Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
37 schools receive Greening School Project Award
To enhance students’ awareness of greening and interest in horticulture, as well as to beautify school environments, the LCSD provides annual cash subsidies under its Greening School Subsidy Scheme to encourage more greening and planting activities on campuses. The targets of the subsidy scheme are local kindergartens and primary, secondary and special schools. The Greening School Project Award will also be presented to schools to acknowledge their outstanding achievements in campus greening.
Addressing the prize presentation ceremony, the Chief Leisure Manager (Green Campaign) of the LCSD, Ms Tina Tai, said that the Greening School Subsidy Scheme has received an enthusiastic response since its launch, with nearly 900 schools participating this year. She commended the outstanding performance of the award-winning schools, noting that the greening projects have attained a high standard and continue to show steady improvement in quality. Both teachers and students have worked together to create vibrant green spaces, achieving highly encouraging results.
Ms Tai also acknowledged participating schools for their passionate commitment to green education and their valuable contributions, and thanked the adjudicators for their dedicated efforts and professional assessment. Other officiating guests attending today’s ceremony included the Immediate Past President of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, Mr Paul Chan; former non-official member of the Community Involvement Committee on Greening under the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of the Development Bureau, Dr Angie Ng; and the Chief School Development Officer (Wan Chai and Islands) of the Education Bureau, Ms Ivy Man.
The Greening School Project Award was presented in eight categories. The champions are as follows:
1) Large Garden Plot Project (Secondary School Section):
CCC Kei Chi Secondary School
2) Large Garden Plot Project (Primary School Section):
Kwong Ming School
3) Small Garden Plot Project (Secondary School Section):
Yan Chai Hospital Wong Wha San Secondary School
4) Small Garden Plot Project (Primary School Section):
Precious Blood Primary School (South Horizons)
5) Garden Plot Project (Kindergarten Section):
Lok Sin Tong Stephen Leung Kindergarten
6) Tree Planting Project:
New Asia Middle School
7) Horticultural Maintenance:
Ta Ku Ling Ling Ying Public School
8) Best Green Concept:
Kwong Ming School
The list of other winners of the Greening School Project Award is available on the LCSD webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/green/education/greeningschool/2025schoolawardlist.html
The LCSD is committed to promoting greening through the Green Hong Kong Campaign. The department has been implementing a number of large-scale planting and landscape beautification projects, as well as organising various educational and community participation activities that aim to instil green values among the public and enhance their awareness of the importance of protecting the natural environment.
Issued at HKT 13:00
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DH reminds public to be vigilant about infectious diseases when travelling during summer holidays
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH reminds public to be vigilant about infectious diseases when travelling during summer holidays
Measles
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Measles outbreaks have persisted in many regions around the world since last year. North America (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) have experienced ongoing measles outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage in recent years. Over 2 100 cases have been recorded in the United States so far this year, a figure significantly higher than the same period last year. In Europe, the number of measles cases in the United Kingdom and Spain has increased this year, with 736 and 136 cases recorded respectively since January. In Asia, the incidence rate of measles remains at a high level in the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Japan has also seen a significant rise in cases this year, with 529 cases recorded as of June 17, surpassing last year’s total of 265 cases and marking the highest record since 2019. Singapore and Australia have reported 39 and 106 measles cases respectively this year, which are also higher than the same period last year. Most of the overseas cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated against measles or had an unknown vaccination status, highlighting the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.
Anyone planning to travel to regions experiencing measles outbreaks or where measles is prevalent should check their vaccination records and medical history well in advance. Those who have never been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine, or who are unsure whether they have received two doses, should consult a doctor about vaccination at least two weeks before departure. Pregnant women and women preparing for pregnancy who are not immune to measles or rubella, as well as children under one year old, who are not due for the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella combined vaccine under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, are advised not to travel to destinations experiencing measles or rubella outbreaks.
