Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FSD clarifies commentary about fire service installation and equipment
According to regulation 7 of the Fire Service (Installations and Equipment) Regulations (Cap. 95B), no person other than a registered fire service installation contractor shall maintain, inspect or repair any FSI in any premises. Any person contravening commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 (i.e. $50,000). Any person who is not a registered fire service installation contractor attempts to interfere with FSIs may be in breach of the law. The FSD will follow up stringently.
Maintenance, repair or inspection of FSIs must be carried out by registered fire service installation contractors, who will exercise professional judgement and carry out the relevant work in accordance with the FSD’s instructions. Personnel responsible for building maintenance works have no authority to shut down FSIs. It is an extremely irresponsible behaviour for any frontline personnel to shut down FSIs in order to avoid false alarms triggered by the works.
In fact, the FSD Circular Letter No. 1/2021 has already stipulated that disruption to the normal operation of FSIs caused by its shutdown should be kept to the minimum. When carrying out the works, the contractor concerned should adopt a systematic approach in shutting down the affected FSI by phrases and resume its normal operation as soon as practicable. If the affected portion of the system could not be reinstated to normal working condition by the end of a working shift, arrangements should be made for the portion to be isolated with the remainder of the system to be reinstated. Upon completion of the relevant works, the contractor shall issue the relevant Certificate of Fire Service Installations and Equipment in due course.
In respect of the above matters, the FSD earlier held a meeting with the Association of Registered Fire Service Installation Contractors of Hong Kong. The trade expressed its full support and indicated its willingness to implement the relevant measures in accordance with the statutory requirements and guidelines.
Issued at HKT 19:48
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Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving an incoming passenger at Hong Kong International Airport today (December 22) and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cocaine and arrested a man. Afterwards, Customs officers also seized three suspected gravity-operated steel batons and two suspected controlled air pistols in the man’s residential premises. The total estimated market value of the seized items was about $4 million.
A 25-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Johannesburg, South Africa, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5kg of suspected cocaine concealed in the false compartments of his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
Later, Customs officers further seized three suspected gravity-operated steel batons and two suspected controlled air pistols in the arrested man’s residence.
The investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, any person found guilty of possession of arms without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.
Under the Weapons Ordinance, any person found guilty of possessing any prohibited weapon is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three years.
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).
Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland, Sweden and Japan suspended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 22) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Swedish Board of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Kartuzy District of Pomorskie Region and PoddÄ™bice District of Å�ódzkie Region in Poland, and in Municipality of Höör in Sweden; and an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in Okayama Prefecture in Japan respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, in the first nine months of this year, Hong Kong imported about 1 870 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 20 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Sweden; and about 1 540 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 219.73 million poultry eggs from Japan.
“The CFS has contacted the Polish, Swedish and Japanese authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Strategic Committee on Commodities convenes first meeting (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Strategic Committee on Commodities convenes first meeting
Mr Chan said, “Driven by the interplay of several major trends, including the geopolitical situation, technological transformation and green transition, the global supply and demand landscape for commodities such as precious metals, non-ferrous metals, traditional energy and materials related to new energy is undergoing profound changes. As one of the world’s major consumers and importers and exporters of commodities, our country is pressing ahead with high-quality development, firmly advancing towards its dual carbon goals, and stepping up investment in green industries. These developments highlight our country’s strengths in building a global hub for commodity resource allocation. As an international financial, trade and shipping centre, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, with the free flow of capital, goods and information, together with its efficient financial, logistics and professional services and a well-connected transport network. Hong Kong possesses enormous potential in developing the commodities market, enabling it to serve and contribute to the development of our country and the world on this front, while creating more diversified development opportunities for itself.
“In the past year or two, Hong Kong has been actively building a more vibrant commodities ecosystem, from joining the global warehousing network of the London Metal Exchange to facilitate physical metal delivery, to expediting the establishment of an international gold trading market, and we have already taken solid steps in this regard. Looking ahead, Hong Kong needs to, through high‑level government coordination, formulate and implement a comprehensive development strategy for commodities in order to seize future development opportunities.”
