Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman: 

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (September 5) announced the completion of a full investigation into the Property Management Services Authority (PMSA)’s complaint handling mechanism, with 14 recommendations on improvement measures made.
 
       A statutory body established under the Property Management Services Ordinance, the PMSA is empowered to investigate complaints against licensed property management companies and licensed property management practitioners for suspected disciplinary offences or where it is alleged that they no longer meet any prescribed criteria required for holding a licence. Upon receiving information from a complainant, the PMSA will conduct a preliminary assessment and assign the case to an investigator if an investigation is warranted.  The PMSA pledges to conclude complaints within six months upon receipt of sufficient information. During this period, the PMSA will acknowledge receipt within 10 calendar days and give the complainant monthly updates in writing or by other proper means. If the investigation reveals prima facie evidence supporting the complainant’s allegations against the complainee, the PMSA will consider initiating disciplinary proceedings.

      Mr Chan said, “The Office received a complaint in which the complainant alleged that the PMSA had failed to take action against a certain property management company (Company A) in response to her complaint. The complainant also alleged that the PMSA had not provided any substantive replies on the investigation progress or results, other than repeating that the complaint was being followed up in accordance with procedures. 

      “The Office’s investigation found that the PMSA had continued its contact, investigation and follow-up with Company A. As the complainant raised further allegations and provided supplementary information on multiple occasions, the PMSA had to seek further information from Company A. The complainant’s case involved complex issues, including interpretation of legal provisions and the deed of mutual covenant, tendering procedures, conflict of interest, and disciplinary offences. Given the complexity of the case, it is understandable that the investigation took time.

      “However, in its acknowledgement letter and interim replies to the complainant, the PMSA merely reiterated that it was following up on her complaint in accordance with procedures, without providing any substantive update. While the PMSA took a longer time in processing the complainant’s complaint due to factors including the complexity of the case, for almost a year, the complainant received only repetitive and brief messages, making it difficult for her to know the progress of the investigation. This may have led her to believe that the PMSA had not taken any substantive action at all, which is far from satisfactory.”

      The Office is pleased to note that the PMSA has responded positively to the full investigation and has proactively proposed measures to improve its procedures and mechanism for responding to public complaints. This Office has incorporated the Authority’s views into this investigation report. Overall, the Office has made 14 recommendations for improvement to the Authority and all the recommendations have been accepted by the PMSA.

      The recommendations for improvement include:
 

• properly informing complainants through interim replies that more time may be required to process a case if it is complex or involves new allegations or supplementary information;
• considering publishing cases, summary of cases or adapted cases via the website or annual report of the PMSA for public and industry reference;
• considering revising and formulating performance pledges for investigating and responding to complaints based on the complexity of cases, and announcing any revised and newly formulated performance pledges;
• exploring the use of mediation to handle simple complaints wherever possible as a feasible solution for resolving complaints swiftly and amicably; and
• stepping up publicity and education to raise awareness of the benefits of mediation, and encouraging voluntary participation of the public and industry to achieve win-win outcomes.

 
      The full investigation report has been uploaded to the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today (September 5) that the contractor involved in the fatal industrial incident that happened on September 4 at a public housing construction site in Kwu Tung was on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works. 
 
The DEVB, being the party to procure services for public works, attaches great importance to the site safety performance of all construction sites under the purview of contractors on the List, regardless of whether the sites are public works construction sites or not. The DEVB issued a notification to the contractor concerned today to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in the buildings category with immediate effect pursuant to the regulating regime. The contractor concerned has to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of the outcome of the independent safety audit, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures, with a view to demonstrating that it has an effective safety management system before the lifting of the suspension from tendering can be considered. The suspension from tendering is not only confined to tender exercises within the period of suspension from tendering, but is also applicable to tender exercises with procedures initiated but not concluded.

The Labour Department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law. Subject to the investigation findings, the DEVB may impose further regulatory actions on the contractor concerned later on, including an extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the List.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (September 5) that Mr Wong Sai-fat will take up the appointment as Director of Marine on September 8, 2025, following an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise. 

     Commenting on the appointment of Mr Wong, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “Mr Wong was a seasoned directorate civil servant who had served in the Marine Department for almost 28 years. He has fully demonstrated his outstanding leadership and management skills, extensive maritime experience, and in-depth knowledge of the shipping industry throughout his service, especially during his tenure as the Acting Director of Marine. I have every confidence that Mr Wong will continue to lead the Marine Department to provide high-quality services to the public and meet future challenges. His profound knowledge of the maritime industry will also help strengthen communication and collaboration with the shipping industry, thereby fostering the future development of the industry and strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre.”  