The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If travellers returning from places with a high incidence or outbreaks of measles develop symptoms of measles, they should wear a surgical mask, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and avoid contact with people without immunity, especially those with weak immune systems, pregnant women and children under one year old, and seek medical advice immediately.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
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HFMD is a common disease in children caused by enteroviruses such as Coxsackie viruses. Since this May, there has been a seasonal increase in the activity of HFMD in neighbouring regions, including Guangdong Province of the Chinese Mainland, Japan and Korea.
Most HFMD patients have mild symptoms. The initial stage of the illness is usually marked by a fever, poor appetite, tiredness and sore throat. One to two days after the onset of fever, painful sores may appear in the mouth, which then develop into ulcers. Patients generally recover on their own in seven to 10 days.
To prevent HFMD, members of the public should keep hands clean and wash their hands properly. Wash hands before meals, after using the toilet, when hands are soiled by respiratory secretions (such as after sneezing) or after handling diapers or other stool-soiled materials. It is also important to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and to dispose of nasal and oral discharges properly. As alcohol is not effective in killing some viruses that cause HFMD, alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water.
Mosquito-borne diseases
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Mosquito-borne diseases continue to spread in many regions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of dengue fever (DF) has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024 and 2025 (January to July), the WHO recorded over 14 million cases and 4 million cases respectively. DF is prevalent in many neighbouring tropical and sub-tropical tourist destinations, particularly in Southeast Asian countries. Last year, Indonesia and Vietnam each recorded over 120 000 cases, while Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka each recorded over 50 000 cases. Singapore recorded more than 4 000 cases.
Regarding chikungunya fever (CF), more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, including those in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, recorded a total of at least 500 000 CF cases and 186 associated deaths in 2025. According to the WHO’s risk assessment, as there were ongoing CF outbreaks worldwide in 2025, the risk to the global public health posed by the transmission of CF is moderate.
Hong Kong has recorded a total of 23 DF cases (comprising 21 imported cases and two local cases) and two imported CF cases so far this year.
To prevent mosquito-borne diseases when travelling abroad, the public should wear loose, light-coloured and long-sleeved tops and trousers, and apply DEET-containing insect repellent to exposed parts of the body and clothing. If both insect repellent and sunscreen are used, apply insect repellent after sunscreen, and avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skin care products. Members of the public planning to travel outside Hong Kong should be aware of the mosquito-borne disease situation at their destination and take proper mosquito prevention measures. Upon returning to Hong Kong from affected areas, they should continue to use insect repellent for at least 14 days after arrival.
Ebola disease
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The WHO announced on May 17 this year that an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus had occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda in Africa, which constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On the same day, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government activated the Alert Response Level, the lowest under the three-tiered response in the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease, to safeguard public health. Based on public health considerations, the HKSAR Government also issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert for the DRC on May 21 and urged Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel there.
The outbreak in the DRC continues to grow in scale, affecting the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. As of June 23, the DRC has recorded 1 094 confirmed cases and 277 deaths. There are currently no approved and specific therapeutics or vaccines for the Bundibugyo virus. In addition, local conflicts have led to large-scale population movements, which increase the risk of the outbreak spreading.
To prevent Ebola disease, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times when travelling abroad. They should wash their hands with liquid soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before touching their eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with animals and people showing symptoms; and ensure that food is thoroughly cooked before consumption. Members of the public who have visited the affected areas should, upon arrival in Hong Kong, proactively declare their travel history to the Port Health Division officers of the CHP stationed at the boundary control points to facilitate a health assessment. If any suspicious symptoms develop after returning to Hong Kong, they should seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of their travel history.
For more information on infectious disease outbreaks and preventive measures around the world, please visit the DH’s Travel Health Service webpageIssued at HKT 11:00
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36 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Lightshadow”, a joint operation with the Labour Department codenamed “Rainbow” and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” from June 18 to yesterday (June 25). During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, flats under renovation and warehouses. Twenty-one suspected illegal workers, eight suspected employers and seven overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised 12 men and nine women, aged 25 to 54. Among them, four men were holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment. Six men and two women, aged 30 to 77, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. The arrested overstayers were seven women, aged 33 to 58. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or 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 warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, 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 is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.”
