Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods (with photo)Issued at HKT 12:36
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Bernadette Linn begins Beijing visit
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today began a visit to Beijing by calling on the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security.
This morning, Ms Linn called on National Cultural Heritage Administration Deputy Administrator Qiao Yunfei. They discussed the organisation of artefact exhibitions, youth exchange activities and talent training, as well as research on antiquities, nominations for World Heritage status, and the application of technology in heritage conservation.
Ms Linn then called on the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development, and briefed a team led by Vice Minister Qin Haixiang on developments in Hong Kong’s construction sector.
The two parties exchanged views on the application of technology to reduce construction costs and enhance productivity, and on promoting the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Construction Standards.
They also spoke about leveraging Hong Kong’s certification system and high degree of internationalism in the development of Modular Integrated Construction and other innovative construction technologies, and about the rehabilitation and redevelopment of old buildings.
Afterwards, Ms Linn and her delegation had lunch with Minister Ni Hong, and compared experiences of construction and urban development in both places.
In the afternoon, Ms Linn met Human Resources & Social Security Vice Minister Yu Jiadong to exchange views on talent development in the construction industry.
Topics discussed included integrating Hong Kong construction professionals into the Mainland’s “Professional Title” evaluation mechanism, mutual recognition of various professional qualifications between the Mainland and Hong Kong, formulating Greater Bay Area skill standards and implementing the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement for skilled technicians and workers in the construction sector.
Ms Linn thanked the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development and the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Security for their strong support of the long-term development of Hong Kong’s construction industry.
She also expressed hope that the construction and engineering sectors of the Mainland and Hong Kong can deepen exchanges and co-operation to jointly promote the high-quality development of the bay area’s construction industry, and to establish Hong Kong as an international infrastructure centre.
The development chief later joined participants on a study tour looking at national water infrastructure, culture and technology. Together, they visited the Tuancheng Lake Regulating Pond, a terminal on the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
She also had dinner with study tour participants and heard about their experiences.
Taisugar Stands with Farmers, Rent Relief of One to Three Months Offered to Typhoon-Affected Tenants, Based on Damage Severity
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On July 7, Typhoon Danas passed through southern Taiwan leaving a trail of devastation. To reduce the burden on farmers and help them get through these difficult times, Taisugar is offering to waive rent for one to three months depending on the severity of the damage and proof of typhoon-related losses.
According to Taisugar, tenants in areas eligible for agricultural national disaster financial assistance and low-interest rates as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture should report their disaster-related losses to their local town hall/district office and submit proof to the Taisugar land management unit. Taisugar will then issue rent waivers based on the extent of crop damage. Those that suffered between 20% to 40% damage will have their rent waived for 1 month. Those with over 40% but less than 60% damage will have their rent waived for 2 months. Those with over 60% damage will have their rent waived for 3 months. Additional extensions may be negotiated in special circumstances. Rent paid in advance can be rolled over to the following year or used to extend their lease.
Taisugar added that if the tenant wishes to terminate their lease due to the impact of the disaster, any rent or bond paid in advance can be refunded without interest once both parties have agreed on a termination date. Taisugar is willing to do everything possible to stand with farmers and help them get through these difficult times.
TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw
Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection Strengthens Regulation of ‘Slime Toys’ to Ensure Children’s Safety
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Since March 1, 2024, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has designated boron content in “slime toys” as a mandatory inspection item. Both imported and domestically manufactured slime toys must undergo random sampling inspections according to national standards before being released from the production premises, imported or places on the market. Only products meeting the relevant regulations are allowed to be sold. To further ensure children’s safety, beginning August 1, 2025, the inspection approach for these products will change from Random-selected batch inspection to Batch-by-batch examination, thereby reinforcing control at the source.
BSMI explains that any products failing quality checks during market sampling will be required to be withdrawn and recalled for correction within a specified period in accordance with Article 59, Paragraph 1 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Any person who releases from production premises, exports, imports, or places on the market any commodity failing to meet inspection requirements shall be fined between NT$200,000 and NT$2,000,000 in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 1 of the same Act. BSMI will continue to conduct market sampling and inspection programs for these toys. If non-compliance is detected, follow-up investigations will be carried out, including interviews and documentation, followed by enforcement actions in line with the Commodity Inspection Act, safeguarding consumer rights with a double protection mechanism.
