants who have paid a deposit of $5,000 should also participate in the bidding (including the first bid at the reserve price). Otherwise, the PVRM concerned may be sold to another bidder at the reserve price.
People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following points:
(1) Bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after a successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser (if the purchaser and the successful bidder are different persons);
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (if the purchaser is a body corporate); and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed. Successful bidders may also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS), but are reminded to note the maximum transfer amount in the same day of the payment card. Payment by post-dated cheque, cash, credit card or other methods will not be accepted.
(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the Memorandum will not be permitted.
(3) A PVRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(4) The display of a PVRM on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 of the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.
(5) Any change to the arrangement of letters, numerals and blank spaces of a PVRM, i.e. single and two rows as auctioned, will not be allowed.
(6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the PVRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the PVRM within 12 months, allocation of the PVRM will be cancelled and arranged for reallocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.
“Upon completion of the Memorandum of Sale of PVRM, the purchaser will be issued a receipt and a Certificate of Allocation of Personalised Registration Mark. The Certificate of Allocation will serve to prove the holdership of the PVRM. Potential buyers of vehicles bearing a PVRM should check the Certificate of Allocation with the sellers and pay attention to the details therein. For transfer of vehicle ownership, this certificate together with other required documents should be sent to the TD for processing,” the spokesman added.
For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of PVRM, which is available at the department’s licensing offices or can be downloaded from its website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/pvrm_auction/index.htmlIssued at HKT 14:34
NNNN
Wet Weather to Continue for Rest of December 2025
Source: Government of Singapore
Singapore, 16 December 2025 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the second fortnight of December 2025, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.
2 The current wet weather is likely to continue for the rest of December 2025. Thundery showers are expected in the afternoon on most days, extending into the evening on some days. The showers could be widespread and heavy on a few of these days. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of December 2025 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.
3 The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days.
4 For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.
REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 DECEMBER 2025)
5 Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of December 2025. During this time, the low-level winds blew mainly from the northwest or northeast.
6 Moderate to heavy thundery showers fell over parts of Singapore on most afternoons. The showers extended into the evening on a few days. On 4 December 2025, heavy thundery showers affected many areas of the island in the afternoon, with the most intense rainfall over the western part of Singapore. The daily total rainfall of 134.2 mm recorded at Jurong West that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of December 2025.
7 The daily maximum temperatures in the first fortnight of December 2025 were between 32 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.5 degree Celsius was recorded at Newton on 5 December 2025.
8 Most parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the first fortnight of December 2025. The area around Jurong Pier registered rainfall of 175 per cent above average, and the area around MacRitchie Reservoir registered rainfall of 7 per cent below average.
CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS
| Long-term Statistics for December (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Average daily maximum temperature: | 30.5 | °C |
| Average daily minimum temperature: | 24.3 | °C |
| Average monthly temperature: | 26.8 | °C |
| Average rainfall: | 331.9 | mm |
| Average number of rain days: | 19 | |
| Historical Extremes for December (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929) |
||
| Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: | 31.6 | °C (2016, 2018) |
| Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: | 21.9 | °C (1933) |
| Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 765.9 | mm (2006) |
| Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 62.5 | mm (1932) |
—————||————–
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE
16 Dec 2025
~~ End ~~
For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.