Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Police held the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2024 today to commend 80 citizens who assisted the force in fighting crime and upholding law and order.

Additionally, this year’s Good Citizen of the Year Award was presented to nine awardees for their bravery when they volunteered to help in evacuating residents trapped in a building during a No. 3 alarm fire that broke out on Jordan Road in Yau Ma Tei last year.

The force also presented the Good Organisation Award to seven organisations in recognition of their efforts in supporting Police’s publicity work on anti-deception and crime prevention, as well as crime detection.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee said the spirit of good citizenship can be put into practice in everyday life. He appealed to all sectors of the community to be united, genuine and sincere in preventing and combatting crime, in order to weave a safety net for the community.

Themed “Good Citizen – Good Stories – Everywhere”, this year’s Good Citizen Award Scheme highlighted that the stories of good citizens can be found everywhere.

A corresponding video series, Hidden Good Citizen, featuring the stories of four groups of such awardees who were also invited to participate in the production, was launched, Police added.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Customs & Excise Department handled a total of 31,242 cases in 2024, up 63% on the figure for 2023.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Chan Tsz-tat announced the figures today during a press conference reviewing the department’s work last year.

Among the cases handled by the department, a majority of 68% were in relation to illicit cigarettes. This was followed by cases involving dangerous drugs and cases involving intellectual property rights infringements.

Mr Chan highlighted that the number of cases involving illicit cigarettes in 2024 was up by 80% on 2023, reaching 21,284. The number of cigarettes seized stood at 614 million, 6% fewer than in 2023.

He explained that the increase in the number of cases involving illicit cigarettes stemmed from a huge surge in cases involving inbound individuals exceeding their duty-free allowances.

Mr Chan also outlined that the department handled 1,363 drug cases in 2024, which was about the same as in 2023. About 6.3 tonnes of drugs were seized, a 33% drop year-on-year.

He iterated that etomidate, the main ingredient in the so-called “space oil drug”, has been added to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, adding that the department’s anti-narcotics efforts will be stepped up.

Meanwhile, a total of 233 smuggling cases, comprising a seizure value of $4.34 billion, were handled last year, representing an increase of 5% in the number of cases and 37% in the seizure value as against the figures for 2023.

As regards intellectual property rights infringements, Customs detected 783 cases last year, an annual increase of 11%, with the value of infringing items seized rising 7% to around $309 million.

Mr Chan also outlined the department’s work on clearance and trade facilitation, stressing that it is collaborating with the Shenzhen Municipal Government on a boundary control point redevelopment project in Huanggang.

He said the department will continue to expand its global network under the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement, adding that it has launched a Cross-boundary Express Cargo Clearance Facilitation Arrangement to cope with the rapid development of the global electronic commerce industry.

As regards human resources, Mr Chan said that Mainland Hong Kong students are among the department’s target groups for recruitment. He mentioned that recruitment seminars on the Mainland held in March last year received more than 290 on-the-spot applications.

In 2023, 82 customs inspectors and 355 customs officers were recruited, and the department will continue recruiting to fill vacancies this year.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Correctional Services Department, in its annual review, said today that the number of admissions to correctional institutions – including convicted individuals, remand prisoners and detainees – increased 7% to 18,438 in 2024, as against 2023.

At a press conference, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing said the average daily penal population at correctional institutions increased significantly to 9,550 people in 2024, representing an increase of 12% from 2023. The average daily occupancy rate rose from 75% to 85%.

Moreover, the average daily number of remand prisoners hit a new record high since 2000 of 3,650, up from 3,096 in 2023.

In response to the increasing population of remand prisoners, the department has deployed part of the capacity of individual correctional institutions to admit remand prisoners and alleviate reception centre overcrowding. The department has also commenced the in-situ partial redevelopment of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, which will increase its capacity for admitting adult male remand prisoners in the long run.

The commissioner said that the number of admissions to correctional institutions owing to involvement in offences relating to “black-clad violence” and breaches of the National Security Law or Safeguarding National Security Ordinance was 410, down 57% compared with 2023.

The number of individuals in custody owing to such offences or breaches at the end of 2024 stood at 591, a decrease of 24% compared to a year earlier.

To address the special rehabilitation needs of such individuals, in 2024 the department continued to launch diversified rehabilitation programmes under Project PATH. These included a flag-raising and foot drill competition aimed at enhancing the inmates’ sense of national identity.

