Month: March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

To further enhancing aviation safety, the Civil Aviation Department today issued new regulations with immediate effect, allowing each air passenger to carry on board a maximum of two lithium battery power banks, and strictly prohibiting recharging of the devices during the flight.

In view of the latest requirements announced by the International Civil Aviation Organization regarding the carriage and in flight use of lithium battery power banks by air passengers, the department today issued an advisory circular to airlines operating at Hong Kong International Airport to update the relevant requirements and regulations applicable to all passengers departing from there.

The department said it has co-ordinated with airlines and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the new requirements.

Passengers are advised to check with the relevant airlines for the latest regulations before their flight. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Security Bureau said a Hong Kong resident earlier detained for illegal work in Myanmar was rescued and transferred to Thailand yesterday, and will return to Hong Kong as soon as possible.

The bureau’s dedicated task force received a request for assistance earlier.

The bureau immediately liaised with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok (Bangkok ETO), as well as the relevant Thai authorities, and launched a joint rescue operation promptly.

Representatives of the Hong Kong SAR Government arrived in Thailand yesterday to follow up on the incident.

Yesterday, the dedicated task force arranged for the Hong Kong resident to meet his family in Thailand once he was in good mental and physical condition.

The Hong Kong resident said he felt like he was experiencing a horror movie in the past few days and thanked the task force members for visiting Thailand to save him from detention.

Pleased with the reunion, his family members commended the speedy and effective rescue mission.

The dedicated task force members will make arrangements for the Hong Kong resident’s return to the city as soon as possible, and will continue to follow up on investigating his case.

While in Thailand, the dedicated task force met the Commander of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, Central Investigation Bureau of Royal Thai Police, to discuss the support arrangements for the Hong Kong resident after his rescue.

The dedicated task force also met personnel from the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand to thank them for their continued efforts on the case, as well as their appropriate and practicable assistance for the individual and his family.

In addition, the dedicated task force had a meeting with officials of the Bangkok ETO to learn about the latest local situation.

The bureau thanked various parties including the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR, the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of Thailand, the Bangkok ETO, as well as the relevant Thai authorities, for their support and assistance, resulting in a prompt and smooth operation.

Since 2024 to date, law enforcement agencies have received a total of 32 request-for-assistance cases in relation to Hong Kong residents alleged to have been detained in Southeast Asian countries and not being able to leave.

Apart from the above-mentioned case, 28 of them have already returned to Hong Kong and two needed no further assistance and follow-up.

The bureau stressed that its dedicated task force will continue to actively follow up on the remaining request-for-assistance case and provide appropriate advice and practicable assistance to the assistance seeker and their family.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Correctional Services Department today announced that an IT system security incident involving illegal access to one of its IT systems maintaining staff personal data was found on Tuesday, however there was no evidence indicating that relevant data had been leaked or disclosed.

The department immediately reported the incident to Police. 

After a preliminary investigation, the department believes that the incident involved illegal access to the internal Knowledge Management System by a hacker, through which the hacker then illegally accessed another IT system maintaining the personal data of its staff. 

 

Relevant data included the names, genders, dates of birth, academic qualifications, information of employment history in the department and email addresses of about 6,800 serving and departing staff.

 

The department took immediate action after the incident, including isolating the internal Knowledge Management System, notifying users to change passwords, thoroughly reviewing all systems under the department’s purview and activating back-up procedures, as well as requesting the outsourced service provider to commence an investigation. 

 

Apart from reporting the incident to Police, the department has also reported it to the Security Bureau, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) and the Digital Policy Office (DPO).

 

The department added that although there is no evidence indicating that relevant data has been leaked, it has started informing all possibly affected individuals of the situation for prudence sake. In case of suspicious circumstances, they should report to Police as soon as possible.

 

The department is very concerned about the incident and is consulting the PCPD and the DPO, with a view to conducting a comprehensive review of the incident and taking further enhancement measures for personal data protection to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, accompanied by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park in the Loop) in the Northern Metropolis (NM) today (March 27).

     Ms Linn and a representative of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office first introduced the overall planning and latest development of the NM, as well as the adoption of multipronged measures to accelerate the development and attract investment.
 
     Afterwards, the delegation visited the wet laboratory buildings in the Hong Kong Park in the Loop, which were officially inaugurated in December last year, and was briefed by Professor Sun on the Park’s overall planning, industrial layout and progress in attracting enterprises and investment.

     Mr Chan said that the visit allows the Prime Minister of Singapore and his delegation to gain a deeper understanding of the overall planning and future development direction of the Northern Metropolis, and to learn about the potential investment and collaboration opportunities it offers to the Singaporean business community and enterprises. The visit also further enhances exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Singapore.

