Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seized about 60 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $13 million, in Kwai Chung on April 10.
Through risk assessment, Customs on that day inspected a seaborne consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from Canada and declared as carrying wooden floors, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside 34 wooden floor sections.
Customs officers subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation on April 11 and arrested two men in Sham Shui Po, aged 39 and 49, both claiming to be drivers.
On May 7, Customs further arrested a 30-year-old man, who was suspected to be connected with the case, in Tsuen Wan.
The investigation is ongoing.
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).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
A spokesman for the Transport Department (TD) today (May 9) said that the Government will, as always, be open to listen to the views of the taxi trade and a meeting is being arranged to maintain close communication, with a view to enhancing the service quality of personalised point-to-point transport.
“The Government’s policy objective has been very clear: taxi service has to be improved, online hailed car platforms have to be regulated while illegal hire car services have to be combated in accordance with the law. We will continue to combat the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities to safeguard the safety and interests of the public. We will maintain liaison with the taxi trade in parallel to set out the Government’s stance and work directions in detail, joining hands to offer ideas and suggestions on enhancing personalised point-to-point service,” the spokesman said.
Improvement of taxi service
The Government is determined to enhance the quality of taxi services and has put forward various measures in recent years through a multi-pronged approach. Among them, systematic management and technology have been introduced under the taxi fleet regime. The Government will also mandate taxis to provide e-payment means and install in-vehicle cameras, dash cameras and global navigation satellite systems in all taxi compartments through legislative amendments, thereby improving passengers’ riding experiences. Meanwhile, the Government has introduced the Taxi-Driver-Offence Points system and the two-tier penalty system to enhance the deterrent effect against illegal acts by taxi drivers. The taxi fleet operators are working intensively and the Government hopes that they will soon commence operations to provide quality taxi service.
Regulation of online hailed car platforms
The spokesman reiterated that, while the Government is open-minded in respect of the use of different communication technologies via online or mobile applications to obtain personalised point-to-point transport services through online hailing services, it is imperative to ensure that the passenger transport services supported by the use of the platforms concerned comply with the laws and regulations, thereby safeguarding the safety and interests of passengers.
The TD is conducting a study on the overall demand and supply of personalised point-to-point transport services. The Government will, after holistically considering the report of the Working Group for Enhancing Personalised Point-to-Point Transport Services under the Transport Advisory Committee and the views and relevant data collected, formulate legislative proposals on the regulation of online car hailing platforms, vehicles that may provide services complying with the regulations, and relevant licensing requirements for the drivers within 2025.
Combating illegal hire car services in accordance with the law
The spokesman stressed that the Government is determined to continuously combat the illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward activities. The TD has again issued letters to warn various platform operators recently that their services must comply with relevant legislative provisions. Upon receipt of suspected cases, the TD will refer them to the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for follow-up, subject to the situation.
The HKPF has been taking enforcement actions against illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward through gathering intelligence via different channels. If there is sufficient evidence proving suspected vehicles without a valid hire car permit are being used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, the HKPF will immediately take appropriate enforcement actions. In addition, the Government is studying further improvements to the relevant legislation to strengthen efforts in combating illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, including disqualifying the driver concerned from driving. Furthermore, when sufficient evidence is available to show that the vehicle concerned has been involved in the offence of illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, it may be impounded even if the identity of the driver cannot be confirmed. The proposed legislative amendments will be submitted to the Legislative Council in due course.
Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation on a visit to Kuwait and Qatar. Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Agnes Chan, who will join the delegation, noted that both are high income Middle Eastern countries with a young population, indicating strong spending power.
“For the past decade, they have focused on the traditional oil and gas industry. Now, they are diversifying into technology and wealth management, areas in which they seek improvement. This is why a government-led visit to these countries is significant.
“As an international financial centre, Hong Kong aims to leverage this visit to promote itself as the primary listing hub for Middle Eastern firms.”
She added that the major chambers of commerce joining the trip are hoping to play a role at the business level by facilitating networking events and providing market insights for firms to exchange views on business practices, while for their part, the enterprises must fully understand the local culture, regulatory frameworks and investment strategies of the various locations.
Ms Chan also suggested increasing direct flights between Hong Kong and major Middle Eastern cities to reduce travel time and enhance exchanges between the two regions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
United Nations Sanctions (Haiti) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted “The Amendment Regulation amends the United Nations Sanctions (Haiti) Regulation to give effect to certain decisions relating to sanctions in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2752 in respect of Haiti,” a Government spokesman said.
The amendments renew the travel ban and financial sanctions, and revise the time-limited arms embargo requirements.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has all along been implementing fully the sanctions imposed by the UNSC. The Amendment Regulation aims to give effect to the instructions by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for fulfilling the international obligations of the People’s Republic of China as a Member State of the United Nations. Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (May 9) that the HKeToll website (www.hketoll.gov.hk), mobile app and electronic notification services will be temporarily suspended from 2am to 8am on May 11 (Sunday) for system maintenance.
A spokesman for the TD said that, during system maintenance, motorists can use government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area as usual. The HKeToll system will record the actual passage time of vehicles and charge the corresponding tolls accordingly. Notwithstanding, the services of checking toll transactions, making payments, or topping up their designated stored value accounts via the users’ accounts will be temporarily suspended.
The TD will steer the system maintenance contractor and toll service provider to complete the necessary work as soon as possible, and make announcements after services resume as normal. Upon completion of system maintenance, the system will process the toll transactions recorded during the maintenance period and resume the electronic notification services. Users may also log in to their account for transaction details upon service resumption.
Users are advised to arrange payments and top-ups in advance if needed. For enquiries, please call the 24-hour service hotline at 3853 7333.
