Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, began his visit to the Xizang Autonomous Region yesterday (May 18).
Upon his arrival in Xizang yesterday, Mr Tse visited the newly developed Lulang Town scenic area and Galai Village in Nyingchi city, with the latter being recognised as the “First Peach Blossom Village”, to learn about their measures and experience in balancing ecological conservation with the development of rural tourism in the natural environment of the plateau. In the evening, he visited a Xizang food exhibition hall to learn about the wide variety of food products produced in Xizang.
Mr Tse and the delegation continued their visit today (May 19). In the morning, they visited the Basum Tso scenic area, which is the first national 5A natural scenic attraction in the Xizang Autonomous Region, to gain a deeper understanding of how the locals protect the ecology of the Xizang plateau.
They then visited the first enterprise in the Xizang Autonomous Region with “export bee product raw material breeding farm” qualification. This enterprise has exported its honey to Hong Kong since early January this year, becoming the first batch of honey products exported from Xizang to Hong Kong. The enterprise representative briefed the delegation on the honey processing and production procedures, as well as its supply situation to Hong Kong.
Mr Tse later arrived in Lhasa and met with the Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, Mr Zhao Peng, to exchange views on issues such as plateau food trade between the two places. Mr Tse said that the Xizang Autonomous Region, which is located on a plateau, yields a rich and diverse range of high-quality agricultural products with huge market potential. Being an international free port and a food trading hub, Hong Kong possesses robust food safety regulations and internationally recognised testing standards, as well as mature logistics and distribution networks. He said he looks forward to more food products from Xizang being supplied to Hong Kong, leveraging the city as a platform for Xizang’s plateau food to go global, thereby contributing to the collaborative development of the food industries and the exploration of new business opportunities for both places.
Mr Tse will continue his visit to the Xizang Autonomous Region tomorrow (May 20).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving cross-boundary private cars In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing private car at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. After inspection, Customs officers found 400 live turtles and 222 live lizards concealed in the false compartment of spare tyre.
In the second case, Customs intercepted an outgoing private car at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port yesterday. After inspection, Customs officers found 27 live turtles and eight turtle eggs concealed under the hood of the vehicle, in which three live turtles and all the turtle eggs were suspected to be scheduled endangered species.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:54
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
District
District The third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering seven survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 12 survey areas. Among which, 14 survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Ho Man Tin in Kowloon City District; Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling, and Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping in Kwun Tong District; Wong Tai Sin West in Wong Tai Sin District; Tai Wai in Sha Tin District; as well as Ma Wan and Sham Tseng in Tsuen Wan District, recorded gravidtrap indexes above 20 per cent.
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in the first half of May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating 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 CF transmission.
Following 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 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, 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 of 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#Issued at HKT 19:38
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department arrests 17 persons during operations targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached conditions of stay During the operations, ImmD investigators raided 21 target locations, including restaurants, retail shops, hair salons, barbecue sites, and industrial and commercial buildings. The arrested nine suspected illegal workers comprised one man and eight women, aged 29 to 50. Among them, two persons were current helpers, three persons were overstaying ex-helpers, three persons were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong, and one person was an imported worker. The suspected illegal workers were found engaging in food and beverage services, grocery shop operations, cleaning duties and hairdressing services. Meanwhile, eight suspected employers, comprising two men and six women aged 26 to 76, were owners or persons-in-charge of the companies and restaurants involved, or the contractual employers of the arrested foreign domestic helpers. The relevant cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
In addition, to enhance public education, ImmD has released a new publicity video reminding employers not to employ foreign domestic helpers or arrange for them to engage in illegal work. The relevant video will be released on the official social media platforms of the ImmD.
“A helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer as listed in the ‘Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties’ attached to the Contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person. The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for any other person,” an ImmD spokesman said.
The spokesman also said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.” The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences. For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:32
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP continues to closely monitor Ebola outbreak in Africa and is vigilant in guarding against imported cases Latest information from WHO ———————————
According to the latest report from the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as of May 18, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported eight confirmed cases of Ebola disease, 395 suspected cases and 106 related deaths. Uganda has also reported two cases of Ebola disease and one related death.