     He also noted that the Hong Kong Park of the Loop is one of the four major co-operation platforms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It is set to develop into a world-class technological innovation hub connecting the Mainland and the international community, as well as an important source for the country to foster new quality productive forces. He looks forward to more co-operation between Singapore and Hong Kong in areas such as innovation and technology, talent exchange and industrial collaboration, jointly promoting regional innovation and technology development.

     The delegation members from Singapore include Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms Sim Ann; Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Low Yen Ling; and Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development, Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 26) detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $900,000.

A female passenger, aged 25, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds in her carry-on baggage. The woman was subsequently arrested.

The arrested woman has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 28).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

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 Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong dissatisfaction with misleading information and generalised descriptions by certain foreign organisations, politicians, anti-China organisations and media regarding the amended implementation rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR.

In a statement issued tonight, the Hong Kong SAR Government made solemn clarifications to set the record straight, particularly concerning Schedule 1 of the rules.

It reiterated that the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR conform with the Basic Law, including its human rights provisions, as well as the relevant requirements under the Hong Kong National Security Law.

The amendment rules are designed to enhance the powers and measures available to law enforcement authorities of the Hong Kong SAR when handling cases involving offences that endanger national security.

They set out stringent requirements specifying the precise circumstances under which these powers may be exercised.

The rules also incorporate mechanisms that place the Judiciary in a gatekeeping role. This ensures that while law enforcement can effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security, the lawful rights of individuals and organisations remain adequately protected under Articles 4 and 5 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that under the amended Schedule 1, police officers must have reasonable grounds to suspect that an electronic equipment device contains evidence of a national security offence. In such cases, they must obtain a warrant from a magistrate before conducting a search for criminal evidence.

Only after receiving legal authorisation to search a device may the Police require a specified person to provide a password or decryption method.

Consequently, the Police cannot compel the disclosure of such access information until a formal search warrant has been granted.

The Government clarified that the Police do not have the power to randomly demand electronic devices, such as mobile phones or their passwords from citizens on the street. The requirement for a specified person to provide a password or decryption method is strictly for the purpose of carrying out a legally authorised search.

The Hong Kong SAR Government further stated that the amended Schedule 1 of the implementation rules is consistent with Article 30 of the Basic Law, which protects the freedom and privacy of communication, and Article 14 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, which safeguards privacy correspondence.

It was also noted that many common law jurisdictions have similar provisions for investigations. These include the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in the UK, Australia’s Crimes Act 1914, New Zealand’s Search & Surveillance Act 2012 and Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code 2010. Similarly, the US federal and state governments authorise law enforcement agencies to require decryption assistance under specified circumstances.

The Government noted that the Court of Appeal has previously affirmed the authority of Police to apply for a magistrate’s warrant to search electronic equipment. Prior to the recent update, Schedule 1 of the Implementation Rules already empowered officers to conduct such searches upon obtaining a court-approved warrant.

The current amendments merely extend this power by allowing officers to require specified persons to provide decryption methods. This ensures that legally authorised searches can be conducted swiftly, reducing the risk of critical evidence being lost or other suspects remaining unidentified due to decryption delays.

These measures do not constitute any additional interference with the freedom or privacy of communication, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.

It said emphasised that law enforcement actions are taken strictly based on evidence and in accordance with the law. Such actions target the specific acts of the persons or entities concerned, and are entirely unrelated to their political stance, background or occupation.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it will continue to resolutely safeguard national security. It remains dedicated to preventing, suppressing and punishing acts that endanger national security in accordance with the law, while simultaneously upholding the rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong people.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, will be able to return to their units in batches to collect personal belongings from April 20 to May 4, the Government announced today.

Outlining the arrangements at a media session, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, who heads the Task Force on Emergency Support & Fund-Raising, stated that the blocks will be opened in three rounds over 15 days.

Wang Sun House will be the first to open, from April 20 to 22, to test and refine the return process.

Thereafter, Wang Yan House will be opened from April 23 to 25; Wang Cheong House from April 23 to 28; Wang Tao House from April 26 to 28; Wang Kin House from April 29 to May 1; Wang Tai House from April 29 to May 4; and Wan Shing House from May 2 to 4.

Entry limits per unit are based on structural safety. A maximum of four residents may enter together, while those in cordoned-off areas are restricted to two. For severely damaged units, only one resident is permitted to enter at a time.

Residents may stay in their units for up to three hours per visit. Two daily sessions have been scheduled: a morning session from 9am to 1pm, and an afternoon session from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

To ensure a smooth flow of people and mitigate risks, units on each floor will be opened on a staggered basis, both horizontally and vertically.

