Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source:

Reverend Laupama Solomona,

Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Niuava Eti Malolo,

Honorable Members of Cabinet,

Members of Parliament

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Seuseu Dr. Joseph Tauati,

Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa,

Distinguished guests and beneficiaries,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.

It is both an honor and privilege for me to be here with you all in the presence of all dignitaries on this important occasion. On behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, I dedicate to all Samoan friends this official launch of the wild pig traps with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Samoa, under the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems, STODAS Project.

This initiative is made possible through FAO with generous funding from the European Union. Today marks an important step forward in addressing the persistent challenges faced by our communities – particularly the damage caused by wild and feral pigs to crops and food sources.

The provision of these traps represents a timely and practical solution, aimed at improving food security, protecting livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agriculture. We commend the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who have taken the lead in coordinating the distribution of the traps.

Their strong commitment to supporting farming communities ensures that these resources are delivered effectively and equitably to the intended beneficiaries.

To the recipients here today – your presence and participation are deeply appreciated. Your commitment to improving your communities and safeguarding your agricultural resources is at the heart of this initiative, and we are proud to stand with you through this collaboration between Samoa, FAO, and the EU.

As they say, a taro saved is a taro produced. So let us work together to see that through a shared and concerted effort that we address this problem of food loss through proper installation, monitoring and maintenance of these pig traps. FAO would like to work closely with MAF to develop good case studies on the issue of feral pig management as this is a problem faced by many across Samoa and the Pacific region.

Good learnings from this intervention will have long term implications for us all. I seek your support in this endeavor and wish you all well. Let us continue to move forward in partnership, united in our shared goal of sustainable development and food security for all.

May today’s launch be a step forward in building a more resilient, food-secure, and thriving agrifood system for Samoa.

FA’AFETAI LAVA

May 14, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE 17 April 2025] – Cabinet has approved significant developments concerning the Apia Park Complex. This decision marks a pivotal step in enhancing the sports infrastructure in Samoa, aimed at fostering athletic excellence and providing state-of-the-art facilities for both athletes and spectators.

1. Cessation of Usage: Effective immediately, the three grandstands located on the Western side of the Grand Stadium at Apia Park will cease to be used. This measure ensures the safety of all users and aligns with the recommendations from the recent inspection report.

2. Demolition of Grandstands: The approved directive mandates the immediate demolition of these three grandstands. This action is a proactive measure to facilitate the construction of a new and improved sports stadium.

3. Collaborative Efforts for New Stadium Construction: The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will initiate discussions with earmarked Development Partners. These discussions aim to seek assistance in building a new sports stadium that meets international standards.

Cabinet’s decision is informed by an Inspection Report and recommendations provided by the Chinese Team, who are currently overseeing the maintenance and upgrade of the Apia Park Complex. This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to advance sports development and infrastructure in Samoa.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition during this period of development and will keep the public informed of progress and updates. We appreciate the understanding and support of the community as we embark on this exciting journey to enhance our sporting facilities.

For further information, please contact:

Ministry of Sports and Recreation s.tautu@msr.gov.ws +685 33774

Follow us on our Facebook Page for the latest updates.

“End of Release”

SOURCE – Ministry of Sports and Recreation

Photo by Savali Newspaper

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – APIA, 17 April 2025] – The Ministry of Health is officially declaring a dengue fever outbreak in Samoa. There has been a significant increase in the number of suspected and confirmed cases, particularly in Upolu, over the past two weeks.

Since January a total of 15 confirmed cases have been reported from the laboratory, with I of these cases identified within the past two weeks. Most cases have been reported at the Moto’otua Main Hospital (TTM), where patients initially presented with other flu-like symptoms before testing positive for dengue.

The majority of these individuals have recovered well without requiring admission to hospital.

The most affected areas are those located in the North west of Upolu, with cases reported across all age groups. Tragically, one death has been confirmed as related to dengue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected family during this difficult time.

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by four (U) different types of dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2), DENV-3 and DENV-4) and is spread by mosquitoes. It is transmitted from person to person through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

All four (U) types of the virus can lead to severe infections, including Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, a potentially life-threatening condition that may cause internal bleeding and organ failure. Hemorrhagic dengue can progress rapidly and may lead to death if not treated promptly.

Common symptoms of dengue include;

• High fever

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Joint and muscle pain

• Nausea

• Rash

• Fatigue.

Severe symptoms of dengue include abdominal pain, bleeding gums, and vomiting blood, all of which require urgent medical attention.

The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the situation and continues to strengthen its response efforts.

We are learning from regional trend, as neighboring countries such as Tonga, Fiji and the French Polynesia are experiencing similar dengue outbreaks.