Port health measures ———————— At the same time, notices have been posted in the airport’s arrival area. The CHP has co-ordinated with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to broadcast announcements in the arrival hall. The CHP is also urging, through relevant airlines, passengers who have visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda within the past 21 days to proactively declare their travel history to the Port Health Division officers upon arrival in Hong Kong for further health assessment. Regarding the isolation and referral mechanism for suspected cases, if an inbound traveller exhibits relevant symptoms and is assessed as a suspected case by the Port Health Division officers, arrangements will be made immediately to transfer the individual to the Hospital Authority (HA) Infectious Disease Centre for isolation and examination. The individual will remain in isolation until the specimens test negative for the virus.
The CHP has also provided the AAHK and airlines with the latest information on the virus and urged airlines to remind their flight crews to strictly enforce established prevention and control measures if they identify suspected cases on their flights. Furthermore, the CHP has stepped up its publicity efforts at all boundary control points, including making public announcements and displaying posters, to remind travellers to be vigilant about Ebola.
Disease surveillance ———————– As of today, no confirmed or suspected Ebola disease cases have been recorded in Hong Kong.
In addition, the CHP convened a meeting yesterday (May 18) with representatives from the HA Head Office, Chief Infection Control Officer Office, and the HA’s experts in infectious disease and clinical microbiology, to discuss various issues thoroughly, including the isolation and testing of suspected cases, infection control measures and quarantine arrangements for close contacts.
Quarantine facilities ———————– Public education ——————– The HKSAR Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Response Plan to safeguard public health. Relevant government departments are fully prepared and will closely monitor the development of the epidemic, adjusting prevention and control strategies as necessary.
As the current risk of infection is primarily concentrated in affected areas overseas, the CHP urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel to affected countries and regions. Relevant travel advice has been uploaded to the Security Bureau’s Outbound Travel AlertsIssued at HKT 18:52
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.
According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD’s purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.
The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat’s handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.
Mr Chan said, “The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD’s supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations.”
Mr Chan said, “The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government’s work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection.”
The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA’s work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.
During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA’s latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Mr Chan said, “Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise.”
Mr Chan added, “The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government’s commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society.”
The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.
The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:
Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di490@ombudsman.hk
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Secretary for Health receives World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day Award The WHO marks May 31 as World No Tobacco Day annually to raise public awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, and to discourage the use of tobacco products in any form. Every year, the WHO selects individuals or organisations from members of each of the six WHO regions that have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in tobacco control for the Award, in recognition of their achievements and contributions.
Professor Lo’s receipt of the Award marks yet another WHO commendation for Hong Kong in the field of tobacco control, following the World No Tobacco Day Director-General’s Special Recognition Award presented to the then Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow in 2011, and the Award to the Department of Health in 2019. This latest recognition by the WHO signifies that Hong Kong’s tobacco control work has continued to build on past achievements and deliver tangible results.
Professor Lo said, “The WHO’s recognition is a tremendous encouragement to us. The steady advancement of our tobacco control work would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of all sectors of the community over the years. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all close partners on this journey, including the Legislative Council (LegCo), the Department of Health, the Primary Healthcare Commission, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, healthcare professionals, the education sector, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, and each and every citizen who supports a smoke-free culture. In the process of formulating and implementing various tobacco control measures, various stakeholders, in particular the LegCo, have proactively provided invaluable advice to help us refine the relevant measures and make them more effective and responsive to the needs of society. Such close interaction and collaboration constitute the very driving force propelling Hong Kong towards a smoke-free city.”
The Government has all along adopted a multi-pronged and progressive approach, encompassing legislation, taxation, publicity, education, enforcement and provision of smoking cessation services, to reduce the harmful effects caused by smoking products to members of the public and society. The Government conducted a public consultation on tobacco control strategies in 2023 and, on the basis of community consensus, formulated a new phase of tobacco control strategies covering short, medium and long-term measures, which has since been taken forward in a proactive and orderly manner. Among these measures, the Government increased tobacco duty in 2023 and 2024, and introduced 10 short-term tobacco control measures for implementation in phases after the completion of the legislative process. Measures that have already taken effect include strengthening the legal framework for combating illicit cigarettes, expanding the statutory no-smoking areas, further imposing a comprehensive ban on the possession of alternative smoking products in public places, alongside the sustained enhancement of public education and smoking cessation services.