Mr Wong Sai-fat
——————–

     Mr Wong joined the Marine Department as Surveyor of Ships in June 1997. He was promoted to Principal Surveyor of Ships in December 2011, to Assistant Director of Marine in September 2014, and to Deputy Director of Marine in September 2016. He was the Acting Director of Marine from late January 2024 to June 2025. The Transport and Logistics Bureau conducted an open-cum-in-service recruitment exercise for the post of Director of Marine in March 2025. Mr Wong was appointed to this post after a selection process.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will conduct an open lot drawing and computer balloting at 10am on September 26, 2025 (Friday) for the allocation of new extendable public niches of Wo Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI in Fanling, Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium in Eastern District and Shek Mun Columbarium in Sha Tin.

Upon completion of the open lot drawing and computer balloting, applicants can check the ballot results immediately on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) using their application numbers and identity card numbers. In addition, the FEHD will notify the successful applicants by WhatsApp/SMS and email or letter of the designed niche number allocated. Applicants can also visit the department’s Hong Kong or Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria offices, the Public Niche Allocation Office or call the hotline 2841 9111 to check the results from the day after the lot drawing and computer balloting.

The FEHD reminds the public that the Shek Mun Columbarium, which will soon commence operation, will fully implement “smoke-free worshipping”. All allocated niches will be smoke free, with no facilities for burning joss sticks and offerings, and the burning of such offerings will be completely prohibited. In addition to the columbarium, the site also includes a Garden of Remembrance for ash scattering and a Garden of Forever Love for abortus keeping. Both facilities will accept public applications on September 26.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (September 5) held an unveiling ceremony for a commemorative plaque at a historic site of the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance in Hong Kong at Sai Sha Road, Kei Ling Ha, Sai Kung in Ma On Shan Country Park, commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
 
The unveiling ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; Deputy Director-General of the New Territories Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Wang Hui; Legislative Council Members Mr Stanley Li and Ms Lam So-wai; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and the First Vice-Chairman of the Sai Kung North Rural Committee, Mr Lam B. Other guests attending included the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, and relevant members of the local community.
 
In his speech, Mr Tse stated that the location of this commemorative plaque, Kei Ling Ha, was an important sea-crossing point for the Secret Rescue operation during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, where anti-Japanese cultural figures arrived at the bay of Kei Ling Ha before evacuating Hong Kong by sea. He emphasised that this unveiling ceremony holds exceptional significance, as it not only commemorates the spirit of those who fought in the War of Resistance and fearlessly sacrificed their lives to defend their country, but also enables more citizens and future generations to learn about this important period of history and be inspired by the historical wisdom and national spirit.
 
The AFCD has been committed to conserving, revitalising, and promoting historic resources in country parks to enhance public awareness of the history of the War of Resistance. Examples include revitalising the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine at the Robin’s Nest Country Park into an open museum, producing videos introducing the history of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Robin’s Nest, and establishing the Lion Rock War Relics Trail and Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail. Currently, the AFCD is implementing enhancement works for the Shing Mun War Relics Trail and Luk Keng War Relics Trail, and conducting a study on the establishment of an open museum at the Shing Mun Redoubt. The AFCD will continue to deepen citizens’ understanding of the historic sites of the War of Resistance in country parks through publicity and education, enabling more people to learn about and appreciate this precious history, thereby understanding the significant meaning of the victory.
 
The AFCD has installed commemorative plaques at nine historic sites of the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance in Hong Kong located in country parks. Through these historically significant sites, members of the public can learn more about the deeds of the martyrs during the War of Resistance, experience their courage and indomitable spirit, and together carry forward the spirit of patriotism.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said today (September 5) that Tsung Tsin Middle School, a private school located at 11 Kwong Lee Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, has not been managed satisfactorily and has not operated during the 2024/25 school year. Consequently, the EDB decided to cancel its school registration in accordance with sections 22(1)(c) and (e) of the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279). The EDB issued a letter today to notify the school supervisor of this decision.
 
     Taking into consideration the unsatisfactory conduct of its managers, the EDB has earlier ordered Tsung Tsin Middle School to suspend operation in accordance with section 83 of the Education Ordinance.
 