We urge the public to be vigilant and work together to help prevent the spread of this disease by taking simple, yet important actions:

• Remove standing water around homes, buckets, Eres, and containers where mosquitoes can breed

• Use mosquito repellents, nets, and coils, especially during the day

• Wear protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites

• Seek medical attention if you or a family member experience symptoms of dengue.

The Ministry will continue to provide regular updates and is in communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) to further strengthen its response. Let’s stay informed, take acEon, and support one another.

For further information please contact the Ministry of Health at telephone numbers: 21212 or 66600.

You can also follow our official channels on our website: www.health.gov.ws and Facebook page: @healthsamoa.

Ma le fa’aaloalo,

END.

SOURCE – Ministry of Health Samoa

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – APIA, SAMOA 17 April 2025] – In a proud moment for Samoa’s national carrier, Samoa Airways’ aircraft 5W-FAW soared back into service this morning, taking flight for the first time since completing a major overhaul in Canada — and it did so in distinguished company.

Flight OL222, departing from Fagalii Airport at 8:00 AM, had the honour of carrying His Highness the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano, accompanied by their police detail, en route to the Flag Day celebrations in American Samoa.

Welcoming the Head of State and ensuring a final round of checks prior to takeoff, the dedicated staff of Samoa Airways at Fagali’i were on board early to assist, adding a warm and professional touch to the day’s special departure.

Taking command of the flight were Captain Paul Schmidt and First Officer Lachlan Kingan, who guided the freshly overhauled aircraft on its first official journey.

“It was an absolute honour to fly 5W-FAW on her return to service, especially with such distinguished guests on board,” said Captain Paul Schmidt.

“The aircraft performed beautifully, and it’s a proud moment for all of us at Samoa Airways to see her back in the skies where she belongs.”

The overhaul work, carried out in Canada, was part of a meticulous program to ensure the aircraft meets the highest safety and operational standards. With 5W-FAW now fully certified and refreshed, Samoa Airways is excited to continue serving its routes with renewed confidence and quality.

“The return of 5W-FAW represents not only a technical achievement but also a renewed commitment to connecting our people and places with pride and reliability.” said the airline’s CEO Fauo’o Taua Fatu Tielu.

Fuelled by ambition and rooted in Samoan pride, the national carrier charges ahead growing stronger and serving with unmatched care, culture, and excellence. This isn’t just about reaching destinations—it’s about redefining what it means to fly Samoan.

END.

SOURCE – Samoa Airways

May 14, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2025] – His Excellency Mr. Beka Dvali presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, at a Credentials ceremony held this morning at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele, accrediting His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Samoa with residence in Canberra, Australia.

Samoa and Georgia have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since the establishment of formal ties on 12 March 2010. The two countries continue to collaborate at the multilateral fora, including the United Nations on matters on mutual interest including the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on sustainable development. Ambassador Dvali reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to strengthening the growing partnership between our nations, both bilaterally and multilaterally, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.

Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the Ambassador and acknowledged the growing relations between Samoa and Georgia. The Head of State expressed appreciation for the shared commitment to global priorities such as democracy, peace and security, human rights, and reaffirmed Samoa’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles that have underpinned our diplomatic relations since the establishment in 2010.

H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali holds a Masters of Law in Comparative and European Law from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and a Diploma in Law at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in Georgia. He is a career diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia in 1999 holding various senior positions. He was posted to Georgia’s Diplomatic Missions as Senior Counsellor in the USA, Mexico, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in London, United Kingdom (2009-2012). Mr. Dvali was appointed as Georgia’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa from 2013 to 2022 with cross-accreditation to 12 other African countries. This is Mr. Dvali’s second Ambassadorial appointment as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Australia with across accreditation to the Pacific including Samoa. Mr. Dvali is married with one son.

END

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)

May 14, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
     Various hiking trails and country parks in Hong Kong have all along attracted many local people and overseas visitors to go hiking. However, it has been reported that quite a number of hikers are inexperienced or ill-equipped, resulting in frequent hiking accidents, and some of them have even disregarded safety in a bid to “check-in”, which has aroused concerns and worries in society. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of mountain search and rescue (S&R) calls received by the Government in the past two years, as well as the respective numbers of casualties of local people and overseas visitors involved in the relevant incidents; the government expenditures involved in the relevant calls and S&R operations;
 
