Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao hold public health exercise in preparation for hosting 15th NG, NGD and NSOG (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao hold public health exercise in preparation for hosting 15th NG, NGD and NSOG Issued at HKT 18:35

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, in collaboration with the health authorities of Guangdong Province and Macao, today (June 11) conducted a public health exercise, code-named “Jingfeng”, to enhance the capacity of the three places to co-operate in preventing and controlling communicable diseases during major sports events. The exercise was held in preparation for the 15th National Games (15th NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao this November and December.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which two players participating in the 15th NG basketball competition in Hong Kong were diagnosed with meningococcal infection while they were in the city. An epidemiological investigation revealed that some of their close contacts had already departed Hong Kong for Shenzhen and Macao respectively. In accordance with the established mechanism, Hong Kong immediately notified the health authorities of Guangdong and Macao. The health authorities of the three places promptly traced the cases and implemented appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.

During the exercise, the CHP, together with the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Bureau of Macao conducted a drill and exchanged views on communicable disease surveillance, prevention, control and notification mechanisms during the 15th NG, and 12th NGD and 9th NSOG via a video conference. More than 30 officers from the health authorities of the three places participated in the exercise.

Before the commencement of the exercise, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, gave a speech. “The 15th NG, and NGD and NSOG are the largest and highest-level national multisport events in the country. It is of great strategic significance for the health authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to jointly organise this exercise on communicable disease prevention and control at the countdown stage of the opening of the Games. Through the simulation, we hope to achieve three major objectives: to strengthen the joint prevention mechanism of the three places; to build a solid risk identification defense; and to consolidate the foundation of event protection. This will allow the top athletes in the country to demonstrate the country’s sports prowess under a ‘zero significant outbreak, zero cross-infections’ condition, and showcase the country’s excellence in public health governance to the world,” he said.

Dr Lam added that since its establishment, the CHP has organised a total of 32 emergency response exercises and drills, simulating human cases of avian influenza, measles, plagues and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. As Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are geographically and culturally connected, only through close collaboration can the three centres cope with major public health challenges. In the future, the three places will continue to strengthen joint efforts in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. They will maintain communication and collaboration on aspects such as the prevention and control of communicable diseases, and the development of the public health system, with a view to enhancing global health safety standards. They will also fulfil the tripartite co-operation agreement on public health emergencies and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Health Cooperation Consensus.

Apart from the health authorities of the three places, representatives from the Medical and Health Office of the Comprehensive Security Department of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Fire Services Department and the Hospital Authority have also sent their staff to observe the exercise.

Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:35
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LCQ10: Facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Yim Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):

Question:

It has been reported that the Government will announce the details of Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles within this year, and only non-commercial small passenger vehicles will be allowed to apply under the first phase of implementation. Some members of the logistics and transport industries expect the Government to make good use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and take the opportunity of implementing Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles to enhance the relevant policy on Guangdong/Hong Kong cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles, so as to further consolidate Hong Kong’s role as the prominent hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to drive the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (the airport), container terminals, and the entire logistics industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether the Government will, in the course of formulating the policy on Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles, discuss with the Mainland authorities the enhancement of the relevant policy on cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles (including the quota system coordinated by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong), so as to facilitate cross-boundary goods vehicles in travelling between the Mainland and Hong Kong; if so, of the details, including the expected time of announcing the relevant policy;

(2) whether the Government will enhance the application process for southbound cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles or introduce new measures, e.g. making reference to the existing system of “closed road permits” while streamlining the application process therein, such that a certain number of Mainland goods vehicles will be allowed to reach designated major cargo hubs in Hong Kong (including the cargo terminals of the airport and container terminals) directly via designated routes; and

(3) whether the Government will make reference to the experience of other places (e.g. the “Green Card system” (a kind of cross-border motor insurance card system) in Europe) and promote a mutual recognition mechanism for motor insurance among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, so as to achieve “one insurance policy for all”?

