Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic and transport arrangements for 2026/2027 horse race meetings in Happy Valley——————————–
2. From about 35 minutes before the start of the last race, the following road sections will be closed to all vehicular traffic until the closed road sections reopen:
(i) the slip road connecting Wong Nai Chung Road and the Aberdeen Tunnel;
(ii) the section of Wong Nai Chung Road southbound between Queen’s Road East and the slip road connecting Wong Nai Chung Road and the Aberdeen Tunnel;
(iii) the section of Wong Nai Chung Road southbound between Village Road and near Parsee Cemetery; and
(iv) the section of Morrison Hill Road southbound between Leighton Road and Queen’s Road East.
Public transport service arrangements
——————————————-
1. In connection with the above road closure and traffic diversion arrangements, franchised bus and green minibus routes operating in the affected areas will be temporarily diverted from about 35 minutes before the start of the last race. Meanwhile, the bus stops on Leighton Road eastbound near Matheson Street, Morrison Hill Road southbound near Sports Road and at the junction of Leighton Road westbound and Wong Nai Chung Road will also be temporarily suspended;
2. The tram stop on Wong Nai Chung Road outside the Hong Kong Cemetery will be suspended from about one hour prior to the start of the last race; and
3. In connection with the horse race meeting arrangements at the Happy Valley Racecourse, the taxi stand on Sung Tak Street and on-street parking spaces on Wong Nai Chung Road southbound between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be temporarily suspended in the following periods:
(i) day meetings – from 11am to 7pm; and
(ii) night meetings – from 5pm to 11.59pm
The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of affected areas will be very congested during the horse race meetings. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas as far as possible. Members of the public planning to go to the affected areas are advised to use public transport services as far as possible. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary.
For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:45
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DH completes investigation into Serious Untoward Event involving “Heal Fertility Limited”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH completes investigation into Serious Untoward Event involving “Heal Fertility Limited”
In early July, the DH revealed that the DPC had breached the Code of Practice by failing to report to the DH within the stipulated timeframe after identifying an error in the embryo biopsy specimens sent for laboratory testing. Upon learning of the incident, the DH immediately deployed staff to the DPC to investigate and instructed the person-in-charge of the DPC to submit an investigation report within four weeks. The DPC was also required to implement a series of improvement measures, including immediately suspending the acceptance of new cases for reproductive technology procedures and making appropriate arrangements for individuals receiving relevant services at the DPC.
On July 7, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology (Council) suspended 14 out of 17 licensed treatment services of the DPC, allowing only three services related to the storage of gametes or embryos to continue pending the completion of the investigation.
The DH received the report submitted by the DPC on July 29, which covered immediate measures and long-term improvement plans. The DPC has also implemented several remedial measures regarding the handling and storage of embryos and embryo biopsy specimens.
The DH has concluded that the DPC was non-compliant with the Code of Practice regarding timely reporting of Serious Untoward Events. Accordingly, the DH has issued regulatory requirements and reminded the DPC that it must report such events within 24 hours of identification. The DH also noted that the DPC had revised its procedures and reporting forms to ensure staff compliance with the requirements of the Code of Practice for reporting Serious Untoward Events going forward. The DH will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.
The DH also noted that the Council convened a special meeting yesterday (September 3) to review the investigation report of its Investigation Committee and discuss matters related to the licence issued under the Council. The Council has instructed the DPC to implement further remedial measures. Until the Council makes a decision on the licensing matter, the DPC may only continue to provide three storage services for gametes or embryos.
Given that the incident may involve intentional unlawful conduct by an individual, a Police investigation is ongoing. The DH has reminded the DPC to strengthen security measures and will maintain close liaison with the Police and provide necessary professional support to safeguard public safety.
The DH reiterates that all private healthcare facilities licensed to provide reproductive technology procedures must strictly comply with the relevant licensing conditions and the Codes of Practice stipulated by the DH and the Council.
Issued at HKT 18:30
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Council on Human Reproductive Technology wraps up its investigation into incident regarding mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens involving “Heal Fertility Limited”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Council on Human Reproductive Technology wraps up its investigation into incident regarding mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens involving “Heal Fertility Limited”
Regarding the incident involving a mix-up of embryo biopsy specimens at a licensed human reproductive technology centre in Central, “Heal Fertility Limited” (Heal Fertility), the Investigation Committee under the Council has completed its investigation and submitted a report to the Council. The Council convened a special meeting on September 3 evening to review the report and discuss matters related to the licence of Heal Fertility.