(2) given that the webpage of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) contains the high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, whether the authorities have further drawn up a list of “hiking blackspots” and the points to note and stepped up publicity among members of the public and tourists; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) as it is learnt that in order to deter risk-taking behaviours without regard to the consequences, some places have started to collect rescue fees from hikers, whether the Government will erect fences and warning signs at high-risk locations where hiking accidents frequently occur; whether the authorities will follow the practice of other regions and collect rescue fees from hikers who have accidents despite warnings and seek rescue; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether there are other measures intended to be implemented to deter the risk-taking behaviours concerned; and
 
(4) as it is learnt that the “Enjoy Hiking” mobile application launched by the AFCD is equipped with a “Hiker Tracking Service” which can record the location of users so as to shorten the S&R time after they have an accident, of the number of downloads of the application and, among such downloads, the number of users with Internet Protocol addresses outside Hong Kong; of the measures put in place by the authorities to enhance the promotion of hiking safety among overseas visitors?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government attaches great importance to publicising and promoting hiking safety, as well as promoting hiking etiquette and the message of protecting the natural environment to the public and tourists through various channels. Having consulted the Security Bureau, the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Pui-leung is as follows:
 
(1) In the past two years, the number of mountain search and rescue calls received by the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the number of casualties involved are tabulated below: 
 

Year	Number of mountain search and rescue calls received	Number of Injuries (Fatalities)
2023	695 cases	424 (15)
2024	588 cases	345 (15)

 
     The FSD does not keep a breakdown of the number of casualties involving local residents and foreign visitors. As the above rescue operations do not involve additional manpower and salary expenditure, the FSD does not keep a breakdown of the expenditure involved.
 
(2) Through the “Enjoy Hiking” website (hiking.gov.hk), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provides consolidated information of different hiking trails to hikers to facilitate their planning of hiking trips. It also lists 20 high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks (high-risk locations), according to factors such as previous records of serious and fatal accidents, the causes of such accidents, as well as the site conditions, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid accessing those areas. The AFCD will regularly review and update the list of high-risk locations as needed. 

     To promote public awareness on hiking safety, the AFCD regularly organises education activities, including school visits, guided tours, roving exhibitions and game booths at shopping malls and Country Parks Visitor Centres. The AFCD will also disseminate safety information through online videos, social media platforms, websites, and pamphlets distributed at Country Parks Visitor Centres. Concurrently, the Hong Kong Police Force, the FSD, the Government Flying Service and the Civil Aid Service also raise hiker’s awareness on hiking safety through various channels and events.
 
(3) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. While the Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform dangerous activities, effective, reliable and efficient emergency services will still be provided to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. We do not hope that those in need would hesitate in seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including levy. The AFCD has also installed warning signs in suitable areas of the high-risk locations to remind hikers to avoid accessing those areas. The AFCD will review the situations of different areas from time to time, modify or add suitable warning signs and barriers where needed. 

(4) As at April 2025, the “Enjoy Hiking” mobile application had been downloaded for over 480 000 times, including approximately 100 000 downloads by users with non-local IP addresses. 

     The AFCD, in collaboration with the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has been promoting green tourism and sharing messages on hiking safety and nature conservation through HKTB’s “Hong Kong Great Outdoors” thematic website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/great-outdoor.html) and its social media platforms, to ensure that tourists enjoy the countryside in Hong Kong in a safe and nature-friendly manner. Furthermore, the AFCD collaborates with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the Mainland and the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province to promote Hong Kong’s natural scenery and hiking routes, as well as to disseminate hiking safety messages, through their social media platforms in the Mainland.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Luk Chung-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
There are views pointing out that the problems of insufficient manpower and recruitment difficulties of lifeguards in Hong Kong have remained unresolved for many years, which may lead to the chaotic situation of unlicensed lifeguards being employed, undermining the dignity of the industry’s workforce and jeopardising the lives and safety of swimmers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the current number of vacancies of civil service lifeguards; whether the Government has assessed the impact of the vacancy situation on the services to the public;
 
(2) whether it has studied if the Government has difficulties in recruiting lifeguards; if it has studied and the outcome is in the affirmative, of the support measures and proposals to resolve the problem;
 
(3) as some members of the industry have relayed that at present, civil service lifeguards have limited promotion prospects and their remuneration packages are inadequate, and their posts are only included in the Artisan grade, but they have to obtain a number of certificates and regularly renew their licenses in order to be employed on a continuous basis, which has resulted in a high wastage rate and stifled the development of the industry, whether the Government will further review and adjust the grade structure of civil service lifeguards, thereby retaining talents and attracting new blood to join the industry;
 
(4) of the respective numbers of (a) surprise and (b) non-surprise (i) inspections of private swimming pools conducted by the relevant government departments in the past three years, and the respective numbers of non-compliance cases found during such inspections in which (ii) there was insufficient manpower on duty at the swimming pools, and (iii) unqualified lifeguards were employed and on duty (set out in the table below); the actions taken by the Government to pursue such non-compliance cases;