The spokesman stressed 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.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Renewed riverbanks uplift community
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
At the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) is breathing new life into facilities along the Tin Shui Wai river channel.
Transformed riverside
For the first phase of this transformation, the project team zeroed in on a stretch of the river between Tin Shui Estate and Tin Wah Estate.
CEDD Architect Chan Man-kong said they centred the design on the junction of the Tin Shui Wai river and Ha Tsuen channel, creating art paintings on the walls and pavement.
“This spot is precisely the starting point of the eastern side of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and is adjacent to Tin Shui Wai,” noted Mr Chan.
“On the left, is the vibrant town centre of the new development area and the happy smiles of the residents, while on the right is the lively traditional dragon dance celebration.
“Linking these two scenes together is the Tin Sum riverside and floodable open space in the middle. We have also specially incorporated the scenery of Lau Fau Shan and Deep Bay, as well as migratory birds, horseshoe crabs and fiddler crabs.”
Mr Chan added that the mural represents the future of the new development area.
Facility face-lifts
Along the riverbank, two pergolas have been completely reimagined, each redesigned with its own distinct charm and character.
“The pavilion walls are decorated with the logo, colours and patterns of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area,” explained Mr Chan. “And the design of another pavilion takes the common egrets found along the Tin Shui Wai river as the theme, using egret silhouettes with shades of blue to represent the sky and river water, creating an effect with simple patterns and lively colours.”
Turning this vision into reality relied on seamless teamwork and a shared goal across various departments.
In addition to the pavilion beautification, the CEDD was also responsible for feature art paintings and the provision of fitness bikes.
CEDD Engineer Bonnie Kwan noted that the Leisure & Cultural Services Department carried out the riverside landscaping, the Highways Department relayed the paving blocks and beautified the railings, while the Drainage Services Department shortened the fencing, all in an effort to make the overall environment more layered and more welcoming.
Embracing enhancements
Following the completion of the beautification works, the upgraded waterfront has been warmly received. Residents have said the riverside space is now more comfortable and vibrant, encouraging more people to stroll along the promenade and enjoy leisurely activities by the water.
CEDD Chief Engineer Chung Lok-chin said preparations are now underway for the next phase of work, with plans to select outstanding design proposals through a design competition to further enhance the riverside space through small-scale works.
“In the long term, under the planning of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the western bank of the Tin Shui Wai river channel will be transformed into a 2-km-long riverside promenade,” explained Mr Chung.
“Bridges will be added to improve accessibility between both riversides, and more trees and flowers will be planted to beautify the environment for public use.”
Rule of law course well received
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The foundation course of the fourth-phase ROLE Train-the-Leaders Programme, themed “Rule of Law Education Stars”, concluded today.
The two-day course was organised by the Department of Justice and attended by about 120 trainees.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam spoke at the event, briefing participants on key topics including the core concepts of the rule of law and the structure of the Hong Kong legal system.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan also shared his practical experiences, equipping trainees with effective communication and teaching skills to better disseminate rule of law messages.
Participants described the course content as practical and accessible. They noted that the training deepened their understanding of rule of law principles, enabling them to effectively convey accurate messages within their respective community roles.
FS attends aerospace event in Xi’an
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today concluded his visit to Xi’an by attending The First Western Commercial Space Conference, meeting Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Shaanxi Provincial Committee Xu Xinrong.
Speaking at the conference, Mr Chan highlighted Xi’an’s strong scientific research capabilities, robust industrial chain and deep pool of technological talent in the aerospace industry.
He pointed out that for the commercial space industry to thrive, it must successfully secure financing, expand market reach and maintain steady development.
Mr Chan discussed Hong Kong’s unique positioning under the “one country two systems” principle, noting that the city can act as an international interface for the western region’s aerospace industry across capital, research and market perspectives.
In terms of capital, the Financial Secretary said Hong Kong can help technology enterprises with raising funds, valuation, pricing and cross-boundary mergers and acquisitions using internationally recognised rules.
