Month: August 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the classical music lecture series “Music at Heart”. The eight-lecture series will be held on Wednesdays starting from October 7 at the Lecture Hall of the Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSM), with music educator Calvin Lai as the curator and speaker. Structured around eight distinct themes, the series takes listening as its point of departure, weaving together the anecdotes, life journeys and inner worlds of classical music masters through a curated collection of audio and video recordings, allowing audiences to discover how these timeless masterpieces continue to resonate across generations.

     A brief introduction of each lecture is as follows:———————————
Date: October 7 (Wednesday)—————————–
Date: October 14 (Wednesday)——————————————————
Date: October 21 (Wednesday)————————————-
Date: October 28 (Wednesday)———————————————–
Date: November 4 (Wednesday)—————————————-
Date: November 11 (Wednesday)————————————-
Date: November 18 (Wednesday)————————————————-
Date: November 25 (Wednesday)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board (the Board) has completed disciplinary inquiries under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) on four fatal site incidents and decided that the four Registered General Building Contractors (RGBC) concerned should be disciplined for having been convicted by courts of offences related to building works.

The Board’s written decisions and orders issued on August 5 were published in the Gazette today (August 21). Details are available at the following links: 

Case 1: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=34&notice_no=5127
Case 2: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=34&notice_no=5125
Case 3: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=34&notice_no=5126
Case 4: egazette.gld.gov.hk/pdf?type=egn&year=2026&volume=30&gno=34&notice_no=5124

The first case involved a fatal incident that occurred on August 10, 2019, at a building alteration site in Causeway Bay. A worker, while carrying out wooden formwork work on the rooftop, fell from an unfenced edge of a formwork to the floor below. The worker sustained serious injuries and passed away later. The RGBC was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violations of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (FIUO), the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Safety Management) Regulation. The RGBC was convicted and fined $245,000 at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on June 5, 2020. In view of the convictions of the RGBC, the Buildings Department (BD) notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC under the provisions of section 13(1) of the BO. Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered the RGBC to be removed from the register of general building contractors for two months, to be fined $200,000, and to pay a total of $50,500 in costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.

The second case involved a fatal incident that occurred on December 9, 2020, at a construction site in Stanley. Two workers, while dismantling a metal hoarding at the site, were pressed by the collapsed portion of the hoarding. One of the workers died and the other was injured. The RGBC was prosecuted by the LD for violation of the FIUO. The RGBC was convicted and fined $35,000 at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on May 29, 2023. In view of the conviction of the RGBC, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC under the provisions of section 13(1) of the BO. Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered the RGBC to be removed from the register of general building contractors for two months and to pay a total of $60,100 in costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.

The third case involved a fatal incident that occurred on June 30, 2020, at a reclamation site of the Hong Kong International Airport three-runway system project. While a group of workers was engaged in repairing a winch drum of a machine on the site, a wire rope suddenly flipped and struck two of the workers. One worker sustained a serious head injury and died later while the other sustained a bone fracture. The RGBC was prosecuted by the LD for violation of the FIUO and the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. The RGBC was convicted and fined $53,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on June 24, 2021. In view of the convictions of the RGBC, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC under the provisions of section 13(1) of the BO. Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered the RGBC to be fined $299,700 and to pay a total of $64,000 in costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.

The fourth case involved a fatal incident that occurred on November 8, 2022, at a construction site in Tsim Sha Tsui. While a worker was carrying out fire service work on a reinforcement bar structure, part of the structure suddenly collapsed onto him. The worker sustained serious injuries and passed away on the same day. The RGBC was prosecuted by the LD for violation of the FIUO. The RGBC was convicted and fined $8,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on March 21, 2024. In view of the conviction of the RGBC, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC under the provisions of section 13(1) of the BO. Upon completion of the disciplinary inquiry, the Board ordered the RGBC to be fined $166,700 and to pay a total of $55,700 in costs of the Board and the BD for conducting the inquiry.