Reply:

President,

The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) attaches great importance to the development of modern logistics, and is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international smart logistics hub. To this end, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development in 2023, which proposed to enhance Hong Kong’s role as the gateway and key transshipment hub for cargoes to and from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by improving multimodal transport. In particular, cross-boundary land freight transport is a major mode of freight transport between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA, as well as an important component of the “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system between Hong Kong and the Mainland. On the other hand, cross-boundary goods vehicles are also a major means for transporting daily supplies and are of crucial importance to the livelihood of Hong Kong people. Hence, the TLB has always placed strong emphasis on improving cross-boundary land freight transport arrangements. In handling matters related to cross-boundary goods vehicles, the TLB always adheres to the policy principle of “maintaining capacity and stability” and takes into account the views of different stakeholders, so as to ensure smooth operation and adequate capacity of cross-boundary land freight transport, thereby providing staunch support for strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.

Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the Transport Department (TD), our reply to various parts of the Hon Yim’s question is as follows:

(1) and (2) Cross-boundary goods vehicles are subject to the regulation of the quota system which is agreed and jointly administered by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong. If the Mainland goods vehicles need to apply for Hong Kong permit/licence, holders of the Mainland goods vehicle quotas must first apply to the relevant Mainland authority for the Mainland Approval Notice (commonly known as MAN) for their goods vehicles. The quota holders should also apply to the TD for vehicle approval and vehicle examination for their goods vehicles; upon passing the vehicle examination, they could proceed with vehicle registration and licensing as well as apply for Closed Road Permit (CRP). The TD would issue CRPs according to the approved boundary crossing(s) recorded on the MAN so that cross-boundary goods vehicles concerned could ply between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the designated boundary crossing(s). Besides, drivers from the Mainland driving the goods vehicles concerned should hold a full Hong Kong driving licence for the corresponding vehicle class(es) (such as light, medium or heavy goods vehicles). From 2022 to April 2025, the number of cross-boundary goods vehicles with valid CRPs maintained at about 10 000, among which goods vehicles from the Mainland have increased.

Guangdong and Hong Kong have been maintaining close liaison, and will review and enhance relevant facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles as appropriate subject to the development of freight logistics, local traffic capacity and trade’s responses in both places. Guangdong and Hong Kong also keep reviewing the number of quotas for cross-boundary goods vehicles from time to time. If the Mainland authorities seek to increase the quotas, Hong Kong will expedite the vetting with enhanced efficiency. Besides, the TD has enhanced the arrangement of vehicle approval for cross-boundary goods vehicles with a view to completing the relevant process with enhanced speed. In general, if all the documents required are in order and accurate, the time needed for completion of vehicle approval, examination, registration and licensing, as well as CRP application has been greatly shortened to as fast as three to four weeks.

(3) The Insurance Authority has been in discussion with relevant authorities and the insurance industry on the insurance arrangement for cross-boundary vehicles, with a view to providing facilitation and appropriate insurance products. Take Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles as an example, the Government has at the same time implemented the “unilateral recognition” arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance, which allows Hong Kong private cars driving into Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to extend the coverage of their third-party liability insurance purchased from Hong Kong insurers to the Mainland, thereby eliminating the need for separate policies in both places and facilitating travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The Government will continue to monitor the development of the cross-boundary freight and logistics industry, and review the relevant measures in a timely manner.

Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:43
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SAMOA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION’S 78TH ANNUAL GENERAL AND SCIENTIFIC MEETING [29th May 2025]

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa

Rev. Peter Gafa Lokeni,

The President of the Fiji Medical Association, Dr Alipate Vakamocea,

The Visiting Specialist from Cairns Australia, Dr Ben Vogler,

The WHO Representative,

The President and Members of the Samoa Medical Association Committee,

Honorary Members, Medical Professionals & Doctors of the Samoa Medical Association,

Parents and families of graduating interns,

Distinguished guests,

Talofa lava,

O lea ua uma ona toto le niu i le tuaoi. Ua maea foi ona talatala le upega talatala ma’a, o le faasoa o le talalelei e sula ai le alofa ma le agalelei o Le Atua i lenei taeao.