BSMI emphasizes that all toys intended for children under the age of 14 are subject to mandatory inspection as announced. Regardless of whether the toys are imported or domestically produced, they must complete the inspection process and display the commodity inspection mark before being allowed on the domestic market. BSMI also advises consumers to pay attention to the following when purchasing and playing toys:
1.Purchase toys that label the Commodity Inspection Mark (Picture as attachment file ).
2.Check whether the toy has detailed labeling in Chinese, and carefully read the information regarding the appropriate age range, precautions, main ingredients or materials, warnings, and instructions for playing.
3.Choose toys that are appropriate for the child’s age. Do not give toys intended for older children to young children, as this may cause injury.
4.Stretchable slime toys may contain chemical substances such as borax. Prolonged contact and play can easily cause allergic dermatitis or allergic reactions. Therefore, playing time should be limited, and hands should be washed immediately after playing.
Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel (O) +886-2343-1700#1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw
Commissioner of Customs and Excise welcomes Vice Governor of Hainan and Director of Hainan Provincial Public Security Department to visit Hong Kong Customs (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, today (July 23) welcomed Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Hainan Province and Director of the Hainan Provincial Public Security Department, Mr Cai Zhaohui, at the Customs Marine Base on Stonecutters Island. The two sides exchanged views on maritime enforcement and combating smuggling activities.
The delegation today toured the Customs Radar Monitoring Command Centre at the Customs Marine Base on Stonecutters Island where Hong Kong Customs officers introduced the High Speed Pursuit Craft and other maritime enforcement equipment. Afterwards, the delegation took a ride on sector patrol launch to visit sea-borne smuggling black spots to learn about the maritime enforcement work of Hong Kong Customs.
Mr Chan said Hong Kong Customs will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland law enforcement agencies, promote collaboration, and strengthen intelligence exchange in combating cross-border crimes, enhancing the effectiveness in fighting sea smuggling activities.
Immigration Department smashes a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an operation codenamed “ShadowNet” since April this year and successfully neutralized a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). A total of 18 persons were arrested, including the syndicate mastermind and its members.
After in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, the ImmD discovered Mainlanders who were suspected to use false instruments to apply entry permits under the TTPS, and afterwards a cross-boundary syndicate was successfully identified. The syndicate was suspected to arrange Mainlanders to obtain Hong Kong entry permits using false instruments including forged academic qualifications, employment proof, foreign visas and immigration stamps. The syndicate attempted to charge the applicants and their dependants by continuously offering follow-up services, such as producing false local employment and salary records, after they had arrived Hong Kong.
Since April this year, five Hong Kong residents were arrested, including the mastermind and syndicate members, comprising four men and one woman, aged 42 to 56. In addition, 13 Mainlanders were arrested, including seven male and six female, aged from 27 to 47. The Mainlanders were suspected to have applied TTPS through the syndicate using false instruments. The syndicate mastermind and its core members were charged of “aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the making of a false statement for the purpose of obtaining an entry permit”, while the arrested Mainlanders were charged of “causing to be made a false statement for the purpose of obtaining an entry permit”.
The syndicate had arranged at least 22 TTPS applications. For each application, including the initial fee and follow-up services, the syndicate could charge up to $2.5 million. The estimated transaction amount involved in the cases is about $55 million. The syndicate members were suspected to have used their personal and company bank accounts to carry out multiple dubious transactions. They were suspected to have committed the offence of “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as money laundering). The investigation is still ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.
The ImmD will continue to closely scrutinize every visa and entry permit applications and stepping up inspections. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to relevant offences on using false instruments to obtain entry permits. Any applications suspected of violating the Immigration Ordinance will be referred for further investigation. Since June 2024, the ImmD requires all applicants of Categories B and C under the TTPS and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to submit verification proof of academic qualifications issued by designated third-party credential verification organisations or the awarding institutions.
Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes or causes to be made a false statement to an Immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Furthermore, it is an offence to make, possess or use false instruments. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
ImmD reiterates that should any person be found to have obtained their entry permit or residence status in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, such an entry permit or residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong and they will be subject to criminal liability. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin.
ImmD reminds members of the public that money laundering is a serious offence. A person commits the offence of money laundering if he deals with any property, including money, which he knows or has reasonable grounds to believe to be proceeds of indictable offence. Offenders are liable upon conviction to the maximum penalty of a $5 million fine and 14-year imprisonment.
