Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

As Taiwan’s semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-tech industries continue to grow, the projected average annual growth rate of electricity demand from 2026 to 2035 has risen to 2.5%. Offshore wind power will therefore become an important source for the stable supply of green electricity.

Under Taiwan’s three-phase offshore wind power development strategy, beginning with the “Demonstration Incentive Program,” followed by “Zones of Potential,” and then “Zonal Development,” Taiwan has installed more than 500 offshore wind turbines, with a cumulative installed capacity of approximately 4.9 GW.

To build on previous achievements while meeting future demand for green electricity and supporting industrial development, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has proposed the “Medium- and Long-Term Offshore Wind Power Development Plan for 2026-2039.” Through interministerial cooperation, the government will identify suitable maritime areas and expects to add approximately 15-18 GW of developable capacity.

Selection rounds will be conducted every four years, with 8 GW of capacity to be released in each round. This approach is intended to complete the selection of developers before 2030 and establish a stable and predictable long-term development mechanism. Taiwan aims to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 18.3-19.9 GW by 2035 and 24.7-27.9 GW by 2039. This will continuously expand the supply of green electricity and ensure steady progress toward Taiwan’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.

The MOEA stated that, through systematic interministerial coordination with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ministry of Agriculture, and other agencies, the government has reviewed the maritime areas suitable for offshore wind development. Approximately 15-18 GW of additional developable capacity is expected to be included in the “Medium- and Long-Term Offshore Wind Power Development Plan for 2026-2039.”

Selection rounds will be conducted every four years, with approximately 8 GW of capacity released in each round. Taiwan also plans to begin launching floating offshore wind power development in 2026. The government will continue to advance offshore wind development through four key pillars to establish a stable investment environment:
1. Clear policies: Clearly define Taiwan’s offshore wind policy objectives and its development pathway for 2026-2039.
2. Industrial development: Guide industrial growth and foster local manufacturing, service, and related industries.
3. Financial support: leverage green finance support mechanisms and improve the financing and investment environment for green energy projects.
4. Administrative efficiency: Strengthen interministerial coordination and streamline project application procedures through administrative measures.

The MOEA further explained that, as of July 10, 2026, eight offshore wind farms had been completed in Taiwan. In 2025, Taiwan ranked third worldwide in newly installed offshore wind capacity and fifth in cumulative installed capacity, while annual offshore wind power generation exceeded 10 billion kWh.

Taiwan’s operational offshore wind farms have maintained stable operations despite several powerful typhoons and major earthquakes, demonstrating the quality of Taiwan’s offshore wind engineering and its resilience to extreme environmental conditions.

Through clear policy objectives and close interministerial cooperation, the government will continue to foster a favorable investment environment, steadily advance offshore wind development, and ensure a stable supply of green electricity. These efforts will support the global expansion of Taiwan’s industries while enhancing energy security and environmental sustainability.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs:
Deputy Director General, Mr. Chen
Phone Number: 02-2775-7700, 0919-998-339

Business Contact: Director, Mrs. Cheng
Contact Phone Number: 02-2775-7778, 0952-279-720

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A new generation of breathing apparatus has hit the frontlines of Hong Kong’s fire services, marking a significant technological leap designed to withstand the increasingly volatile conditions of modern fire scenes.

Firefighters from stations across the city recently gathered for a live simulation drill, testing equipment with comprehensive upgrades. The new gear aims to boost operational efficiency while providing enhanced safeguards for crews in the line of duty.

Navigation lifeline

Fire Services Department Assistant Divisional Officer (Breathing Apparatus) Yip Chi-ho highlighted how the gear upgrade directly addresses the most hostile environments faced by frontline crews.

“Thick smoke is a great threat at a fire scene because the carbon monoxide and toxic gases inside can be lethal,” Mr Yip said. “That is why firefighters must wear breathing apparatus when entering a fire scene.”

The department has introduced an Emergency Breathing Safety System to protect frontline crews when air supplies run dangerously low during rescue operations.