It is an honor to be at the opening of the Samoa Medical Association’s Annual General and Scientific Meeting, 78 years today – an event of immense importance to the medical community and also to the health and well-being of Samoa.

I am informed the Annual Scientific meeting will discuss a wide range of topics relating to the burden and impact of ‘Sepsis’ in Samoa. Sepsis is a silent and devastating threat. It claims lives swiftly and often without warning. Every effort made to better understand, detect, and treat sepsis is an effort to save lives as per the theme of this year’s event – “Act Fast, Save a life. Recognize Sepsis.”

I want to affirm the government’s unwavering support for the healthcare sector in addressing this challenge. We are committed to strengthening early warning systems, investing in sepsis education, supporting research into rapid diagnostics and treatments, and ensuring frontline workers have the tools and resources they need. But policy alone is not enough. It is knowledge shared here, the partnerships formed, and the ideas born from conferences like this that will ultimately drive progress. Your expertise and leadership are what turn strategy into action and hope into healing.

Today, we are gathered to share knowledge and forge stronger networks of action, innovation, and collaboration. Across the country – and the world – doctors, nurses, researchers and policy makers are joining forces in this vital fight. Your presence here is a testament to the dedication, courage and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the medical profession.

Today, we also celebrate years of great service of 9 Honorary Life members of the Samoa Medical Association, who are all above 70 years of age – In recognition of their dedication and hard work for the community and our country, as well as welcoming new doctors to the medical fraternity and workforce.

In closing, I thank each of you for your service, your dedication, and your continued efforts to combat Sepsis. Let this conference be a catalyst for change and a milestone in our collective journey towards a future where sepsis no longer takes any of us too soon.

I wish you all a productive and inspiring meeting.

Soifua.

END

Photo by the Government of Samoa [Leota Marc Membrere]

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SAMOA LEGALLY PROTECTS 30% AND SUSTAINABLY MANAGES 100% OF ITS OCEAN SAMOA BECOMES ONE OF THE FIRST PACIFIC NATIONS TO LEGALLY PROTECT 30% OF ITS OCEAN, AHEAD OF THE 2025 UN OCEAN CONFERENCE. – [04 June 2025]

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[PRESS RELEASE] – Samoa became one of the first Pacific Island nations to adopt a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan — a milestone step to fully protect 30% and ensure sustainable management of 100% of its vast ocean 120,000-square-kilometer ocean territory.

The adoption of the plan under the Lands, Survey and Environment Act 1989 was endorsed by Samoa’s Cabinet, setting a global blueprint for how large ocean states can sustainably manage their ocean and their resources.

Hon. Toeolesulsulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Samoa’s Minister for Natural Resources and Environment announced the legal adoption of the plan, stating, “Samoa is a large ocean state, and our way of life is under increased threat from climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation and more. This Marine Spatial Plan marks a historic step towards ensuring that our ocean remains prosperous and healthy to support future generations of Samoans‒just as it did for us and our ancestors.”

The Marine Spatial Plan includes the establishment of nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas, covering 36,000 square kilometers of ocean. It integrates traditional management systems by incorporating existing nearshore community-managed areas such as Fish Reserves and District MPAs, ensuring these culturally important practices are preserved and strengthened.

Traditional knowledge and the best available science together with input from stakeholders and communities from across 185 communities guided and shaped the Plan. Its implementation will be led by the MNRE in close collaborations with other Ministries and national and local stakeholders.

Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Country Director of Conservation International Samoa, emphasized the importance of Samoa’s legal commitment and the broader implications for global marine governance, “This example shows what true delivery and accountability look like and Conservation International is excited to continue the partnership to support Samoa’s goals to protect 30% and sustainably manage 100% of its ocean.”

Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, acknowledged Samoa’s leadership and the significance of this achievement in the global context, “Today, Samoa has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management. We are proud to support Samoa’s visionary leadership and decisive action towards securing a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a prosperous future for its people and the planet.”