WSD urges public to be alert to fraudulent SMS message
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (July 23) alerted the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by the department.
The WSD recently received enquiries from members of the public concerning such SMS message purportedly issued by the department. The message requested that recipients settle outstanding payments and click a link (https[:]//pnigov [.]sbs), which is not the WSD’s website address. The department has reported the case to the Police.
The WSD clarified that it did not send the SMS message in question and will not direct customers to other websites with hyperlinks embedded in an SMS message. The WSD reminded that the department is registered in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme by the Office of the Communications Authority. All SMS messages issued by the department will include the prefix “#” in the SMS Sender ID for easy identification by the public.
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the WSD’s customer enquiry hotline at 2824 5000.
SCST congratulates Ryan Choi on winning gold medal in World Championships
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, today (July 24) congratulated Hong Kong China fencer Ryan Choi on winning a gold medal in the Men’s Foil Individual event of the 2025 Fencing World Championships.
Miss Law said, “Ryan made impressive performance in the competition, demonstrating Hong Kong athletes’ charm and perseverance. We are thrilled by his achievement in winning Hong Kong’s first ever gold medal in the Fencing World Championships. I hope the Hong Kong China fencing team will continue to strive for excellence. I have faith in them to perform spectacularly again in the 15th National Games to be held in November.”
SDEV begins visit to Beijing (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SDEV begins visit to Beijing Issued at HKT 23:41
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Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Pest Control Steering Committee reviews progress of anti-mosquito work in combating chikungunya fever, and efforts in rodent control implemented by departments (with photo)
Mosquito control
The representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC the situation of mosquito proliferation this year thus far. The gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus from April to June 2025 (1.2 per cent in April, 8.6 per cent in May and 9.5 per cent in June) were lower than those in the same period in 2024 (4.2 per cent in April, 15.7 per cent in May and 14 per cent in June) and remained at a relatively low level. With the rainy season approaching, the FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will continue to conduct on-site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support. The rainfall from April to June in 2025 was lower than the previous year, and with the effort of the Government and relevant stakeholders, the gravidtrap indices in some monitored areas reaching alert levels (zero in April, six in May and two in June) dropped compared with the same period in 2024 (one in April, 10 in May and four in June).
In spite of that, the rainfall in June 2025 reached 237.3 millimeters, which was higher than in April (57.1 millimeters) and May (81.6 millimeters). As the hot and rainy weather approaches, combined with the increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the upcoming summer holiday, the overall risk of mosquito borne diseases may rise significantly. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices and strengthen mosquito prevention and control measures based on the recommendations discussed at the meeting, including constantly updating the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation, to ensure that mosquito prevention and control work is prompt and effective.
It is worth noting that in addition to dengue fever, Aedes albopictus can also transmit chikungunya fever (CF). CF is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. Recently, a considerable number of CF infection cases have been reported in neighbouring regions and some overseas countries. As Hong Kong people frequently travel to and from different places, if a citizen is infected with CF abroad and is bitten by mosquitoes in Hong Kong during the infectious period, and subsequently the mosquitoes bite other people, local transmission may occur. In view of this, although there have been no CF cases in Hong Kong since 2020, the industry and the public must remain vigilant and intensify mosquito prevention and control efforts to avoid the risk of local cases during the summer.
Owing to the communicable disease notification mechanism established by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has kept abreast of the latest situation of CF in Guangdong Province. At the meeting, the CHP briefed the PCSC about the latest global situation and international response measures regarding CF, as reported by the World Health Organization.
The CHP has reminded the public to take precautionary and personal protection measures against mosquitoes, both locally and when travelling outside Hong Kong. The CHP’s Port Health Division has stepped up inspections at the boundary control points to ensure good environmental hygiene and effective implementation of anti-mosquito measures. The Division also conducts temperature screening for inbound travellers. Any travellers with fever will be assessed on health conditions and referred to hospitals for follow up when necessary. The CHP will also maintain close liaison with relevant stakeholders, such as airlines and the travel industry, to provide the latest disease information and health advice in a timely manner. The CHP has set up a dedicated webpage on CF (www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/109029.html
In addition, the CHP has issued a letter to all doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with the latest epidemiological information and appeal them to watch out for CF-related symptoms among those who return to Hong Kong from outbound travel. If CF cases are detected, they should be immediately referred to hospitals for treatment and reported to the DH in accordance with the established mechanism, so that the DH can initiate epidemiological investigations, and implement prevention and control measures. The Hospital Authority (HA) has reminded healthcare professionals to be vigilant in early identification of patients for timely diagnosis and management of patients. Once a suspected case is detected, the HA will activate the surveillance and notification mechanism and report the case to the CHP immediately.