For scientific research, the city’s universities can partner with Xi’an institutions on key technologies, drive the commercialisation of research outcomes and leverage global networks to attract top-tier talent.
Regarding market development, Hong Kong can help Mainland enterprises expand overseas by facilitating standards conversion and product validation.
Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong will leverage its openness, internationalisation and financial strengths to empower the western region’s aerospace industry and support national aerospace development.
The finance chief departed for Hong Kong this afternoon.
FS continues visit to Xi’an
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (June 26) continued his visit programme in Xi’an.
Mr Chan today called on the Secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, Mr Zhao Yide, and had an in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong. Mr Chan said that Shaanxi has gathered innovative resources, possesses strong research capabilities, and has complete and thriving industrial chains in areas such as national hard technology research and development, aerospace and aviation, and major equipment manufacturing. Hong Kong, with its advantages as an international financial centre and in high-end professional services under “one country, two systems”, together with its common law system and free port status, is an important hub connecting the Mainland and international markets.
He said that the two places can deepen co-operation in areas such as innovation and research and development, commercialisation of research outcomes, cultivation of innovative enterprises and listing financing, as well as talent exchanges and higher education. This would better connect Shaanxi’s research and industrial strengths with Hong Kong’s financial and internationalisation advantages, achieve resource sharing and mutual empowerment, enable each other’s success, and jointly serve the country’s development of new quality productive forces and high-quality development. He invited Xi’an enterprises to form delegations to visit Hong Kong, exchange and connect with Hong Kong enterprises and the investment community, and explore further co-operation.
In the morning, Mr Chan visited Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), where he met with the President of NPU, Professor Song Baowei, and held a discussion session with innovation and technology enterprises. He then delivered a speech to more than 200 teachers, students and alumni, engaging in in-depth exchanges on promoting hard technology innovation, commercialisation of research outcomes, and deepening co-operation between Xi’an and Hong Kong in scientific research and industrial development.
In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that NPU students have demonstrated, in different ways, a spirit of craftsmanship in perfecting technologies and products. However, for technology to move from the laboratory to the world, it no longer depends only on whether the product is advanced, but also on whether it can withstand the tests of supply chain restructuring and alignment with international standards.
He said that globalisation is shifting from the previous “efficiency first” model to one that places equal emphasis on “efficiency and resilience”, with supply chain security, self-reliance in core technologies, and cross-boundary regulation becoming key considerations. Against this backdrop, the country is strengthening basic research and original innovation, supporting breakthroughs with long-term accumulated “slow variables”. At the same time, areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials and quantum technology are crossing the threshold of industrialisation, forming synergistic development among “technology clusters” and driving the development of new industries, new models and new growth drivers.
Mr Chan pointed out that Xi’an has a profound foundation in hard technology and is an important fertile ground for the accumulation of related technologies, with its achievements being accelerated for civilian application. Hong Kong, with its common law system, free port advantages and international platform, brings together capital, talent and professional services, to help connect technological achievements with international markets, and promote “Xi’an R&D, Hong Kong empowerment, global application”.
He encouraged young people to be professionally strong and broad-minded, and to actively enter the intersection of “finance + technology”. He also encouraged them to base themselves in the country and look to the world, seize opportunities amid changes, enhance their sustainable competitiveness, and grasp the broad opportunities brought about by technological development.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Xi’an High-tech Industries Development Zone (Xi’an High-tech Zone). As a national-level high-tech industries development zone, the Xi’an High-tech Zone focuses on strategic emerging industries such as electronic information, high-end equipment, new energy and new materials. The Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr Peter Yan, and representatives of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Invest Hong Kong also joined the visit.
Mr Chan and his delegation visited enterprises engaged respectively in advanced energy storage, optoelectronic integration, metal additive manufacturing, and high-end equipment inspection and testing, to learn about their latest progress in frontier technology research and development and industrialisation. Mr Chan then held a discussion session with representatives of 25 enterprises in the Xi’an High-tech Zone, exchanging views on promoting hard technology innovation, facilitating deeper integration among industry, academia, research and application, and expanding co-operation between Hong Kong and Shaanxi in areas such as technology and innovation, finance and professional services.