The system features a dedicated hose with a quick-connect fitting, allowing firefighters to share air with a colleague in distress. By simply connecting the two hoses, the system instantly diverts and supplies air to both users simultaneously, facilitating a safer, joint evacuation.

 

Pressure-proof communication

The new masks feature an integrated team communication device, a hands-free system designed to provide clear audio, even in the loudest environments.

Senior Fireman Wesley Chiu described how the new design transforms frontline operations compared to older gear. “The team communication device has a built-in microphone and earphone inside the face mask,” he said.

“We can speak directly through the inner mask and hear clearly, even with the mask on. There is also a full duplex so that everyone can talk at the same time and still hear each other perfectly, just like face-to-face conversation.”

Rapid sanitisation

Time is the most critical resource on the front lines. The upgraded model features a simplified quick-connect coupling, slashing the time required to change an air cylinder. A procedure that previously took about 1.5 minutes, can now be completed in under 10 seconds.

Beyond operational speed, the department is safeguarding the long-term health of its crews by prioritising hygiene. The new shoulder straps and waist belts are crafted from non-textile materials that do not absorb water or fire contaminants, meaning the gear can be cleaned more easily.

Adaptive training

The evolution of the service extends beyond the equipment itself. The department has also overhauled its training facilities, moving away from fixed layouts. New operable partition systems allow for rapidly reconfigurable spaces, enabling instructors to simulate a wider variety of environments.

Fireman Leung Hoi-tik noted the importance of this shift.

“The biggest advantage is to create a truly unknown training environment. Previously, the layout was fixed, so we got used to it after repeated drills ” he said.

The new facility can simulate residential units, mini-storage facilities, subdivided flats and industrial buildings.

“Closely reflecting real fire scenes, tying in with drills using different equipment and search and rescue modes, it greatly enhances our adaptability and psychological resilience,” Mr Leung added.

Following the successful deployment of the operable partition system at Wong Tai Sin Fire Station, a similar training facility has now officially launched at Pok Fu Lam Fire Station. With three further facilities scheduled for completion, the roll-out underscores a commitment to bolstering the capabilities of frontline firefighters across Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin today paid tribute to more than 1,500 teachers for their selfless dedication in nurturing talent as she officiated at a ceremony marking Teachers’ Day.

Addressing attendees, Ms Choi said that in a fast-changing technological era in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing at a rapid pace, the role of teachers is more important than ever.

She stressed that while technology can no doubt reform teaching methods, it will never replace teachers’ noble mission of nurturing students. Only teachers, she said, can discern the unique potential of each student. Their wisdom, she added, can enlighten minds and respond to learners’ diverse needs; moreover, teachers offer guidance when students feel confused, encouragement when they face setbacks, and affirmation on their personal growth.

Ms Choi highlighted the Government’s Blueprint for Digital Education Development in Primary & Secondary Schools, which emphasises the pivotal role of teachers in driving digital education, and equips them to use AI tools.

The education chief expressed her hope that teachers will always bear in mind the core mission of “cultivating values and nurturing people” when fostering students’ capabilities in innovation, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, such that students can put “technology for good” into practice through reasonable and responsible use of AI.

Today’s ceremony was organised by the “Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign”.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

​​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly condemned malicious attacks, smears and slanders by external forces following the sentencing of defendants in the “Hong Kong Alliance” subversion incitement case.

 

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government expressed strong dissatisfaction with various western countries, anti-China media, overseas organisations, politicians and others for making such attacks.

 

It said certain individuals had exploited national security cases to fabricate lies and scaremongering remarks and to launch attacks against the rule of law, human rights and other aspects of the Hong Kong SAR. It urged them to recognise objective facts and stop making despicable, politically motivated attacks.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that, as it has stressed on multiple occasions, human rights in Hong Kong are robustly guaranteed both by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law.

 

Specifically, Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and Section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in the process of safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR; and that the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law, and under the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government added, however, that – as in other places in the world – such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR expressly states that certain rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, may be subject to restrictions, as prescribed by law, that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety and public order, or the rights and freedoms of others.