Following Typhoon Wipha, the accumulation of stagnant water may have created mosquito breeding places, increasing the risk of mosquito infestation. Relevant departments and stakeholders will promptly launch a new round of actions to thoroughly eliminate mosquito breeding places, supplemented by fogging operations (i.e. ultra-low volume spraying) to eradicate adult mosquitoes. Subsequently, the departments will continue to take proactive anti-mosquito measures, including clearing potential breeding grounds at least once a week during the rainy season and timely co-ordination of fogging operations until the season ends, in a collective effort to safeguard public health.
Rodent control
Starting from 2024, the FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with AI technology to conduct the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) and establish a RAR in each district. The FEHD uses AI to analyse thermal images captured by cameras to detect and understand rodent pathways and activity ranges. This helps assess rodent infestation objectively and effectively to allocate resources precisely for targeted rodent control measures. The RAR in the second half of 2024 was 94 per cent (for every 100 images, 94 of them did not detect rodents), and the number of survey locations with RAR lower than 80 per cent has decreased by 10 as compared to the first half of 2024. From 2025, the FEHD’s RAS has been extended to public housing estates and parks managed by the Housing Authority and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Relevant departments will have more data to enhance precision in rodent control work and make the survey more representative.
Making reference to the results of the RAS, the FEHD continues to strengthen rodent control and implement a series of targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including overnight anti-rodent operations and the application of new anti-rodent technologies and tools, which have gradually shown positive results. From January to June, 2025, the FEHD collected a total of approximately 57 200 live rodents, marking an increase of 92 per cent and 54 per cent as compared to the same periods in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
In the meeting, the FEHD briefed participants on how to make effective use of the RAR data to address rodent blackspots, and properly allocate resources to step up rodent prevention and control work so as to achieve a precise and effective rodent control strategy, for reference by relevant departments.
The effectiveness of prevention and control of rodents relies on the co-operation of stakeholders from various sectors. On December 31, 2024, the FEHD launched the first phase of the Anti-rodent Charter, targeting residential premises to raise residents’ awareness of environmental hygiene and foster good habits to create a rodent-free environment. Residential premises that sign the Charter will be provided with free anti-rodent technical support from the FEHD, including invitations to attend pest control seminars organised by the department. As of June 15, 2025, 640 residential premises have signed the Charter, covering over 580 000 households. Two premises, with over 40 households, that signed the Charter have participated in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management. Other participants joining the Pilot Scheme will be gradually invited to sign the Charter when they are ready.
The FEHD has actively provided technical support to residential premises that signed the Charter and organised 48 publicity and education activities over the past six months, including rodent control seminars, exhibitions and site visits, to encourage community participation in daily anti-rodent efforts. A total of approximately 2 150 people took part. Among these, two large-scale rodent control seminars held by the FEHD in March and June, 2025 were very well-received, attracting over 400 anti-rodent liaison ambassadors.
All departments agreed to continue to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in premises under their respective management, to strengthen internal monitoring and assessment of the outcome of rodent control work, and to actively encourage relevant sectors and stakeholders to co-operate with the Government’s work, eliminating rodents’ fundamental survival conditions of food, harbourage and passages from their respective areas.
The second-stage environmental hygiene-related legislative amendments was passed by the Legislative Council on May 8, 2025 and will come into effect on August 17, to more effectively tackle rodent infestation and other environmental hygiene issues. The FEHD can now serve a “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” to persons responsible for management of the building (e.g. property management companies) when appropriate, for their follow-up action to eliminate vermin infestation in common parts of a building. Under the legislative amendments, the maximum penalty for non-compliance with “Notice of Elimination of Vermin” will be raised from a fine at level 2 ($5,000) and a daily fine of $100 to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and a daily fine of $450, so as to enhance deterrent effect.
The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from three policy bureaux and 20 government departments and organisations.
Issued at HKT 22:32
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