Year	(a)			(b)
	(i)	(ii)	(iii)	(i)	(ii)	(iii)
2022
2023
2024

(5) as it has been reported that the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will check the identity documents and Pool Lifeguard Awards (PLA) of the lifeguards on duty during inspections of private swimming pools and verify the validity of PLA with the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society (HKCLSS), of the specific procedures adopted by the FEHD for verifying the validity of the PLAs with the HKCLSS, including whether the FEHD has established a formal and regular liaison mechanism with the HKCLSS; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will consider establishing such mechanism; and
 
(6) as it has been reported that the HKCLSS intends to introduce an online service for checking the qualifications of lifeguards, whether the Government will collaborate with the HKCLSS to establish a checking system for qualified lifeguards, so as to rigorously combat unlicensed lifeguards and, at the same time, facilitate employers in checking the qualifications of the lifeguards they employ?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
In consultation with relevant policy bureaux and government departments, the consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Luk Chung-hung is as follows:
 
(1) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is responsible for managing 46 public swimming pools, 42 gazetted beaches (Note 1) and five water sports centres. As at May 1, 2025, a total of 1 308 civil service lifeguards were employed by the LCSD. The number of vacancies was 188 (Note 2) .
 
During the swimming season every year (i.e. April to October), the LCSD needs to employ about 700 seasonal lifeguards. However, with increasing market demand for lifeguards due to the growing number of local private swimming pools in recent years, it has become more challenging for the LCSD to recruit seasonal lifeguards, which inevitably affects the provision of services at aquatic venues. The LCSD has all along flexibly deployed its serving lifeguards and other resources with a view to maintaining the services provided at aquatic venues as far as possible. The LCSD will arrange sufficient lifeguards to be on duty at aquatic venues that are open and deploy additional manpower when necessary, such as calling off-duty lifeguards to report for duty or arranging lifeguards to work overtime where practicable. Having regard to the usage of swimming pools and habits of swimmers, the LCSD will also temporarily close facilities with low usage rates during sessions with fewer attendees to optimise the use of manpower resources.
 
(2) The LCSD proactively puts in place various measures to increase and stabilise the manpower supply of lifeguards, including improving the remuneration package of seasonal lifeguards, enhancing the flexibility of recruitment procedures and exploring the recruitment of more eligible persons to join lifesaving services, etc.
 
The LCSD has recruited 110 full-year lifeguards on a two-year contract since 2023, and further employed 70 additional full-year lifeguards on a two-year contract in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Such relatively long contract period is conducive to stabilising the manpower supply of lifeguards. The LCSD has also taken into account market trends to further enhance the remuneration package of seasonal lifeguards, with monthly salary reaching as high as $23,000 (excluding end-of-contract gratuity) to reduce the salary gap between lifeguards in the public and private sectors.
 
Furthermore, as contractors of outsourced services offer more flexibility on remuneration packages and working hours, which makes the recruitment arrangement more flexible and attractive, the LCSD has outsourced lifesaving and first aid services at six public swimming pools on a trial basis since September 2024. The relevant service contractor has been providing stable lifesaving and first aid services. The LCSD will continue to review and evaluate the effectiveness of outsourcing lifesaving and first aid services.
 
As for expanding the new labour markets, the LCSD will continue to step up its publicity efforts for recruitment exercises, including extensively displaying recruitment posters and disseminating recruitment information/advertisements to reach out to more target groups. The LCSD will also proactively liaise with youth services organisations and schools to promote and encourage young people to pursue a career in lifeguarding, as well as to raise their interests in working as seasonal lifeguards, with a view to increasing the manpower supply of lifeguards. Besides, the LCSD launched the “Combined Seasonal Lifeguard Training Scheme” in 2023 and has so far organised six “Integrated Certificates Courses on Life Saving” to attract more people with no lifesaving qualifications to join the profession. In addition, the LCSD has collaborated with the Employees Retraining Board to organise specific lifesaving training programmes and provide relevant job opportunities with a view to increasing the manpower supply of lifeguards.
 
(3) Under the prevailing policy of the Civil Service Bureau (CSB), when a specific civil service grade has proven and persistent recruitment and retention difficulties, or fundamental changes in the job nature, job complexity and responsibilities, the Government will consider conducting a grade structure review for the grade concerned. There have been no fundamental changes to the job nature, job complexity and responsibilities of civil service lifeguards. In the past three years, the average vacancy rate of civil service lifeguards was 5.28 per cent, which was lower than the rate of 9.38 per cent for the entire civil service in the same period. The LCSD will continue to monitor the situation with the CSB.
 