 

The statement outlined that in recent years, western countries have continuously generalised the concept of national security, intimidating individuals and enterprises engaged in legitimate activities, and suppressing dissidents. It said western governments and politicians have failed to reflect on their own actions, and that their institutions and media have turned a blind eye. External forces, it added, have adopted double standard in attacking the Hong Kong SAR for fulfilling its duty to safeguard national security in strict adherence with the rule of law.

 

Highlighting that people with ulterior motives have used the “Hong Kong Alliance” case to attack “one country, two systems”, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable and indisputable part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which always provides the strongest support to Hong Kong.

 

It added that that “one country, two systems” has enabled Hong Kong to successfully overcome various challenges, and that the more firmly the “one country” principle is upheld, the greater the strength of “two systems”. It said national security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests constitute the highest principle of “one country, two systems”.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the law never allows anyone to harm their country and compatriots under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom. Regardless of the nature of the case, it said, the court arrived at its verdict and sentencing in strict accordance with relevant laws and evidence, fairly and impartially, free from any interference, and absolutely without any political considerations.

 

Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from the legal consequences of their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, it added.

 

Moreover, it emphasised that no country’s constitution would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and fundamental system of the country established by the Constitution. As stated in the court’s reasoning, the Constitution is the “fundamental law” above any other laws of the state and “has supreme legal authority”.

 

The Constitution is also the constitution of the Hong Kong SAR and the foundation for its laws. The Constitution and the Basic Law jointly establish the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR. The basic and core components of the Constitution, such as those relating to constitutional order, national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, all apply to the Hong Kong SAR.

 

“Leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC)”, outlined in the Constitution, is the core of the “fundamental system” it establishes. Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the “fundamental system” of the PRC to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government also outlined that incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence. It said the conviction and sentencing in this case fully reflect the criminal responsibilities of the defendants and serve a strong deterrent effect. The court’s reasons for its verdict give full details of the legal principles involved, the evidence admitted, and the considerations involved in the convictions.

 

As regards the length of the sentences for individual defendants, the court’s reasons for these are clearly set out in its considerations for sentencing, including various reasons for determining that the case involves “an offense of a serious nature”.

 

The court said the defendants had shown hostility towards the CPC and the central government, and resisted the latter and refused to make any compromise. It said that after the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on embracing resistance to the very end, even though they knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression. The court added that the defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, thereby undermining the fundamental system of the PRC.

 

The court also emphasised that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. It said they were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the law came into effect.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government said this case and other recent court rulings on various cases in connection with offences endangering national security serve as solid evidence that the HKNSL and other relevant laws for safeguarding national security are capable of preventing, suppressing and punishing all offences endangering national security. Without this strong legal barrier against criminals, it added, Hong Kong and China will suffer significant harms, carrying unimaginable consequences.

 

The statement added that it is the common obligation of all the people of China, including Hong Kong compatriots, to safeguard the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the PRC. It said Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced, and will spare no effort in preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the graduation ceremony of the Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice today (September 11):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. In the blink of an eye, the one-week Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice has come to a close. On behalf of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, I would like to congratulate you on the successful completion of the course. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Commerce for their invaluable support throughout the course.

Over the past week, we have explored a broad range of issues at the heart of international trade and investment. Our discussions began with geopolitical developments shaping the international trade, before turning to other sensitive issues such as export control measures and sanctions. We also examined legal drafting and dispute resolution issues, explored the global trade rules and emerging trade policy instruments, and discussed the impact of technological developments concerning virtual currencies and artificial intelligence. Finally, we concluded the course with an insightful panel discussion on Chinese enterprises going global and the role of Hong Kong’s professional services sector.

I am sure that you would now have a better understanding of the various issues covered by this course, and would also appreciate how Hong Kong’s legal and professional services can support Chinese enterprises in their global expansion. Allow me to add a few words on the last point by introducing the relevant initiatives of the Department of Justice, the DoJ.