In early 2024, the department launched Rehabilitation Dog Services, providing animal-assisted therapies to individuals in custody, at Lo Wu Correctional Institution and Phoenix House. Moreover, the Rehabilitation Dog Services Internship Programme implemented at Phoenix House helps halfway-house trainees build self-confidence and develop a sense of responsibility.

The department also set up family therapy centres in 2024 at the Multi-purpose Family & Rehabilitation Service Centres in Tuen Mun and Sheung Shui. These provide treatment programmes for rehabilitated drug addicts under statutory supervision and rehabilitated individuals with violent tendencies or radical thoughts.

In the field of education, a two-year full-time Associate of General Studies distance programme was launched by the department’s Ethics College in September, to help inaugural graduates of the college to pursue higher qualifications after obtaining the Diploma of Applied Education.

The department also extended the Ethics College to Pik Uk Prison, where it provides a half-day Associate of General Studies programme and half-day vocational training for graduates of the Ethics College who are unable to complete the associate degree programme during their sentences.

Meanwhile, in December the department launched an initiative called Captain Gor Union, and an accompanying mobile application, thereby establishing a membership system for the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project to recruit primary and secondary students as members. The members will be enlisted to join activities promoting national security, national education, crime prevention, and offender rehabilitation, or opposing drugs, as well as cultural exchange activities.

Mr Wong revealed that the department expects to recruit about 45 correctional officers this year, adding that year-round recruitment for the post of assistant officer will continue.

Furthermore, the department launched two new technology projects – “Digital Incarceration Proof” and “Chatbot Service” – at the end of last year. People may apply for Digital Incarceration Proof through the “iAM Smart” mobile application, instead of having to visit the department’s headquarters in person. Meanwhile, the deployment of the chatbot “Ching Ching” is aimed at raising efficiency in the handling of public enquiries.

In November, the department enhanced its international connections by hosting the 42nd Asian & Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators. About 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 30 Asia-Pacific countries and regions attended the conference.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

With effect from today, the Government opened a section of road within the frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok by exempting it from the requirement that passengers travelling on it by green minibus must apply for a closed area permit.

The move is intended to make it easier for members of the public visit to Lin Ma Hang Village and Robin’s Nest Country Park, the Security Bureau explained. It outlined that residents and tourists can go to Robin’s Nest Country Park and areas nearby for sightseeing purposes and to experience Hong Kong’s rich heritage and geological features.

From now on, people can take green minibus No. 59K from Sheung Shui MTR Station to reach Lin Ma Hang Village via the newly exempted section of road within the frontier closed area. 

On alighting, they can visit the MacIntosh Forts and Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine by taking the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail. They can also head in the direction of Sha Tau Kok via the Robin’s Nest Country Trail in order to enjoy the scenery around Yan Chau Tong and Shenzhen Wutong Mountain.

The bureau emphasised that the exemption is only applicable to people travelling by green minibus, and does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, or to individuals using other means of travel such as walking or cycling.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Following the conclusion of a “Collection & Recycling Services of Plastic Recyclable Materials” pilot scheme yesterday, the collection of waste plastics has been taken over by GREEN@COMMUNITY operators. Door-to-door collection of waste plastics at housing estates by such operators has also been extended across Hong Kong.

After conducting site inspections across various districts yesterday and today, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that plastic recycling by residents, and collections at housing estates, are well in order, with GREEN@COMMUNITY recycling stations also operating smoothly.

The department said it did not receive any complaints from housing estates regarding the collection of waste plastics. Moreover, there were no cases of waste plastics not being collected or left unattended.

The EPD explained that GREEN@COMMUNITY operators may now pass collected plastics to up to 10 EPD-approved recyclers for processing. This is up from three designated recyclers under the pilot scheme. Moreover, the department aims to gradually qualify more downstream recyclers, thereby opening up market competition in order to reduce the cost of collection and recycling.

Meanwhile, GREEN@COMMUNITY operators will continue to liaise with housing estates to ensure more flexible collection services for plastics and other recyclables, with a view to enhancing cost effectiveness.

The EPD said it will strengthen collaboration with GREEN@COMMUNITY operators, downstream recyclers and housing estates, aiming to ensure that recycling work goes on as usual.

More spot-checks will be carried out to make sure that all collected waste plastics are properly processed, it added.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today launched the Biodiversity Geographic Information System (BGIS) to provide a one-stop platform for the public to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong’s diverse species.

The BGIS is the second development phase of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub, an initiative under the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan to facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing.