During the discussion session, a number of enterprises expressed strong interest and willingness to access international capital through Hong Kong and further expand into overseas markets. Mr Chan welcomed them to come to Hong Kong for fundraising and financing, global expansion, and technology research and development and advanced manufacturing. He asked the OASES, the HKIC, HKEX and others to fully connect with them and provide support.
Mr Chan will continue his itinerary in Xi’an tomorrow (June 27) and attend the inaugural Western Commercial Aerospace Conference.
NPCSC authorized Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to exercise jurisdiction over Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at Huanggang Port
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The 23rd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPCSC) today (June 26) passed the “Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Authorizing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Exercise Jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port” (the Decision). The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expresses its sincere gratitude to the Central Authorities for their staunch support in establishing the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “The NPCSC’s Decision fully reflects the Central Authorities’ high regard and support for Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. It is of great strategic significance for strengthening the infrastructure connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, enhancing interactions between the people of, and economic and trade activities between the two places, as well as advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This is a clear demonstration of the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’.”
The HKSAR Government has been proactively aligning with national development strategies. Working closely with the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, the HKSAR Government has adopted a forward-looking strategy to upgrade the infrastructure of land boundary control points (BCPs) between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, deepen the reform on the mode of boundary clearance, and actively utilise innovation and technology to enhance the convenience of clearance. The Huanggang Port redevelopment project is one of the key initiatives that the HKSAR Government is participating in the implementation of national development strategies. The redeveloped Huanggang Port will be positioned as the most important 24-hour passenger land BCP between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It will implement the co-location arrangement and the novel “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode to further enhance the passenger clearance experience and efficiency. Clearance time at the new Huanggang Port will be significantly reduced from around 30 minutes at the existing Lok Ma Chau/ Huanggang Port to approximately five minutes. The design flow of the new Huanggang Port will increase to 200 000 passenger trips per day, and could be further increased to about 300 000 upon the future commissioning of the Northern Link Spur Line of the MTR Corporation Limited.
The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government for their co-operation and continued support. Having discussed and reached a consensus on matters relating to the scope and area of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, as well as clearance mode at the port, the HKSAR Government and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province made submissions to the Central Government regarding the implementation of the co-location arrangement at the Huanggang Port, proposing that it be submitted to the NPCSC for examination.
According to the Decision, the NPCSC has decided as follows:
1. The HKSAR is authorized to exercise, with effect from the day on which the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port are commissioned, jurisdiction over the said areas in accordance with the laws of the HKSAR within the period specified in Article 3 of the Decision.
The HKSAR is to administer the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port as a closed area.
2. The areas over which the HKSAR is authorized to exercise jurisdiction comprise the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, the deck of the Shenzhen section of the Lok Ma Chau Bridge connecting the port, the interior of the bridge box girders accessible via the bridge deck, and the surfaces of the connecting roads. The date of commissioning of the relevant areas, and their specific coordinates and area, are to be determined by the State Council. The use of the aforesaid areas is not to be altered within the period specified in Article 3 of the Decision.
3. The HKSAR Government acquires by way of a lease the right to use the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port. The term of the lease is to commence on the day on which the relevant areas are commissioned and is to expire on June 30, 2047. On the expiry of the term of the lease, with a decision of the NPCSC, the term of the lease may be renewed.
Upon receiving the determination from the State Council on the commissioning date of the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port, as well as the specific coordinates and area of the relevant areas, the HKSAR Government will introduce the relevant bill to the Legislative Council as soon as practicable, so as to take forward the local legislative exercise. The HKSAR Government will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipality to take forward all preparatory works of the opening of the Huanggang Port at full steam, proactively align the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the high-quality development of the GBA. The HKSAR Government will maintain close communication with the Shenzhen side and will make timely announcements to the public once the official opening date of the Huanggang Port is finalised, with a view to creating a more efficient and convenient clearance experience for members of the public.