He continued, “The Committee brings together leaders from across the commodities trading ecosystem, including finance, commerce and trade, shipping, logistics and professional services sectors to conduct in-depth and comprehensive research into global commodities market trends, thoroughly review the current landscape and trends in areas such as physical trade, financial and derivative trading, as well as shipping and logistics. It will also study the opportunities for developing businesses of various major and emerging categories of commodities in Hong Kong, enhance market mechanisms and regulatory framework, build an industry ecosystem, and explore mutual market access with the Chinese Mainland. The Committee will also provide specific recommendations on the positioning, development planning and promotion strategy for Hong Kong’s commodities market.”
At today’s meeting, the Committee received a briefing on global commodities market trends and Hong Kong’s development potential, and discussed the categories of commodities and key areas that should be prioritised for in-depth study and discussions.
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed the establishment of the “Strategic Committee on Commodities” to bring together industry representatives with the aim of strengthening the top-down design and long-term strategy of our commodity policy. The membership of the Committee is as follows:
Chairman
——————
Financial Secretary———————————
Mr Angad Banga
Mr Kenneth Chan Kin-nin
Ms Agnes Chan Sui-kuen
Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan
Mr Gary Cheng
Dr Moses Cheng Mo-chi
Mr Vincent Chui Yik-chiu
Mr Richard Hext
Mr Ken Huang Jianhua
Ms Liu Sha
Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing
Mr Dario Pong Chiu-yee
Mr Sham Man-fai
Mr Tiger Shi Chenghu
Mr Harold Wong Tsu-hing
Ms Zhang Hanying
Ms Zhu Jing————————
Deputy Financial Secretary
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Secretary for Development
Secretary for Transport and Logistics
Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit
Government Economist
Representatives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board and the Airport Authority Hong Kong will attend the meeting as necessary.
Issued at HKT 18:30
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Dispositif d’arrêt de la circulation de la RT1 au niveau du col de la Pirogue
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement, via sa direction des Infrastructures, de la topographie et des transports terrestres (DITTT) informe les usagers de la route de l’installation d’un dispositif d’arrêt de la circulation sur la RT1, au niveau de La Tamoa dans la commune de Païta.
Ce dispositif, implanté entre les routes d’accès aux lotissements de la Tamoa et à la tribu de Saint-Laurent, est destiné aux véhicules circulant dans le sens Tontouta-Nouméa.
Il est composé de feux rouges clignotants, ainsi que d’un signal de danger lumineux et d’un panneau à message variable.
Ce dispositif d’arrêt sera déclenché en cas d’accident de la route ou d’incident sur la chaussée (éboulement, obstacle sur la chaussée, ou autres) dans le col de la Pirogue afin d’arrêter la circulation en direction de Nouméa et de permettre aux services de secours d’intervenir rapidement sur les lieux.
Au déclenchement des feux rouges clignotants, les usagers devront obligatoirement s’arrêter au niveau du dispositif. Une fois l’intervention des secours terminée, la remise en circulation sera effectuée par les forces de l’ordre.
Des essais seront opérés au cours du 1er trimestre 2026 avant la mise en service définitive du dispositif.
Le gouvernement remercie les usagers de la route de respecter les prescriptions, pour leur sécurité et celle des services de secours. La sécurité est l’affaire de tous.
Faire du sport, un pilier du développement social et humain de la Nouvelle-Calédonie
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
À la suite du 2e Haut conseil du sport calédonien, qui s’est tenu jeudi 18 décembre 2025, Mickaël Forrest, membre du gouvernement chargé notamment de la jeunesse et des sports, a animé un point presse afin de présenter :
- les chiffres clés du sport calédonien pour l’année 2025 ;
- les travaux engagés afin de renforcer la structuration du mouvement sportif local ;
- les perspectives et priorités pour l’année 2026.
Deux ans après la signature de la Charte Romain Jacob : renforcer la dynamique commune pour l’accès aux soins des personnes en situation de handicap
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
À l’initiative de Naia Wateou, membre du gouvernement chargée notamment du secteur du handicap, une rencontre consacrée à l’accès aux soins des personnes en situation de handicap a été organisée au Médipôle, à l’occasion des deux ans de la signature de la Charte Romain Jacob en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Ce temps fort, qui a réuni les partenaires institutionnels, sanitaires, médico-sociaux, sociaux et associatifs, avait pour ambition de partager les expériences, d’identifier collectivement les besoins et de dégager des pistes d’amélioration concrètes pour faciliter le parcours de soins.