A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractor who contravenes the relevant provisions of the BO in carrying out building works, or is convicted by any court of an offence relating to building works, or has been negligent or has misconducted in building works, will be subject to enforcement action including criminal prosecution and disciplinary action under the BO.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government published in the Gazette today (August 21) the amendments to the scheme for the Mass Transit Railway – Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels under section 7 of the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519) (the Ordinance).

A Government spokesman said, “The Mass Transit Railway – Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels project mainly involves the construction of underground tunnels of around 500 metres long beneath Lung Wo Road to the east of Hong Kong Station with a ventilation building and its associated works at the east of Yiu Sing Street. The amendments, covering the General Layout Plan, the Creation of Rights of Temporary Occupation of Land Plan, and the Control of Building Plans and Commencement of Work Plan, are made mainly to reflect the latest layout and design of the railway scheme and facilities, and the infrastructure constructed in the surrounding environment since the gazettal of the original scheme in 2001.

“The amendments demonstrate the Government’s dedication to advancing transportation infrastructure with an innovative mindset and a people-centric approach. Leveraging technological innovation, the Government has proactively responded to the public’s aspirations for the project by optimising the layout, design and construction methods. The amendments to the scheme will enhance the capacity of the railway network and meet the transportation demands arising from the development of Lantau and Hong Kong as a whole, while minimising the impact on this precious piece of land at the Central Harbourfront.”

The construction works of the project will commence after the authorisation of the amendments to the scheme with the main works expected to be completed by 2032.

​Under the Ordinance, members of the public may object to the amendments to the scheme from today until October 20, 2026. Additionally, any person who has a compensatable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.

The Amendments to the Scheme and the Amendment Plans have been uploaded to the Highways Department (HyD) website (www.hyd.gov.hk/en/our_projects/railway_projects/tcle/index.html). They are also available for public inspection during office hours at the Central & Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the Wan Chai Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the District Lands Office, Hong Kong West and South; and the District Lands Office, Hong Kong East. A copy of the Amendments to the Scheme and the Amendment Plans may also be purchased from the HyD, which can be contacted at 2762 3976 for details.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government published in the gazette today the amendments to the scheme for the Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels.

It involves the construction of underground tunnels of around 500 metres long beneath Lung Wo Road to the east of Hong Kong Station with a ventilation building and its associated works at the east of Yiu Sing Street.

The amendments, covering the General Layout Plan, the Creation of Rights of Temporary Occupation of Land Plan, and the Control of Building Plans and Commencement of Work Plan, are made mainly to reflect the latest layout and design of the railway scheme and facilities, and the infrastructure constructed in the surrounding environment since the gazettal of the original scheme in 2001.

The Government stated that the amendments to the scheme will enhance the capacity of the railway network and meet the transportation demands arising from the development of Lantau and Hong Kong as a whole, while minimising the impact on this precious piece of land at the Central Harbourfront.

The project’s construction works will commence after the authorisation of the amendments to the scheme, with the main works expected to be completed by 2032.

Members of the public may object to the amendments to the scheme from today until October 20. Additionally, any person who has a compensable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Railways Ordinance.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today confirmed that the dog involved in Monday’s attack in Yuen Long is under good care at its animal management centre.

The canine is currently being held for observation at the AFCD centre after its owner signed a consent form surrendering custody.

Speaking to media today, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Mickey Lai said: “The dog is now being detained in our animal management centre, and we will take good care of the dog because it may be part of the investigation.

“We will spend more efforts and time to assess the breed of this dog and also the behaviour of this dog. I cannot give further information because the whole case is still under investigation.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved nine building plans in June – two on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and four in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, six were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, one was for commercial development, one was for community services development, and one was for factory and industrial development.

Consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects. Upon completed, they will provide 205,132 sq m of domestic gross floor area involving 3,506 units, and 72,436 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

Additionally, the department received notification of commencement of superstructure works for four building projects.

It also issued 26 occupation permits – nine on Hong Kong Island, eight in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 212,421 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 3,954 units; and 61,030 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department issued one demolition consent; received 2,736 reports about unauthorised building works in June, and issued 789 removal orders.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee said the defendants’ conspiracy was abundantly clear and they must be brought to justice after the Court of First Instance of the High Court delivered the verdict in the incitement to subversion case of “Hong Kong Alliance”.