Under the “one social worker per household” service, social workers will notify families of their assigned time slots, assist with pre-registration and provide guidance notes. They will also brief residents on the current condition of their units before they enter.

On the scheduled day, pre-registered individuals will be accompanied by their assigned social workers to complete registration at Kwong Fuk Community Hall before proceeding to their units.

For safety, residents must wear helmets, protective gloves and face masks when entering the estate and going upstairs.

Police officers or Civil Aid Service (CAS) members will accompany residents during their ascent, as well as while they are inside their homes. For units involving fatalities or residents with special needs, the Social Welfare Department will arrange dedicated personnel to provide support.

Security will be maintained by police officers stationed at main and rear entrances, stairwells and on every floor.

Additionally, a multi-disciplinary team – comprising social workers, clinical psychologists, civil servants and CAS members – will be on standby across different floors to provide immediate assistance.

Mr Cheuk noted that as the lifts in the affected blocks are out of service, walking up the stairs will be physically demanding. He urged residents to consider their physical condition and act within their limits.  

He also said over 1,000 colleagues from Police, the Housing Department, the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department and the CAS, as well as civil servants mobilised by the Civil Service Bureau, will help carry out daily arrangements.

“The current arrangements are made after repeated discussion and are reasonable and justified. We urge residents to follow the assigned times so that all households can return to collect their belongings as soon as possible.” 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee met Singapore’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, at Government House today, during which they exchanged views on further strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Singapore.

Welcoming the visiting delegation, Mr Lee said he was pleased to meet the prime minister in Hong Kong, following their attendance at the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Hainan yesterday.

Mr Lee expressed his support for Mr Wong’s remarks at the conference, noting that both Hong Kong and Singapore actively champion free trade and multilateralism. He added that both sides support international organisations, including the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, while opposing unilateralism and protectionism.

The Chief Executive also highlighted Singapore’s long-standing contribution to Asia’s development and prosperity. He said both sides would continue to deepen co-operation to create more opportunities for the region.

Mr Lee thanked Singapore for its continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, adding that Hong Kong remains committed to promoting regional co-operation and economic synergy.

Noting the long-standing and frequent exchanges between the two cities, Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong and Singapore continue to learn from each other to enhance public policy quality. This is facilitated through regular civil service exchanges activities, such as the Singapore-Hong Kong Permanent Secretaries Exchange Programme.

The Chief Executive expressed his desire to further broaden and deepen collaboration in trade, tourism, civil service exchanges and people-to-people ties.

Turning to domestic development, he pointed out that the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports the expedited development of the Northern Metropolis (NM). As a new engine for the city’s future, the NM offers immense economic value and development potential.

The Hong Kong Park at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone commenced operations late last year and is being transformed into an international innovation hub. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is accelerating the development of the NM, with a special focus on the construction of the Hetao Hong Kong Park.

Welcoming Mr Wong’s visit to the park this afternoon, Mr Lee encouraged Singaporean enterprises to establish a presence in both the NM and the Hetao Hong Kong Park. He invited participation in commercial development and innovation and technology, highlighting the vast opportunities and broader scope for collaboration.

Leveraging its unique strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong remains closely connected to the world while enjoying strong support from the motherland. Mr Lee reiterated that the city will actively serve as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, assisting Singaporean firms in tapping into the Mainland market and creating new avenues for investors and enterprises.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan and a number of principal officials also attended the meeting.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Housing Bureau today announced that a dedicated website relating to the long-term housing arrangement plan for owners of flats at Wang Fuk Court has been launched. It will provide a one-stop platform for owners to access the latest news and information about the plan.

The website provides detailed information about the Special Sales Exercise, including the number of flats involved and size distributions in each project. It also provides information about the engagement team.

In addition, the website sets out frequently asked questions along with the Government’s responses to facilitate understanding among residents and the community.

The Housing Bureau will update the website in a timely manner to assist Wang Fuk Court owners in clearly understanding the specific details of the plan.

The Government announced the long-term housing arrangement plan at the end of last month. It covers the acquisition of titles from the owners of flats in Blocks A to G of Wang Fuk Court. A total of 3,900 flats under the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society have been reserved under the Special Sales Exercise for owners who have sold their titles so that they may purchase or participate through the “Flat for Flat” arrangement.

Since March 2, the engagement team, comprising more than 100 members co-ordinated by the Housing Bureau, has been directly engaging with owners to clearly explain the Government’s acquisition of titles and other aspects of the pan, and to promptly address owners’ questions.

Wang Fuk Court owners should call 2129 8133 for enquiries.