La Nouvelle-Calédonie officiellement intégrée au programme australien de mobilité des travailleurs (PALM)
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie se félicite de la décision du gouvernement australien d’accorder formellement l’intégration de la Nouvelle-Calédonie au Programme australien de mobilité des travailleurs du Pacifique (PALM – Pacific Australia Labour Mobility), à travers le lancement d’un programme pilote.
Cette décision a été officialisée par un courrier en date du 5 décembre 2025, adressé au président du gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Alcide Ponga, par la ministre australienne des Affaires étrangères, Penny Wong, et le ministre australien pour le Pacifique, Pat Conroy.
Support fund reaches $4.1b
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3.8 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, the fund now amounts to around $4.1 billion.
Currently, more than 1,000 units are still available to affected residents as longer-term accommodation. The transitional housing and the Housing Society projects in different districts can altogether provide around 500 units at the moment. Moreover, Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun and Runway 1331 at Kai Tak can provide around 900 units.
As of this morning, 516 residents are staying in hotel rooms through the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, and 568 residents are staying in youth hostels/camps. Another 3,513 residents are living in transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau, the Housing Society or Po Tin Interim Housing in Tuen Mun.
On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 2,000 registrations have been received. Over 45,000 donated items have been distributed.
CE opens Hetao zone HK Park
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee today officiated at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
The Hetao Co-operation Zone is one of the four major co-operation platforms among the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Park is envisioned to develop into a world-class hub for technological innovation that connects the Chinese Mainland with the international community, and to serve as an important source for fostering and advancing new quality productive forces for the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lee remarked that the development objective of the Hetao Co-operation Zone is set out to become a world-class innovation platform. As a major national technological innovation co-operation zone, it spans across two different social systems geographically, leveraging the strengths of the respective economic frameworks and judicial regimes.
“We will continue to drive forward the construction and development of the Hong Kong Park by optimising institutional integration, strengthening policy support, actively attracting high-quality enterprises and world-class research teams, etc.
“I am confident that the Hetao Co-operation Zone will emerge as a bridgehead and testing ground for Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development. It will also become a showcase for pioneering policies within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and across the global innovation landscape. It is a powerful Hong Kong engine for growth.”
The Hong Kong Park is developed in batches under two phases. Out of the eight buildings in the first batch of Phase 1 development, two wet-laboratory enabled buildings and a talent accommodation building have been completed, providing about 32,000 sq m of floor area and 100 apartment units respectively.
More than 60 institutions and enterprises have begun moving into the wet laboratory buildings, while the talent accommodation welcomed the first batch of tenants this month. Construction work of the foundation and superstructures for the remaining five buildings have commenced and will be completed progressively starting from 2027 onwards.
The planning and development layout for the park’s Phase 2 development has been finalised. The two phases together will offer a total floor area of up to 2 million sq m. Functionally, the park will be divided into different technological zones focusing on pillar industries such as life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, new technologies and advanced manufacturing, thereby fostering the integrated development of upstream, midstream and downstream industries and building a comprehensive I&T industry chain.
To expedite the park’s construction work, the park company has rolled out an expression of interest exercise to gauge the market’s interest in selected plots of the remaining land of Phase 1 development, with a view to leveraging market forces to develop the park in an accelerated and efficient manner. The park company received 27 responses and is currently analysing them with a view to preparing for launching the land plots in an orderly manner starting from 2026.
At the ceremony, Mr Lee also announced the official commencement of the Western Cross-River Link Bridge Project which will connect the two parks in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. This project will open up the transportation network of the Hetao Co-operation Zone. The two sides will adopt a design concept of integrating the cross-boundary bridge with the surrounding ecological environment and with an emphasis on low-carbon technology, safety and convenience, and pleasant scenery, as well as adopting a “single-span across the river” approach in construction, which will serve as a new landmark to connect the two parks under the concept of “one zone, two parks” while creating an innovation network in the Greater Bay Area.
Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xu Qifang, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Luo Huangho, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also attended the opening ceremony.
Mr Lee also visited the park’s wet laboratory buildings to learn about its facilities, environment and the facilitation measures provided for the tenant enterprises by the park company. He also exchanged views with representatives of the I&T enterprises which have already set foot in the park.