Having thoroughly considered the report, the Council accepted its conclusion that the main cause of the incident may involve intentional unlawful conduct by an individual. The Council will continue to provide professional support to the Police in their investigation. The Council confirmed that no embryos were mixed up or wrongly implanted into the human body in the incident. Regarding Heal Fertility’s sample processing procedures, the Council was of the view that Heal Fertility lacked sufficient protective measures for the handling and storing of embryos and embryo biopsy specimens, and contravened relevant provisions of the Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research (the Code). The Council has strictly instructed Heal Fertility to strictly adhere to the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance (Cap. 561) and the Code to prevent any recurrence of similar incidents.
Moreover, the Council noted that Heal Fertility, after identification of the mix-up of the embryo biopsy specimens, did not report the incident to the Department of Health (DH) within the required timeframe. The Council has reminded Heal Fertility that all day procedure centres holding a licence from the Council to provide reproductive technology must strictly comply with the licence conditions set out by the Council, the DH and the relevant Codes, and ensure timely reporting.
The Council noted that Heal Fertility has implemented a number of improvement measures regarding the handling and storage arrangements of embryos and embryo biopsy specimens. However, the Council considered that there is still room for further enhancement in Heal Fertility’s overall performance and operational arrangements. Therefore, following yesterday’s meeting, the Council has drawn up a set of concrete improvement requirements to urge Heal Fertility to properly implement all measures. The Council will issue a letter to Heal Fertility today (September 4) to notify them of the relevant requirements. The Investigation Committee under the Council will re-inspect the premises, and the Council will make a decision on the licensing matter upon obtaining further information. Until then, Heal Fertility can only continue to provide three services related to the storage of gametes or embryos.
On the other hand, the Council has passed a resolution to commence the review of the Code, key areas include reviewing the incident reporting mechanism and optimising the security and handling procedures of biological samples, with a target completion date of next year. The Council remains fully committed to ensuring that all licensed centres strictly comply with the regulatory requirements of reproductive technology procedures, thereby safeguarding the continuous provision of safe and high-quality services to individuals seeking reproductive technology.
Issued at HKT 18:11
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Constitution scheme proposals invited
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau is inviting a new round of applications under the Constitution & Basic Law Promotion Activity & Research Sponsorship Scheme.
The scheme aims to strengthen public comprehension and support for the Constitution, the Basic Law, the National Security Law, and the “one country, two systems” principle. With the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland approaching in 2027, priority will be given to proposals for innovative, large-scale educational activities themed around the milestone anniversary.
The deadline for applications is November 13. Click here for details or call 2810 2106 for enquiries.
Public views sought on sweeteners
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today launched a three-month public consultation exercise on proposed amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations to invite views from the public.
Sweeteners are food additives that impart a sweet taste to food in place of sugars. Like other food additives, they are permitted for use only after stringent safety evaluations demonstrate they are fit for consumption.
Current regulations stipulate that no person shall sell, consign, deliver or import any food containing sweeteners, except for those specifically permitted.
The Environment & Ecology Bureau and the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety reviewed the regulations and proposed amendments to update Hong Kong’s food safety standards. These proposals primarily reference the General Standard for Food Additives formulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was established by the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
The proposed legislative amendments aim to better protect public health and harmonise local rules with international standards. The changes include bringing polyhydric alcohols under the regulatory scope, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners, setting maximum permitted levels for different “sweetener-food” pairs, and making various technical amendments.
The proposals are supported by the Expert Committee on Food Safety, which comprises local, Mainland and overseas experts. The Government also briefed the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene in June, receiving general support from the panel.
The Government noted that, apart from enhancing food safety protection, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners will offer more choices for the trade and consumers. Aligning Hong Kong’s standards with international benchmarks will also help facilitate the food trade.
To allow reasonable preparation time for businesses and other stakeholders, the Government proposes an 18-month transitional period following the completion of the legislative procedure for the subsidiary legislation.
Members of the public may submit their written views on the proposed amendments on or before December 4 by email, by fax to 2893 3547, or by post to 43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. The Government will also conduct consultation forums to collect further views.
President Lee’s state visit to France
Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Foreign Affairs
President Lee’s state visit to France
President Lee Jae Myung from Sept. 6-9 will pay a state visit to France at the invitation of his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The trip reciprocates President Macron’s visit to Seoul in April to serve as co-chair of the Lumiere Summit.