     Regarding the management issue of Tsung Tsin Middle School, the EDB has been maintaining communication with the school management, and has been monitoring the development of the situation closely. The EDB believes that the current school management committee has not adequately discharged its governance responsibilities. There are disputes among the school managers, as well as several ongoing lawsuits concerning the school sponsoring body, the Tsung Tsin Association, and/or the management of the school. The conflicts among school managers have severely affected the daily operations and management of the school, resulting in an undesirable situation. In this regard, the EDB issued a letter on August 13 to inform the school supervisor that it is considering the cancelling of its school registration in accordance with the Education Ordinance. Thereafter, the EDB received representations from school managers. As the representations did not address the fundamental problems of cessation of operation and school management, and having carefully considered the actual circumstances of the school and other relevant factors, the EDB has decided to cancel the school registration of Tsung Tsin Middle School.
 
     The spokesman stressed, “The EDB will seriously follow up on any non-compliance issues or illegal acts of schools. We will take appropriate actions, including cancelling the school registration under section 22 of the Education Ordinance, in order to safeguard the well-being of students.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected illicit cigarette distribution case in Wong Tai Sin yesterday (September 4), seizing about 52 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $230,000 and a duty potential of about $170,000. One man was arrested.
 
Customs officers conducted an anti-illicit cigarette operation in Wong Tai Sin yesterday afternoon and intercepted a suspicious man carrying a recyclable bag in Fu Mei Street. Upon inspection, 1 000 suspected illicit cigarettes were found, and the 55-year-old man, who claimed to be a cook, was subsequently arrested. Later, Customs officers further seized about 51 000 suspected illicit cigarettes from his private vehicle parked on the nearby roadside. The vehicle was also detained.
 
Customs will continue to trace the source of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
The arrested man was charged with “dealing with goods to which the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance applies” and will appear at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on October 8.
 
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.

Customs stresses that it is an offence to buy or sell illicit cigarettes. Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two 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).      

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport & Logistics Bureau (TLB), along with the Highways Department (HyD), today invited the industry to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (HSWRL) project until October 31.

 

The Government plans to implement the Hong Kong section of the HSWRL through open tender. The HyD began the investigation and design work for the Hong Kong section in mid-2025, aiming to have it ready for tendering in 2027.

 

Additionally, the Government is striving to complete the construction works in 2034, followed immediately by integrated testing and commissioning to realise the common goal of the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to commission the HSWRL in 2035.

 

The HyD held three briefing sessions between July and August in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong to introduce details of the rail project’s Hong Kong section and matters relating to the invitation for EOI from the industry.

 

More than 160 organisations from the industry took part in the briefing sessions.

 

The Government now formally invites the industry to submit EOI for the Hong Kong section of the HSWRL to provide further comments on project scheme, procurement arrangement, financial arrangement, and implementation timetable.

 

The TLB explained that the feedback gathered from the EOI will allow the Government to have a better understanding of the market’s views on the construction and operation of the rail project’s Hong Kong section, so as to formulate more appropriate tender terms and details.

 

The deadline for EOI submissions is noon on October 31.

 

The HyD will conduct an online briefing session to exchange views with industry organisations interested in submitting an EOI.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today held an unveiling ceremony for a commemorative plaque at a historic site of the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance in Hong Kong at Sai Sha Road, Kei Ling Ha, Sai Kung in Ma On Shan Country Park.

 

The plaque commemorates the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

 

The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan; Deputy Director-General of the New Territories Sub-office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Wang Hui; Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Mickey Lai and other guests. Relevant members of the local community also attended.

 

In his speech, Mr Tse stated that the location of this commemorative plaque, Kei Ling Ha, was an important sea-crossing point for the Secret Rescue operation during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, where anti-Japanese cultural figures arrived at the bay of Kei Ling Ha before evacuating Hong Kong by sea.

 

He emphasised that this unveiling ceremony holds exceptional significance, as it not only commemorates the spirit of those who fought in the War of Resistance and fearlessly sacrificed their lives to defend their country, but also enables more citizens and future generations to learn about this important period of history and be inspired by the historical wisdom and national spirit.

 

The department has installed commemorative plaques at nine historic sites of the Communist Party of China in the War of Resistance in Hong Kong located in country parks. Through these historically significant sites, people can learn more about the deeds of the martyrs during the War of Resistance, experience their courage and indomitable spirit, and together carry forward the spirit of patriotism.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region