On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day 2025, Coal India Limited (CIL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, commemorated the remarkable success of its flagship CSR initiative, the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), at a special event held at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi. The scheme, which supports free bone marrow transplants for children suffering from thalassemia and aplastic anemia, has emerged as a life-transforming initiative for hundreds of families across the country.
Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, was the Guest of Honour. The event was also attended by Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, Coal India Limited; CMDs and Directors of Coal PSUs, medical professionals, representatives of partner hospitals, NGOs and beneficiary children and their families.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Coal, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, lauded the life-changing impact of the scheme and announced an ambitious future goal “One State, One Hospital” for Bone Marrow Transplant under the TBSY, to further expand its reach and accessibility. Describing it as a beacon of hope for countless families across the Nation, he commended Coal India Limited for not only fulfilling its corporate social responsibility with dedication but also for demonstrating a compassionate approach towards addressing a critical public health challenge. So far, over 700 children have received life-saving transplants under TBSY. Most of these children are now leading healthy and normal lives. The scheme has also relieved families of substantial medical expenses. He further stated that an online portal developed by CIL ensures real-time application and monitoring, while awareness campaigns, including pamphlets, posters, and short films, have extended the reach of the scheme to rural areas. He highlighted the scheme’s growth and scalability, which began with four hospitals and now includes 17 empanelled premier healthcare institutions
Shri Reddy urged all the stakeholders including healthcare institutions, policymakers, and civil society to adopt a patient-centric approach in the ongoing fight against thalassemia. Emphasizing that prevention is as vital as cure, he called for increased awareness, early screening, and genetic counseling to reduce the incidence of thalassemia in future generations.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to making India thalassemia-free, and expressed confidence that with collaborative efforts, this goal will be achieved. Every development must be inclusive, humane, and sustainable. Initiatives like TBSY show what can be achieved when corporate social responsibility aligns with national goals.
Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, in his remarks, recognized the humanitarian dimension of CIL’s CSR initiatives. He noted that CIL is not only meeting the energy needs of the nation but also bringing hope and healing through support to children suffering from thalassemia. Applauding the provision of financial assistance up to ₹10 lakh per child, he called the initiative a model of compassion-driven governance. Shri Dubey also highlighted successful partnerships with 17 of India’s leading hospitals and Thalassemics India, which have ensured effective and widespread implementation of the scheme.
Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, stressed the need for creating synergies between CIL-operated hospitals and BMT centers to improve early screening and intervention. She emphasized the importance of capacity building and training in hospitals near coal PSUs, enabling families to access medical care locally. Citing the global recognition received by this initiative, she reiterated the Ministry’s support in collaboration with the Ministry of Health &family Welfare and empanelled hospitals to reach every child in need while working towards the vision of a thalassemia-free India.
Mr. Harsh Mangla, Director, National Health Mission, detailed the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s ongoing and upcoming strategies to combat rare genetic diseases such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. He expressed optimism in leveraging cross-sectoral partnerships to enhance the reach and impact of these health interventions.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Shri P.M. Prasad, Chairman, CIL, who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support in making TBSY a success. He reaffirmed CIL’s commitment to social welfare, stressing the importance of collective effort in transforming lives through focused CSR programs.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR), CIL. He reiterated CIL’s dedication to expanding CSR efforts for creating long-term social impact.
From the partner hospitals’ side, Dr. Vikram Matthews (CMC Vellore) and Dr. Sunil Bhat (Narayana Health, Bengaluru) delivered insightful presentations, elaborating on the devastating nature of thalassemia, sharing real-life case studies, and offering recommendations for strengthening BMT infrastructure and outreach in India.
The event also featured the felicitation of top-performing hospitals namely Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, Narayana Hrudayalaya Bengaluru, and Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Delhi for their exemplary efforts in delivering successful transplant outcomes.
Adding a heartfelt element to the ceremony, 15 thalassemia warrior children were honored, and guardians of two beneficiaries shared emotional testimonials expressing deep gratitude for restoring hope and health to their families.
Through the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana, Coal India Limited under the guidance of Ministry of Coal continues to exemplify how corporate leadership can extend beyond business imperatives to transformative impact, compassion and Nation-building.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government posts third batch of land resumption notices for Second Phase development of Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area The 18 private lots to be resumed this time include part of the sites previously opened for in-situ land exchange application but eventually did not receive any application, and a site with unsuccessful completion of in-situ land exchange application as the application was deemed withdrawn. The land concerned has to be resumed to allow the Government to carry out works.
The above 18 private lots will revert to the Government upon the expiry of a period of three months from the date of affixing the notices (i.e. August 9, 2025). The Government will release ex-gratia land compensation to the relevant land owners after land reversion.
The land reversion date is the date of vesting of the ownership of the land in the Government. It is not the departure deadline of the affected households and business undertakings. Three months before the departure deadlines of the affected households and business undertakings, the LandsD will again post notices in relevant areas in accordance with the applicable procedures. It is estimated that the affected households and business undertakings will have to move out as early as December this year. The LandsD is handling the compensation and rehousing matters of the affected persons at full stream, and will endeavour to arrange rehousing for or release compensation to eligible persons before the departure deadline. The LandsD and its appointed Community Liaison Service Team will maintain communication with the affected households and business undertakings, and provide updated information as necessary.
The first two batches of land resumption notices involving about 176 hectares and 17.7 hectares of land for the Second Phase development of HSK/HT NDA were posted on May 30 and September 19, 2024 respectively. The said land was reverted to the Government on August 31 and December 20, 2024 respectively, and is gradually being handed over to the Civil Engineering and Development Department for site formation and engineering infrastructure works.
Upon full development, the HSK/HT NDA will provide about 66 700 additional housing units capable of accommodating a population of about 184 000, and create about 150 000 job opportunities. Issued at HKT 21:17