The legal establishment of Samoa’s Marine Spatial Plan comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference taking place this June in France. The conference, aptly themed “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” will provide a platform for Samoa to inspire countries across the globe to advance their ocean protection targets as the deadline for the 30×30 conservation goals rapidly approaches.

END.

SOURCE – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

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SAMOA UNITING PARTY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AT SHERATON SAMOA. 05th June 2025

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Under the leadership of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa

[PRESS RELEASE APIA, SAMOA] – A bold and promising new chapter in Samoa’s democratic journey begins this Thursday, 5 June, with the official soft launch of the Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P.) at 10:00am at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Ballroom, Apia.

With deep roots in Samoa’s recent era of stable governance, the Samoa Uniting Party enters the political space as a force of principled leadership, inclusive development, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. The party builds on the legacy of Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa and her Cabinet — one defined by competence, accountability, and courage in governance.

At the heart of S.U.P.’s vision is a steadfast belief in the rule of law as the cornerstone of national unity and public trust. This principle is not merely a legal formality, it is the foundation of responsible leadership, and the mechanism by which all Samoans are protected, empowered, and treated with dignity.

Throughout the past five years, adherence to the rule of law has been more than a value, it has been a guiding force in decision-making, institutional reform, and the upholding of Samoa’s democratic integrity.

Under Fiame’s leadership, Samoa has restored and strengthened its legal institutions, reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary, and placed constitutional responsibility above political convenience.

The Samoa Uniting Party is committed to preserving and deepening this legacy, ensuring that no one is above the law, and that government is bound by clear, fair, and enforceable rules. The party will continue to advocate for transparent processes, respect for judicial rulings, and accountability in all arms of public service.

“When leaders govern with respect for the rule of law, citizens can trust their institutions, their freedoms are safeguarded, and national development can move forward on solid ground,” said Hon. PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa. “That trust is something we will never take for granted.”

S.U.P. was founded with a commitment to inclusive governance and remains grounded in the values of Christianity and fa’a Samoa, ensuring that leadership reflects the heart and soul of the people it serves.

Under the leadership of Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa as Prime Minister, in the XVII Parliament, Samoa made considerable national economic improvements through:

I. A higher economic growth than global average, even in the face of global challenges such as the pandemic and national political crisis;

II. The strongest period of employment growth through the establishment of new small businesses, and increase in overseas seasonal workers;

III. Increase partnerships with civil society organisations and empowerment of district development programs;

IV. Unprecedented increase in national revenue that has seen GDP growing from over $800m in 2021 to over $1.2billion in only 4 years;

V. Increase in donor support funding for national development programs, and

VI. Reducing the national debt whilst not taking out any additional loans.

These achievements reflect Samoa’s growing reputation for fiscal responsibility, legal transparency, and delivery capability.

The Samoa Uniting Party lead by Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa warmly invites the public, members of the media, community leaders, and stakeholders to attend the soft launch event. This will be an opportunity to hear directly from party representatives and learn more about their policies, priorities, and guiding values.

FAALAUILOA LE VAEGA UPUFAI FOU ALE SAMOA UA POTOPOTO ( SAMOA UNITING PARTY,) S.U.P. – Aso 5 Iuni 2025.

I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa

[PEPA O FA’AMATALAGA]- O se taeao fou i le folauga a Samoa i mataupu tau faaupufai a Malo, ua amatalia lea i lenei taeao, i le faalauiloaina o le faatuina o se Vaega Faaupufai fou ua ta’ua o le “Samoa Uniting Party” (S.U.P) po’o le “Samoa Ua Potopoto”, i le faletalimalo o le Sheraton, i le 10 i le taeao o le Aso Tofi 5 Iuni 2025.

O le Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P), e fa’avae i luga o le usita’ia ma le amanaia o le Tulafono, ma agatausili e pine i luga o le alofa, faamaoni ma taitaiga lelei auā le atina’eina o le manuia o tagata uma ae le na o se vaega to’aitititi.