EPD’s response to media enquiries on high liquid content waste
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EPD’s response to media enquiries on high liquid content waste
The total quantity of HLCW disposed of at landfills in 2025 was about 1 500 tonnes, equivalent to about 100 double-deck buses. The waste will become leachate and may affect landfill stability. The EPD is working with the industry to explore waste reduction at source by proper treatment and recycling, and stop disposing of HLCW at landfills.
HLCW includes liquid food (such as beverages, sauces and ice-cream), personal care products (such as shower gels and moisturising creams) and other liquids (such as paint and cleansing agents). If the industry needs to dispose of HLCW at landfills, they must apply to the EPD for a Disposal of Special Waste at Landfills Admission Ticket. In 2025, there were a total of 27 ticket holders who disposed of HLCW at landfills in the territory, all of whom were manufacturers, retail enterprises, and logistics companies.
The EPD contacted relevant admission ticket holders, local recyclers, and some manufacturers and retail enterprises earlier this year to discuss ways of gradually reducing the disposal of HLCW at landfills, with a view to significantly reducing the amount of HLCW ending up there. The EPD has proposed a number of feasible alternative solutions, including minimising the generation of expired items at source through enhanced inventory management, and considering donating properly packaged and usable items to social welfare organisations or charities. For items unsuitable for donation, they can install their own processing equipment or hand over the items to recyclers with relevant handling capacity for treatment.
At present, HLCW is usually disposed of in intact packaging and in large quantities. Since the packaging materials of such waste (such as paper boxes, aluminium cans and glass bottles) are recyclable, and the liquid contents can also be properly treated by appropriate treatment systems, such waste is favourable for recycling. In the past three months, a beverage manufacturer had handled about 300 000 bottles of discarded beverages through recyclers, with the packaging materials recycled. Additionally, a dairy producer plans to handle about 50 000 cartons of discarded milk monthly through recyclers. This demonstrates that the direction proposed by the Department has received positive responses and concrete action from parts of the industry.
The EPD has liaised with the local recycling industry to assist in enhancing its capacity to handle the waste concerned. The Recycling Fund is also assessing relevant applications to support recyclers in purchasing equipment to handle various kinds of HLCW. Meanwhile, the food waste treatment facilities under the EPD, namely Organic Resources Recovery Centres (O.PARKs), are capable of processing liquid food, helping to turn waste into energy and foster resource recycling; while the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre can process waste liquids containing chemicals. As for other waste liquids, after being properly treated and if in compliance with the requirements of the relevant licence for the discharge of wastewater, they can be discharged into the communal sewer and conveyed to sewage treatment facilities for further treatment.
The EPD spokesperson stated that the abovementioned measure under discussion is an administrative arrangement under the landfill admission ticket system, which does not involve any amendments to the relevant legislation or subsidiary legislation. It covers only admission ticket holders of manufacturers, retail enterprises and logistics companies, while municipal solid waste from households and commercial and industrial sources is not affected.
The EPD will continue to discuss the handling of HLCW with the industry before deciding on the full implementation details and final timetable. If the industry encounters technical difficulties while switching to alternative solutions, they can seek assistance from the EPD.
Issued at HKT 21:53
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Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kowloon Bay today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened on a construction site in Kowloon Bay this morning (June 26). While working on the ground, a male worker was run over by a reversing compactor to death. The LD is saddened by death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD’s spokesman said, “We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the operation of all loadshifting machines at the site. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken.”
The spokesman added, “We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation.”
To prevent workers from being struck by loadshifting machines, the LD reminds employers to take adequate precautionary measures, including placing suitable barriers to segregate workers from machinery operating zones; installing suitable safety devices on loadshifting machines, such as rearview mirrors, closed-circuit televisions for reversing operations, and audio/visual alarms, to alert persons working nearby; and arranging signallers to give clear indications to operators, especially when visibility is obstructed during reversing operations.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today’s accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application “OSH 2.0”, website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers’ unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees’ compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees’ compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should also co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.