The aforesaid strategies have yielded notable results. According to preliminary data from the Census and Statistics Department, the smoking prevalence among the local population aged 15 and above dropped from 23 per cent in the 1980s to 8.5 per cent in 2025, hitting a record low, with the number of daily smokers decreasing by about 16 per cent compared with 2019, representing a reduction of nearly 100 000 smokers. Over the same period, the average number of daily consumption of cigarettes by smokers has also dropped by about 14 per cent, resulting in a nearly 30 per cent decrease in the overall consumption of cigarettes. This reflects the marked effectiveness of the Government’s tobacco control strategies in effectively safeguarding public health. The Government plans to fully implement plain packaging requirement for conventional smoking products and the duty stamp system by December next year to further reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products and strengthen efforts in combating illicit cigarettes.
Professor Lo stressed, “Today’s achievements in tobacco control are the culmination of the tireless efforts of generations of people from all sectors of society over the past four decades. We shall cherish the hard-earned results and carry forward these efforts. Tobacco control admits no complacency. The Government will continue to forge ahead with the tobacco control process in collaboration with the LegCo and all sectors of society, to eliminate the hazards posed by the tobacco products on society and safeguard public health, with a view to moving towards a ‘tobacco-free Hong Kong’.” Issued at HKT 22:50
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A high-level meeting between Hong Kong Customs and the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) was held in Hong Kong on May 17. The delegations from both sides were headed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the GACC, Ms Zhang Geping.
Mr Chan welcomed Ms Zhang’s visit to Hong Kong Customs with her delegation. During the meeting, both sides had in-depth discussions and exchanges on matters including facilitating customs clearance, combating smuggling, risk prevention and control, and the development of smart customs, with an aim to further promote co-operation between the two Customs administrations.
On the same day, the delegation conducted a site visit to the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link to gain an in-depth understanding of the operations of passenger clearance by Hong Kong Customs.
The delegation also attended the 27th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs, in its capacity as the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region, during their visit to Hong Kong.
19 May 2026 – Starting in 2027, Singapore will undertake an assessment by international experts to determine the country’s ability to make an informed decision on the potential deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in the future. The assessment is known as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 Mission.
2 As part of efforts to assess the suitability of advanced nuclear energy technologies for power generation, Singapore has been progressively building capabilities in nuclear science, safety and technology in line with international best practices. The INIR Phase 1 Mission will support the Government in validating our progress and ensuring our capability development is advancing in the right direction, based on an internationally recognised assessment framework known as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Milestones Approach.
3 The IAEA Milestones Approach comprehensively assesses 19 areas, such as capabilities to manage nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and emergency planning. The Approach reflects international best practices on nuclear energy deployment based on decades of international experience. More information on the IAEA Milestones Approach and INIR Mission can be found in Annex A.
4 The assessment via the INIR Phase 1 Mission will be a key milestone of Singapore’s nuclear capability building journey. The Mission will also enable the IAEA to better understand Singapore’s current stage of development and provide more tailored support for capability building efforts in the future.
5 Singapore has not made a decision on the adoption or deployment of nuclear energy. We will continue to monitor global developments and work with international partners to build capabilities in nuclear safety and regulation, as part of efforts to study all potential pathways for decarbonisation. Any decision to deploy nuclear energy will be carefully considered against its safety, reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability in Singapore’s context.
The tender for Tung Chung Town Lot No. 54 at Area 106A in Tung Chung has been awarded on a 50-year land grant to Able Best Limited, the highest tenderer, at a premium of $1,627,000,000, the Lands Department announced today.
This piece of land, designated for private residential purposes, has a site area of 14,152 sqm. The gross floor area is in a range from 29,720 sq m to 49,532 sq m.