The court today delivered the verdict in the case concerning the Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who were charged with “incitement to subversion”.

The Alliance, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung were convicted as charged after trial, while Ho Chun-yan pleaded guilty earlier and was convicted. The court adjourned the case to next Friday for mitigation.

Mr Lee noted that the Alliance had long been deliberately planting seeds of hatred against the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the central government in Hong Kong society, attempting to incite disaffection, hatred and other sentiments among members of the public against the CPC and the central government through various means, and inciting people to subvert state power.

“The acts of the defendants over a long period of time endangered national security; their conspiracy was abundantly clear, which must be brought to justice,” Mr Lee said.

He emphasised that incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence. The Hong Kong SAR Government has the responsibility to safeguard national security, and will resolutely prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security.

“This case once again demonstrates that no matter how offenders disguise their real agendas with sophistry and rhetoric, as long as they commit an offence endangering national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government will ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring the offenders to account.”

Welcoming the court’s verdict of conviction, the Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that during the trial of this case, external forces blatantly and repeatedly smeared the Judiciary, the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies, using political tactics and misleading remarks in an attempt to interfere with the fair trial of the case, and making baseless attacks against the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts in protecting human rights and freedoms as well as safeguarding national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned their despicable attempt to openly trample on the rule of law. It reaffirmed that the law never allows anyone to openly harm one’s own country and compatriots under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom.

It added that the court reached its verdict strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference, and absolutely without any political considerations. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

The court emphasised that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs, adding that it only considered the law and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution was able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

It pointed out that when ordinary reasonable persons received the messages of the Alliance and other defendants, they must have understood that the aim of their agendas was to end the leadership of the CPC, and that other people were being encouraged to put the agendas into action.

In addition, the court pointed out that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the CPC and the central government under its leadership, and adhered to the course of resisting the central government and refusing to make any compromise.

After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on embracing the resistance line of the Alliance to the very end. Even though the defendants knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, they paid no regard to it. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable part of the PRC. The state provides the fundamental guarantee for the prosperity and development of Hong Kong, and the highest principle of “one country, two systems” is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely safeguard the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution and the security of state power, and will, in strict accordance with the principle of the rule of law, prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security with full force and in accordance with the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) will implement a trial reservation system at the High Island Geo Trail-Po Pin Chau Section in Sai Kung on weekends, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week, from September 5 to October 7.

The department explained today that the measure aims to better manage visitor numbers and flow at the Po Pin Chau trail located in the High Island Reservoir East Dam.

The trial system applies only to the Po Pin Chau Section, and no reservation is required for entry to other areas of the East Dam. Reservations during the trial period will be free of charge.

Visitors wishing to enter the Po Pin Chau Section between 9am and 5pm on weekends, the Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day Golden Week within the period from September 5 to October 7, must make a reservation.

The reservation system will open at 11am on August 24 for bookings for September 5 and 6.

Each two-hour period constitutes a session, with a capacity of 500 people per session and a total daily capacity of 2,000 people.

Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apart from September 5 and 6, the other dates requiring reservations are September 12, 13, 19, 20, 25 to 27, and October 1 to 7.

Visitors do not need a reservation if they go to the Po Pin Chau Section on a day other than the above dates, or if they visit the site outside of 9am-5pm.

Reservations will require real-name registration. Visitors must register in advance through Klook’s website, mobile application, or Klook WeChat mini-programme.

Each person may reserve up to five places per registration for themselves and their companions. Registrants may cancel their reservation up to 48 hours prior to the start of the reserved slot.

Visitors with valid reservations must arrive at the entrance of the Po Pin Chau Section on the reserved date and time slot. They may enter the section after their e-voucher and personal identification document are verified by on-site staff.

If there are remaining quotas for a particular time slot, walk-in visitors may complete their e-booking on-site. The AFCD will set up a counter to handle entry and visitor enquiries.

Call 2150 6693 or send an email for further details about the booking system.