The BGIS contains more than a million occurrence records of local species compiled by the department, its partner organisations, and scientific research and citizen science projects at present.

It is also linked to other databases in the information hub, which include the species database and multimedia database featuring information and photos of various species.

The new BGIS features a “search by area” function which the public can search not only by species name but also find local species based on geographical location.

Since the launch of the information hub in 2022, new data and information have been updated and added continuously, with over 10,000 visits recorded each month.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The inaugural Countryside Harvest Festival commenced at Kuk Po in Sha Tau Kok today.

 

Located in northeastern New Territories, Kuk Po is a Hakka village with over 300 years of history, and is known for its picturesque scenery and rich biodiversity. The full title of the event is ‘Countryside Harvest Festival: Kuk Po “Sound, Sight, Taste Fusion” Tour‘.

 

Showcasing local and international artists, the festival features art installations, photography exhibitions and musical performances, as well as the “Good Day” market, and a variety of rural experiences.

 

Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said the event uses music, art and traditional cuisine to connect natural ecology, historic buildings and rural culture. He expressed hope that the event will develop as a new in-depth eco-tourism experience, enhance public awareness of nature conservation, foster urban-rural symbiosis, invigorate the local economy, and contribute towards building a sustainable future.

 

The festival runs this weekend and next weekend, from noon to 7pm. Admission is free.

 

Complimentary scheduled ferry services are operating each day of the festival to transport visitors between Sha Tau Kok and Kuk Po.

 

The art exhibitions run from today until February 16.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Labour & Welfare Bureau and the Labour Department today issued a paper to the Legislative Council’s Manpower Panel, proposing amendments to the Trade Unions Ordinance in relation to safeguarding national security.

The proposed amendments would strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions in supervising and regulating trade unions, and seek to improve the trade union regulatory regime.

The Government said this would allow it to better fulfil its duty of safeguarding national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO).

It added that the amendments address the current situation with regard to local trade unions, complement the NSL and the SNSO, while protecting employees’ rights and their freedom to form and join trade unions pursuant to the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, and relevant international conventions.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said: “Apart from enhancing the mechanism for safeguarding national security, the proposed amendments will improve the trade union regulatory regime and promote the healthy development of trade unions, while giving due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions.

“I look forward to LegCo’s support for the proposed amendments.”

Members of the Labour Advisory Board expressed support for the major proposed amendments when the Labour Department consulted the board at a meeting on January 22.

The Government will consult the Manpower Panel on February 24 and plans to introduce an amendment bill to LegCo in April.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The third round of the Basic Law & National Security Law Test in the 2024-25 school year is scheduled for April 12, the Education Bureau (EDB) announced today.

 

Applications can be made from Friday until March 6.

 

The target participants for this round of the test are bachelor’s degree holders, or students who will attain a bachelor’s degree in 2025 or 2026, who plan to join or change to another secondary school, primary school or kindergarten to take up a teaching post.

 

Limited places for the test will be available on a first come, first served basis.

 

Those who have obtained a pass result in a test organised by the EDB, the Civil Service Bureau or a recruiting department grade, will not be accepted to sit for it again.

 

The fourth and fifth sittings of the test will be held in June and July. Relevant arrangements will be announced in due course.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Trade & Industry Department will enhance the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading & Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) and the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF), and the new measures will apply to applications received from 0.00am, March 14.

The department said the new measures aim to provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a more focused and sustainable manner.

The 2024 Policy Address and the 2025-26 Budget have allocated a combined total of $2.5 billion to the funding schemes supporting SMEs to help them cope with the various uncertainties in the global economy.

Under the new measures, each applicant enterprise will be able to submit one “Easy BUD” application every three months, instead of every six months at present, along with the expansion of the funding scope to cover the establishment of an online sales platform.

Furthermore, to assist enterprises in restructuring their business operations in the face of rising trade protectionism and geopolitical tensions, professional fees associated with the establishment of new business entities in eligible markets will be listed in the BUD Fund’s scope of funding.

To focus its limited resources to equip enterprises for upgrading and transformation, the Government will consolidate the EMF into the BUD Fund upon expiry of the former’s special measures on June 30, 2026. Enterprises may then undertake promotional activities in the context of upgrading and transformation to attain synergy.

At the same time, to ensure the two funding schemes’ financial sustainability, the Government will adjust the funding ceiling and matching ratio, and rationalise other parameters of the two funds, such that they will be utilised in the most productive manner.

All the new measures will apply to funding requests received from 0.00am, March 14.