O nei vaega tāua uma, o loo tumatila i le silasila a le Tamaitai Palemia ma le Kapeneta, e lima taitaiina ai le faamoemoe o le Vaega Faaupufai. O se taʻitaʻiga e fusia i le agavaa, le tali atu i tagata, ma le loto tele i le tautuaina o le atunuʻu, i pulega lelei e faavaeina i ala o le Tulafono.

I le lima tausaga ua tuana‘i, o le usitaʻia o le Tulafono ua avea ma fetu taiala i fa’ai’uga, suiga talafeagai mo fa’alapotopotoga, ma le fa’amautuina o le fa’avae temokalasi o Samoa.

I lalo o le taʻitaʻiga a le Afioga Fiame, ua toe fausia ma fa’amalosia ai fa’avae fa’aletulafono a le atunuʻu, toe fa’amausali ina le tutoʻatasi o le Fa’amasinoga, aemaise le fa’atāuaina o aiaiga o le Faavae, na i lo’o faiga fa’apolokiki.

O le naunautaiga o le S.U.P. o le fa’aauau lea o galuega lelei mo le manuia o le atunuu, ina ia ogatasi ma le Tulafono ina ia mautinoa ai e leai se tasi e sili atu i le Tulafono, auā o le Tulafono e maua ai le manino ma le tonu e mafai ai ona faatino ana galuega.

Saunoa le Tamaitai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa e faapea, “A puleaina e Ta’ita’i le Malo i ala e usita’ia ai le Tulafono, o le a mafai e tagatanu’u ona fa’atuatuaina lona Malo.

O le a malu faiga ma galuega faatino a Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga, e malu aia tatau a tagata, ma e mafai foi ona sologa lelei le atina’e o le atunuu i luga o se faavae malosi. O lenā faatuatuaga o se mea e le mafai ona tatou manatu faatauvaa i ai”.

Ua faavaeina le S.U.P ma le naunautaiga i pulega lelei e aofia uma ai le mamalu o le atunuu mo le atina’eina o se lumana’i manuia ma le fa’atumauina pea o tu ma aga fa’aKerisiano ma le fa’a Samoa, aemaise le fa’amautinoaina o ta’ita’iga e atagia ai loto ma agaga o tagata o lo’o tautuaina.

I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, i totonu o le Paeaiga XVII a le Palemene, sa mafai e Samoa ona ausia ni tulaga iloga i le faaleleia o le atina’eina o lona tamaoaiga, e pei ona molimauina i vaega nei:

I. Siitia o lona tamaoaiga i se tulaga e silia atu nai lo le averesi o le lalolagi e ui i luitau i le lalolagi e pei o fa’ama’i ma fa’alavelave fa’apolokiki a le atunu’u;

II. Faamalosia le faatupulaia o galuega e ala i le fa’atuina o pisinisi laiti fou, ma le fa’ateleina o tagata faigaluega e agavaa i galuega faavaitaimi;

III. Fa’ateleina faiga fa’apa’aga ma fa’alapotopotoga lautele ma fa’amalosia polokalame mo

le atina’eina o Itumalo;

IV. Si’itaga e le’i tupu muamua i tupe maua a le atunu’u, sa fa’atupula’ia ai le fua o le tamaoaiga o le atunuu (GDP) mai luga atu o le $800 miliona i le tausaga 2021, i le sili atu i le $1.2 piliona i le totonu o le na o le 4 tausaga;

V. Fa’ateleina tupe lagolago sa foaiina mai e paaga faava-o-malo a Samoa, mo polokalame mo le atina’eina o le atunu’u, ma

VI. Fa’aitiitia tupe aitalafu a le atunu’u ae aunoa ma le toe faia o ni nonogatupe fa’aopoopo.

O ia taunu’uga sa mafai ona ausia e le faiga Malo a le Afioga a le Palemia o Fiame ma lana Kapeneta, ua atagia mai ai le fa’atupuina o le ta’uleleia o Samoa i le faasoasoaina o ana alagaoa tau tupe, manino fa’aletulafono aemaise tomai i le fa’atinoina o galuega.