(4), (5) and (6) In the past three years, the number of surprised inspections conducted by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) on licensed swimming pools is provided below:
 

	Number of inspections	Number of cases of insufficient number of personnel on duty	Number of non-compliance cases involving employment of unqualified lifeguards
2022	8 845	0	0
2023	8 834	0	0
2024	12 828	4	0

As all inspections conducted by the FEHD on licensed swimming pools are surprise inspections, there is no record on non-surprise inspections.
 
For the four cases in 2024 in which sufficient number of qualified lifeguards was not made available in accordance with the law or licensing conditions, the FEHD had taken prosecution or issued warnings to the licensees depending on the actual situation.
 
The lifesaving qualifications required by lifeguards are assessed and awarded by the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society (HKCLSS) (Note 3). Starting from May 19, 2025, the FEHD will implement a number of measures to strengthen the monitoring of the qualifications of lifeguards at private swimming pools. These measures include stepping up inspections of swimming pools. Apart from checking the identity documents of lifeguards on duty and their Pool Lifeguard Awards (PLA) during each surprise inspection, the FEHD will also send all information of the PLA to the HKCLSS for verification. The FEHD and the HKCLSS have established a regular verification mechanism to handle the matter.
 
Note 1: Lifesaving services are not provided by the LCSD at three of the gazetted beaches as beach facilities such as beach buildings and shark prevention nets are not available there.
Note 2: With lifesaving and first aid services being outsourced at six public swimming pools under the LCSD on a trial basis since September 2024, the 98 civil service lifeguard vacancies in the venues concerned will not be filled for the time being.
Note 3: The HKCLSS is the only national sports association recognised by the International Life Saving Federation for assessing lifeguard qualifications and awarding lifeguard certificates in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Michael Tien and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):
 
Question:
 
Starting from August 25 last year, people aged 60 or above must use the JoyYou Card to enjoy a concessionary fare of $2 per trip under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (the new measure). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it knows the number of contravention cases uncovered by the MTR Corporation Limited involving the use of JoyYou Card to enjoy the concessionary fare of $2 since the implementation of the new measure and, among such cases, the number of those referred to the Police for follow-up;
 
(2) in respect of the cases referred to the Police for follow-up as mentioned in (1), of the respective numbers of cases prosecuted and not prosecuted by the Police; the reasons for the Police not prosecuting such cases; and
 
(3) in respect of the prosecution cases mentioned in (2), of the number of convicted persons who were eventually sentenced to imprisonment?
 
Reply:
 
President,

The Government has implemented in full a real-name registration system for the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (the $2 Scheme) starting from August 25, 2024, mandating Hong Kong residents aged 60 or above to use a JoyYou Card, and eligible persons with disabilities aged below 60 to use a Personalised Octopus card encoded with the “Persons with Disabilities Status”, to enjoy the $2 Scheme.
 
The Transport Department (TD) has all along been requesting public transport operators (PTOs) to strengthen ticket inspection and passenger identity verification work and to strictly enforce the penalty as set out in relevant legislation and by-laws to prevent any abuse. The TD also conducts surveys and monitors the situation. The TD also conducts joint inspection and enforcement actions with PTOs from time to time and refers abuse cases with sufficient evidence to the Police for criminal investigation so as to achieve deterrent effect.
 
In respect of the enforcement actions carried out by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) during the period from the full implementation of the real-name registration system to April 2025, the number of abuse cases of the $2 Scheme with surcharges imposed was 280 (i.e. eight cases per week on average). The number of cases concerned has been lowered significantly as compared to the 9 624 cases (i.e. 158 cases per week on average) before the implementation of the real-name registration system from June 25, 2023, to August 24, 2024.
 
After the full implementation of the real-name registration system, the MTRCL had sought assistance from the Police for 14 suspected cases of abuse of the $2 Scheme using JoyYou Card. Police officers were deployed to the scene for each case. Among the 14 cases, five arrests were made after investigation by the Police. One of those arrest cases had completed prosecution (with the arrested person convicted of theft and fined $400), while the arrested person of another case was prosecuted by the Police for theft (with the hearing taking place on May 9, 2025) and two cases are still under investigation. Another case was referred to the MTRCL for follow-up as a case of violation of the Mass Transit Railway By-laws since no criminal elements were found after investigation by the Police. The remaining nine cases had also been referred to the MTRCL for follow-up as cases of violation of the Mass Transit Railway By-laws since no arrestable offences were identified after investigation by the Police.