Singapore Government Agencies Implement Measures to Mitigate Impact of Haze
Source: Government of Singapore
Singapore, 4 September 2026 – The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the Unhealthy range (i.e. 24-hour PSI 101) at 7am in the central region today. This is the first time the PSI has entered the Unhealthy range due to haze since 8 October 2023.
2. The agencies in the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF) have rolled out their respective action plans and advisories for the protection of the health and well-being of the public. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will also begin providing daily haze advisories from the evening of 4 September 2026, and will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public in planning their activities and events for the next 24 hours.
Health Advisory
3. The health impact of the haze is dependent on each individual’s health status, the PSI level, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. The public is advised to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Those with chronic heart and lung conditions should ensure that medications are on hand and readily accessible. Vulnerable persons, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions, who develop symptoms or feel unwell, should seek medical attention promptly.
5. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has worked with our healthcare institutions and long-term care providers (including public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes) to put in place haze preparedness measures which include using air purifiers and fans, and reducing ambient temperature by deploying portable air coolers where appropriate. Our public healthcare institutions are also monitoring patients closely for possible health effects of the haze and will carry out appropriate medical intervention where necessary.
Advice for Preschools
7. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has advised preschools to monitor the air quality levels and comply with the corresponding health advisories. Preschools will minimise prolonged outdoor activities and strenuous indoor physical activities for children when the air quality is in the Unhealthy range. Children with underlying chronic heart and lung conditions will be exempted from outdoor activities and physical exercise.
8. To safeguard the general well-being of the children, all preschools are equipped with air purifiers. Preschools have at least one enclosed room with air purifier(s) turned on to temporarily accommodate children who may become unwell or develop respiratory problems due to the impact of haze. Preschools are also required to ensure that children with asthma, heart or respiratory problems have their prescribed medication with them, and to closely monitor the health of all children. Should any child exhibit respiratory problems or feel unwell, parents are alerted and advised to seek medical attention for the child.
Ensuring the Well-Being of Students in Schools
9. The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have in place plans to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation. Schools are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures, taking reference from NEA’s readings. Institutes of Higher Learning will monitor the haze situation and adopt risk mitigating measures in accordance with the MOH health advisory.
11. While schools remain open and national examinations proceed as scheduled, schools have made arrangements for all candidates to take their papers in enclosed spaces with air purifiers if the air quality is in the Unhealthy range or worse during the examination. Should there be a school closure, national examinations will be rescheduled. School candidates will be informed via their schools. Private candidates will be informed via the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB).
Advice for Workplaces
• Reducing the duration of prolonged or strenuous work for healthy employees.
• Minimising prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for vulnerable workers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.
• Avoiding prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for workers with chronic heart and lung conditions
• Using mechanical aids, implementing job rotation, scheduling indoor rest breaks and ensuring adequate hydration etc.
• Providing suitable protective equipment, considering pollutants present in the work environment.
Safeguarding Singapore
13. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) under the Ministry of Defence and the Home Team Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs are well equipped and will continue to safeguard Singapore’s peace and security amid the haze situation. Based on the 24-hour PSI level and 1-hour PM2.5 concentration levels, they have calibrated the level and intensity of training and outdoor activities, as well as taken precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of all service personnel.
Advice for Motorists
14. To enhance road safety, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) advises motorists to switch on headlights when visibility is low and drive with care.
Sporting Activities
Community Activities
16. Community activities organised by the People’s Association and its grassroots organisations will be guided by the 24-hour PSI forecast issued by NEA and the accompanying health advisory. Air-conditioned rooms in all Community Centres/Clubs (CC) and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) Centres/Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be on standby for members of the public who want to seek respite from the haze, should the 24-hour PSI reading cross into the Very Unhealthy level (PSI >200). Residents may contact their nearest CCs or refer to RC/RN Notice Boards for more information on these locations.
17. The HTF will continue to monitor the situation closely to minimise the impact of haze on the public. HTF agencies will provide further advisories should the haze situation deteriorate.
Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force
– End –
ANNEX A
LIST OF HAZE TASK FORCE MEMBER AGENCIES
The Haze Task Force (HTF) was formed in September 1994 and is part of a coordinated effort across the whole of government. The HTF comprises representatives from 28 government agencies.
| S/N | Agency |
| 1 | Ministry of Digital Development and Information |
| 2 | Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth |
| 3 | Ministry of Defence |
| 4 | Ministry of Education |
| 5 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| 6 | Ministry of Health |
| 7 | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| 8 | Ministry of Manpower |
| 9 | Ministry of National Development |
| 10 | Ministry of Social and Family Development |
| 11 | Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment |
| 12 | Ministry of Trade and Industry |
| 13 | Ministry of Transport |
| 14 | Building and Construction Authority |
| 15 | Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore |
| 16 | Energy Market Authority |
| 17 | Government Technology Agency (GovTech) |
| 18 | Land Transport Authority |
| 19 | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore |
| 20 | National Environment Agency (Chair) |
| 21 | People’s Association |
| 22 | Public Service Division |
| 23 | PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency |
| 24 | Singapore Civil Defence Force |
| 25 | Singapore Food Agency |
| 26 | Singapore Police Force |
| 27 | Sport Singapore |
| 28 | Singapore Tourism Board |
Cleanliness Is A Shared Responsibility: NEA Continues Targeted Efforts To Improve Shared Spaces
Source: Government of Singapore
4 September 2026 – In the first half of 2026, targeted efforts by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and stakeholders have led to cleanliness improvements across key areas, including high-rise littering, refuse management, and toilet cleanliness. These gains reflect NEA’s multi-pronged approach — combining enforcement, technology, and partnerships — to keep Singapore clean.
Cleanliness improves at targeted hotspots through sustained local efforts
2. NEA identifies cleanliness hotspots through litter counts, public feedback and ground observations, and applies targeted enforcement, surveillance, and ground engagement under the Cleaner Neighbourhood initiative to address these areas. [1] These sustained efforts have yielded results – at 628 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, there was a 54 per cent reduction in litter count from July 2025 to June 2026, and it is no longer a hotspot.
3. From January to June 2026, NEA conducted over 110 enforcement blitzes at cleanliness hotspots. In the same period, over 260 Corrective Work Orders were issued, requiring offenders to perform corrective work at these hotspots, serving as visible deterrents to others. [2] Islandwide, about 5,300 fines were issued for ground littering offences.
Strengthening partnerships with Town Councils to tackle high-rise littering
4. NEA has been strengthening its approach to tackle high-rise littering through targeted surveillance and closer partnerships with Town Councils (TCs). In October 2025, NEA introduced a six-month pilot, providing each TC with two high-rise littering surveillance camera deployments per month to monitor hotspots [3].
5. The pilot has supported more targeted surveillance at high-rise littering hotspots. At Tampines Street 45, close collaboration between NEA and the TC — including intelligence sharing, site monitoring and targeted camera deployment — led to a high-rise littering act being detected, enabling follow-up investigations. Building on these results, NEA will continue to work closely with TCs to support more targeted surveillance and intervention against high-rise littering.
6. These efforts complement NEA’s ongoing surveillance and enforcement against high-rise littering, which continues to require sustained attention. Feedback cases have averaged about 28,600 annually since 2023. In 2025, NEA conducted approximately 2,200 camera deployments and took about 500 enforcement actions for high-rise littering offences.
Strengthening accountability and support for cleaner public toilets
8. Alongside these support measures, NEA continues to hold premises owners accountable for public toilet cleanliness. In 2025, NEA conducted about 7,500 inspections of public toilets at premises such as coffeeshops, hawker centres and shopping malls, followed by about 4,000 inspections in the first half of 2026. Since late 2025, NEA has also stepped-up audits of poor-performing coffeeshops, alongside enforcement against premises owners who fail to meet required cleanliness standards. About 150 enforcement actions have been taken against coffeeshop owners in the first half of 2026 (refer to Annex A for 2025 figures).
Diners continue to play their part as average tray return rate maintains at 94 per cent
9. Beyond the efforts of premises owners, the public also plays an important role in maintaining the cleanliness of shared spaces. At hawker centres, diners have continued to do their part. The average Tray and Crockery Return Rate at hawker centres is maintained at 94 per cent, above the 65 per cent in August 2021 before the start of table littering enforcement. [4]
10. In 2025, NEA issued 814 warning letters and 11 fines for table littering. In the first half of 2026, NEA issued 52 warning letters and three fines. Some of the top performing hawker centres include Fernvale Hawker Centre & Market, Market Street Hawker Centre, and Chong Pang Market & Food Centre.