O lo’o vala’aulia e le Samoa Uniting Party poo le Samoa ua Potopoto, o loo taitaiina e le Afioga a Fiame Naomi Mataafa le mamalu o le atunu’u, sui o fa’asalalauga, ta’ita’i o nu’u ma pa’aga e auai mai i lea fa’amoemoe. O le a avea lea ma avanoa e fa’afofoga ai i sui o le vaega faaupufai mo le fa’amatala atili o a latou taiala o loo fa’avae ai lo latou fa’amoemoe.

ATA PUEINA [ Leota Marc Membrere]

LCQ17: Combat fraudulent calls and SMS messages

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ17: Combat fraudulent calls and SMS messages 
Question:
 
     Many members of the public have relayed to me about the increasing number of fraudulent calls, as well as fraudulent SMS messages sent via instant messaging applications (e.g. WhatsApp) and phones in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as it is learnt that many members of the public have been repeatedly added to suspected fraudulent groups on instant messaging applications by unknown accounts, many of which are registered with overseas phone numbers, and that these groups use “like-and-earn-rewards” and “stock investments”, etc as bait, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what targeted measures are in place by the authorities to combat fraud by such groups;
 
(2) as it is learnt that many fraudsters have hacked into the instant messaging application accounts of members of the public to request money and virtual point card top-ups from their contacts, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; whether the authorities have analysed which insecure practices when using such applications increase the risk of account hacking, and what targeted measures are in place to combat such account hacking by fraudsters;
 
(3) as it is learnt that fraudsters falsely pretending to be the official platforms of government departments and organisations, banks, telecommunications service providers or neighbours via mobile phone SMS messages to commit fraud has become increasingly prevalent, of the number of reports received by the Police from members of the public in the past year, the total amount of money defrauded, and the number of arrests made; what respective follow-up actions the authorities have taken regarding fraudulent SMS messages sent from local and overseas sources; the average time required for the authorities to block the phone numbers concerned after such phone numbers are confirmed to be involved in fraud; and
 
(4) as many members of the public have relayed that they have frequently received repeated promotional calls containing fraudulent content, causing them nuisance and indicating a worsening trend, whether the authorities will review if the existing legislation governing such calls is inadequate; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Deception is a serious crime. Any person who commits the offence of “fraud” under section 16A of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) is liable to imprisonment for up to 14 years, while any person charged with “obtaining property by deception” under section 17 of the same Ordinance is liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years. In addition, any person charged with “dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence” under section 25 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for proceeds of deception is liable to maximum penalties of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $5 million. Regardless of whether it is committed through telephone, messaging applications or other methods, the Government of the Special Administrative Region will take stern enforcement actions as long as there are illegal activities involved. With the global trend of Internet proliferation, many countries and regions have seen a significant increase in fraud cases in recent years. The Police will continue to combat all types of frauds and to enhance public awareness in full force through enhanced law enforcement measures, publicity and education, multi-agency co-operation, intelligence analysis as well as cross-boundary collaboration.
 
     In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Police, the reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
 
(1)  “Stock investment” scams mentioned in the question involve fraudsters using online social media platforms, discussion forums, or instant messaging apps to lure victims into participating in fake investment schemes by promising “low risk, high returns”. The Police classify such scams as “online investment fraud”. In 2024, there were a total of 3 930 cases, involving approximately $2.26 billion in losses; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 534 cases, involving approximately $1.02 billion.
 
     As for “like-and-earn-rewards” scams mentioned in the question, they involve fraudsters using online social media platforms to recruit victims to register as “like clickers”. The scammers claim that victims can earn rewards by paying a “deposit” and then clicking “like” on a designated social media platform; the more deposit paid, the higher the reward per “like”. However, this is in fact a scheme to defraud victims of their deposits. The Police classify such scams as “online employment fraud”. In 2024, there were 3 853 reported cases, with total losses amounting to approximately $800 million; in the first four months of 2025, there were 1 515 cases, involving approximately $340 million.
 