To strengthen the connection between enterprises and Hong Kong’s professional services sector, the DoJ has launched a number of new initiatives. First, we have been bringing Hong Kong’s legal and other professionals directly into contact with enterprises pursuing global expansion. Second, in April this year, the DoJ published the Panel List of Hong Kong Legal Services Providers Supporting “Go Global”. The list provides enterprises with a convenient reference point when looking for suitable Hong Kong legal service providers. Besides, we have compiled two collections of success stories. These publications highlight the experience and capabilities of Hong Kong’s legal, accounting, financial and business consultancy sectors. Taken together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a premier centre for international legal and professional services.

As the course draws to a close, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the success of this programme. In particular, I would like to thank our distinguished speakers, including the moderators. Their time, preparation, and generosity in sharing their knowledge and practical experience have greatly enriched the course, and have made this course both intellectually stimulating and highly practical.

And of course, I would also like to thank all of you. Your active participation, your thoughtful questions, and valuable contributions have made this course far more than a series of lectures. I have just had the pleasure of hearing some of you sharing your reflections on the course. It has been most encouraging to hear your positive feedback, and the practical insights you have taken away for putting those insights into practice in your work. We hope that the knowledge, perspectives, and connections developed during the course will be useful in your current work, and will continue to support your professional development in the years ahead.

Before we conclude, I invite all of you to take a few minutes to complete the feedback form. Your views and suggestions are invaluable to us, and will help us further enhance our future training programmes.

I am sure that, after this week, many of you will leave Hong Kong with good memories of the city. We would be delighted to welcome you back for the Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, which will be held from November 2 to 6, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Hong Kong Legal Week is an annual flagship event of the DoJ, bringing together legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics and representatives from leading international organisations from Hong Kong and around the world. This year’s theme is “Collaboration & Innovation: Legal Synergy for a Shared Future”. It will feature practical exchanges and forward-looking discussions on cross-border trade, international legal co-operation, lawtech, etc, while showcasing Hong Kong’s role as an international legal and dispute resolution hub and a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and other markets. We very much look forward to welcoming you back to Hong Kong in November.

On this note, I wish you every success in your future endeavours, and a safe and pleasant journey home.

You might not have noticed, but I actually attended the class with you on Tuesday. I sat at the back during the session on US and EU sanctions and trade restriction policies. That evening, I attended the Belt and Road Summit banquet and spoke with a senior official from your Ministry of Commerce; I remarked to him that you were all very proactive in class, constantly asking questions. He replied, “That’s right—they are frontline officials from our Ministry of Commerce, and they are the very best.” Thank you very much for coming to Hong Kong to attend the course we organized. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the sentencing of the incitement to subversion case of the “Hong Kong Alliance” this afternoon (September 11):
 
Secretary for Security: Regarding the case in which the “Hong Kong Alliance” (the Alliance), Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung were charged with incitement to subversion, following the conviction by the Court of First Instance on August 21, the court delivered its sentence this morning. The three defendants were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from five years and two months to seven years and three months. The Alliance was sentenced to a fine of $1,500,000.

The court ruled that the circumstances of the offences of incitement to subversion committed in this case were of a “serious nature”. The sentence passed must reflect the severity to uphold the rule of law. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government considers that the sentence manifests that justice is done and safeguards the core values of Hong Kong.
 
First, I must reiterate that the Constitution is the fundamental law of our country. In its reasons for verdict, the court stated that the Constitution and the Basic Law together establish the constitutional order of the HKSAR, and the preamble and Article 1 of the Constitution make it clear that the leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system established by the Constitution, which is prohibited under Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). No constitution of any country would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and the fundamental system of the country established by the constitution.
 
However, the objective of the Alliance was precisely to overthrow the leadership status of the CPC and the fundamental system of the PRC under the Constitution. The organisation carried out various activities in public over a long period with an intent to sow seeds of hatred against the CPC and the Central Government in Hong Kong society and incite others to subvert state power, which must be deterred in accordance with the law.
 
The court has reiterated in the reasons for sentence that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their words or deeds before the HKNSL. They were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts in violation of the HKNSL during the charge period.
      
The court did not accept the defendants’ claims that they did not understand the HKNSL. In fact, the defendants were well aware that their advocacy would contradict the Constitution, but still insisted on going their own way, and also encouraging others to persist.
 