Working with stakeholders to tackle rat activity at source
12. These targeted efforts have contributed to broader improvements. NEA recorded an average of about 3,400 rat burrows per two-monthly surveillance cycle in the first half of 2026, down from about 5,400 in the same period in 2025. From January to June 2026, NEA and SFA jointly took about 490 enforcement actions against premises owners for rat-related lapses, of which about 260 were for poor refuse management.
Adopting technology to enhance cleaning operations
Working with partners and the community
15. Keeping Singapore clean requires the collective responsibility and efforts of all stakeholders and the community. NEA will continue to adopt a multi-pronged approach encompassing enforcement, innovative solutions, and stakeholder engagement – including partnerships with the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) – to uphold high standards of public hygiene and cleanliness in Singapore.
————————————————–
[1] NEA deployed visible patrols, standees, surveillance cameras, and carried out ground engagements to deter littering.
[2] Under the Environmental Public Health Act, any individual who litters is liable on conviction to a court fine of up to $2,000 for a first conviction, $4,000 for a second conviction, and $10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions. The court may also impose a Corrective Work Order, requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours.
[3] TCs can identify locations to deploy the camera based on their ground knowledge and estate-level intelligence.
[4] To promote good hygiene and social responsibility, NEA and SFA introduced enforcement against table littering at hawker centres from 1 September 2021, and at coffeeshops and food courts from 1 January 2022. First-time offenders are issued written warnings, while repeat offenders are issued fines or charged in Court.
~~ End ~~
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Cérémonie d’ouverture et séquences ministérielles de la 11e Conférence des îles du Pacifique sur la conservation de la Nature
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
La 11e conférence des îles du Pacifique sur la conservation de la nature, organisée par le Programme régional océanien de l’environnement (PROE), la Table ronde du Pacifique (Pacific Islands Round Table – PIRT) et le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, sera officiellement lancée lundi 7 septembre 2026 au centre culturel Tjibaou.
Cette conférence réunira des ministres et environ 400 représentants d’une vingtaine de pays et territoires de la région. Elle a pour objectifs de de renforcer la coopération régionale et de répondre de manière concertée aux enjeux liés à la perte de biodiversité, au changement climatique et à la durabilité des moyens de subsistance dans le Pacifique.
STL visits Beijing with LegCo Panel on Transport
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
STL visits Beijing with LegCo Panel on Transport
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, together with 13 Legislative Council Members, toured local enterprises and transport management facilities today (September 3) during their visit to Beijing. The Director of Highways, Mr Tony Yau, and the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, also joined the visit.
The delegation first visited a Mainland ride-hailing service company to learn about the operation and latest developments of the ride-hailing platform, including the trends in urban traffic management and technological innovation on the Mainland. They later paid a visit to the Beijing Municipal Transportation Operations Coordination Center and met with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport to gain insights into the road transport planning in new development areas, as well as the application of technologies including AI, big data analytics and cloud computing to accurately gauge real-time traffic information and assist in the handling of emergencies.
Ms Chan said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been proactively promoting smart mobility in a holistic manner. The regulation of ride-hailing services enables the sustainable market development of personalised point-to-point transport services, safeguards passengers’ safety and rights, and facilitates the public’s travel needs. With the HKSAR Government introducing and taking forward the regulation of ride-hailing services, this visit allows us to draw on the Mainland’s valuable experience in areas such as platform operation and regulation, which will assist Hong Kong in implementing a licensing regime for ride-hailing services.”
She added that the HKSAR Government is also studying the establishment of the Traffic Management Platform that leverages AI to identify traffic bottlenecks and formulate contingency plans to enable the swift response to special traffic and transport conditions. Beijing’s extensive experience in the setting up of a comprehensive traffic monitoring platform, forecasting and warning, as well as co-operation and co-ordination during emergencies, will help the HKSAR Government in achieving more forward-looking planning for projects including smart traffic.
In the evening, the delegation visited a leading national shipping enterprise to exchange views on the latest developments in shipping and logistics. Ms Chan said that Hong Kong, as the country’s southern gateway, enjoys the institutional advantage of being “part of China but outside the Mainland” and possesses highly internationalised strengths including a common law system, free port status and a transparent business environment, making it the closest, safest and most reliable international logistics gateway for Mainland enterprises.
The delegation will continue its visit to Beijing tomorrow (September 4).
Issued at HKT 20:01