     The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
 
     In combatting such fraudulent activities, the Police have taken measures in law enforcement, cross-border collaboration, and public education. Since most fraud cases in Hong Kong currently use stooge accounts to receive payments, cracking down on stooge accounts is an effective method to combat the fraud industry chain. In 2024, the Police arrested a total of 10 496 individuals involved in various types of fraud and money laundering offences; in the first four months of 2025, a total of 2 532 individuals were arrested, approximately 70 per cent of which were holders of stooge accounts. Since the end of 2023, the Police have also applied to the court to invoke Section 27 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance to impose heavier penalties in cases involving stooge accounts, thereby enhancing deterrence.
 
     In terms of cross-border collaboration, the Hong Kong Police Force recently joined hands with the Police forces of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Korea, and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of the Cross-border Anti-Scam Collaboration Platform “FRONTIER+”, working together to combat cross-border fraud crimes. They successfully identified and dismantled multiple cross-border fraud networks, arresting a total of 1 858 individuals involved in 9 268 fraud cases, including investment fraud.
 
     In terms of publicity, given the increase in the two aforementioned types of fraud at the beginning of 2025, the Police have held press conferences on multiple occasions over the past few months and utilised various channels, namely the CyberDefender website and Facebook, to enhance publicity efforts and remind the public to remain vigilant (including explaining the latest deception tactics employed by fraudsters and outlining how the public can protect themselves), such as making use of WhatsApp’s privacy settings to allow only contacts from one’s address book to add the user to groups, thereby preventing being added to fraudulent groups by strangers.
 
(2)  Scammers often use various methods to steal social media accounts, including fake customer service and fake websites. A common tactic is to send phishing messages claiming that the account has encountered security risks, luring users to click on links, enter account login information on fake websites or scan QR codes, thereby hijacking the account and sending messages to the user’s friends and family to request loans or the purchase of game point cards.
 
     Such scams are categorised as “online account hijacking” cases, with 2 989 cases reported in 2024, involving approximately $91 million. The Police do not maintain any breakdown of arrested person by types of deception.
 
     The Police have strengthened efforts to combat such scams from multiple angles, including requesting telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to block websites containing false WhatsApp advertisements by the end of 2023, and submitting requests to relevant search engines and overseas authorities to remove the fake websites. They also continue to promote anti-deception information through various channels to enhance public awareness of fraud prevention, and promoting the use of the Scameter and Scameter+. Among these measures, the Police urge the public to enable two-factor authentication; regularly review the devices linked to their accounts and log out of any unknown connected devices; not to blindly trust search engine results, and instead bookmark frequently used websites; and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi or logging into online accounts on public computers.
 
     Following the Police’s series of educational campaigns, the number of “online account hijacking” cases last year decreased by 13 per cent compared to 2023, and in the first four months of 2025, the figure further dropped by 63 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Police will continue to closely monitor deception trends, regularly review measures and strategies to combat fraud and strengthen protection for the public.
 
(3)  Depending on the method used, fraud cases involving identity theft can be classified as phishing scams, online investment frauds, or even online romance scams. The Police do not maintain breakdown of fraud cases involving identity theft.
 
     In response to scammers sending text messages by impersonating as government departments, official institutions, and banks, the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) launched the SMS Sender Registration Scheme (the Scheme) on December 28, 2023, and fully opened it to all industries to join in February 2024. As at end May 2025, over 540 public and private organisations (including the Immigration Department, the Department of Health, the Police, the Consumer Council, major banks and TSPs) have participated in the Scheme. Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations qualified as Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix “#”. TSPs will block fraudulent SMS messages sent by non-Registered Senders via the Internet.
 
     In February 2023, the Police launched the mobile application “Scameter+” to help members of the public distinguish suspicious online platform accounts, payment accounts, phone numbers, email addresses, websites, etc, and to provide the public with anti-fraud tips. “Scameter+” has now been upgraded and is equipped with automatic detection functions. The Call Alert function and the Website Detection function will automatically identify scam calls and fraudulent websites. If potential fraud or cyber security risk is detected, “Scameter+” will issue a real-time notification, reminding users not to answer the call or browse the website.
 