The reasons for sentence also explicitly set out six reasons why the present case was of a “serious nature”:

(1) At the material time of the case, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the HKSAR, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The defendants engaged in inciting words and deeds amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, placing national security and public order at greater risk. 

(2) The defendants’ criminal conduct was not an isolated incident, persisting for a period of as long as 14 months; 

(3) The defendants committed the offences through various activities and on various social media platforms; 

(4) The defendants possessed mobilising power and influence, with the impact of their words and deeds on the general public far exceeding that of lesser-known individuals; 

(5) The defendants’ activities were city-wide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated; and

(6) Despite the defendants’ belief that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they still persistently pursued their course of conduct which was premeditated.

All defendants received a fair trial by the court without any interference, strictly in accordance with the law applicable to Hong Kong and under the safeguards of the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The reasons for both the verdict and the sentence handed down by the court clearly emphasised that the defendants in this case were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court would only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case and decide whether the prosecution was able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
 
Safeguarding national security is an obligation of all Hong Kong citizens and the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR. As in this case, the HKSAR Government will continue to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle. Thank you.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, led a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the thematic session on health and medical services at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing at the invitation of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. The delegation also called on various regulatory authorities to deepen exchanges and co-operation in health.
      
     The DH delegation earlier paid a visit to the National Institutes for Drug Control (NIDC) and met with Deputy Director Ms Xu Miao. They also toured the NIDC’s biological products laboratory, and exchanged views with the NIDC on topics covering the strengthening of testing of biological products, research of Chinese medicine (CM) standards and testing capabilities, as well as supporting the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute in enriching its collections, with a view to jointly promoting drug safety as well as the inheritance and innovation of CM.  
      
     “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the NIDC for its longstanding professional guidance to, and close collaboration and exchanges with, the DH on drug and CM testing, etc. In accordance with the 2026 annual bilateral work plan between the DH and the National Medical Products Administration early this year, the NIDC organised a four-week training programme for professional officers from the DH and the Government Laboratory on biological product testing so that they can enhance technical capabilities by learning from each other to advance local testing work,” said Dr Lam.
      
     “Regarding CM, both the DH and the NIDC have been maintaining close collaborations, having signed a co-operation agreement on research for CM testing and standards in May 2024 to further advance collaborations in CM standards and testing technology innovations, and exchanges in talent and academic matters, to jointly promote the quality and safety of CM. The Outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan has promulgated the advancement of the inheritance and innovation of CM to promote its global expansion. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will proactively integrate into and contribute to the overall national development, participate in building a ‘Healthy China’, to showcase the HKSAR’s high-quality development in CM testing technologies, thereby supporting CM in going global.”
      
     Dr Lam today (September 11) met with Deputy Director-General of the Advertising Regulation Department of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) Ms Luo Lan and exchanged views on enhancing surveillance on cross-boundary medical and health-related online advertisements. Dr Lam said that with the growing demand for cross-boundary healthcare services, the volume of medical and health-related advertisements and information disseminated across borders has also been increasing. He expressed his gratitude to the SAMR for its support to the HKSAR in joining hands to build a “Healthy China”. The meeting yielded substantial results. Both sides agreed to strengthen co-operation by establishing a point-to-point notification mechanism, enhancing information exchanges and professional training, and jointly cracking down on fraudulent and undesirable medical advertisements to reduce the risk of residents in the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong being misled or defrauded, thereby firmly safeguarding the health and well-being of people in both places.
      
     Dr Lam will conclude his visit to Beijing and return to Hong Kong today. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Three incoming passengers were sentenced to six to seven months’ imprisonment and fined $800 to $1,000, by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (September 10) and today (September 11) for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming Mainland female passenger, aged 49, and an incoming Mainland male passenger, aged 30, at Hong Kong International Airport on June 10 and seized 9 200 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 81 600 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $282,500 and a duty potential of about $30,400, from their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. They were respectively sentenced to seven months’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000, and six-months’ imprisonment with a fine of $1,000 today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 56-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on September 9 and seized about 38 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 8 000 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $195,000 and a duty potential of about $125,000 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with a fine of $800 yesterday.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).