     Moreover, under the co-ordination of the OFCA, the Police and major TSPs have established a mechanism where TSPs will, based on the fraud records provided by the Police, block the telephone numbers suspected to be involved in deception cases and intercept suspicious website links as soon as possible. The OFCA does not maintain any record of the average time required for relevant actions by TSPs.
 
(4)  The Government understands that members of the public are concerned about marketing calls. However, the nature of marketing calls is fundamentally different from scam calls. Marketing calls do not necessarily involve fraud or illegal activities, and hence, the two should not be conflated. Some businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, still rely on voice marketing calls for promotional activities and service follow-ups. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between regulating marketing calls and maintaining normal business activities. In fact, other regions around the world also face similar challenges in managing marketing calls. Practical difficulties remain in operation and enforcement (for example, distinction between marketing calls from nuisance calls or scam calls, evidence collection, cross-border enforcement, etc). As such, the Government believes that regulation by legislation may not be the most effective approach for managing marketing calls.
 
     To mitigate the possible nuisance caused by marketing calls to the public, the OFCA has enhanced the Industry Regulatory Scheme for Marketing Calls in 2024 to introduce industry-specific regulation to limit the number of calls made by telemarketers to the same telephone number within a specific time frame, as well as requiring telemarketers to provide their names and contact numbers upon recipients’ requests, and to honour any unsubscribe requests from the called party. At present, 12 trade associations from seven industries (including finance, insurance, telecommunications, call centres, beauty, estate agencies and money lenders) have joined the scheme.
 
     In addition, the OFCA has requested TSPs to provide their users with call-filtering services, and actively encourage the use of call-filtering apps by the public, while also promoting relevant information on their websites. The number of enquiries and complaints related to marketing calls received by the Government has drastically reduced from 2 060 cases in 2011 to 93 cases in the first five months of 2025, reflecting the effectiveness of the above measures.
 
     On combating fraudulent calls, the OFCA will continue to collaborate with the telecommunications industry and the Police to mitigate the risk of phone deception on various fronts, including requiring TSPs to block/suspend suspected fraudulent phone numbers and websites, intercept suspicious calls starting with “+852”, send voice alerts or text messages to all mobile users for overseas calls prefixed with “+852”, and play voice alerts for newly activated prepaid SIM cards, so as to assist the public in guarding against suspicious calls and messages.
Issued at HKT 14:53

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MORE DEVELOPMENTS AT MULIFANUA & SALELOLOGA DOMESTIC PORTS (Wednesday 04th June 2025)

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[PRESS RELEASE] – As it continues to improve services at its domestic ports in Mulifanua and Salelologa, for the convenience and accessibility of the general public, the Samoa Ports Authority completes the construction of the new Public Restroom Facilities at Mulifanua, while other developments continue.

The new public restroom facilities are now open for public use since Friday, 9th May 2025, replacing the old restrooms. The new restroom facilities have nine (9) toilets on each side for females and males, and are accessible from the left corner of the main building.

The Security Hut at the gate is now fully operational monitoring the vehicles entering and exiting the Mulifanua wharf at all times for safety and security reasons.

The Authority also provides Free Wifi services at the departure terminals in Mulifanua and Salelologa for the travelling public easy access and better communication at all times.

The other developments at Mulifanua that are still in progress to be completed soon, include;

1. Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles under the EV Project facilitated by the United Nation and funded by the Government of Japan;

2. Sheltered / secured Parking Lot for vehicles at $10 fee a night;

3. Re-fencing of the whole compound

Apart from these developments for the general public, the Authority also provides opportunities for our business community, to promote their services, through advertising at the domestic ports.

“We are currently contracting out, advertising services at Mulifanua and Salelologa for our business community as well as our Government Ministries and Corporations.” said the General Manager, So’oalo Falelima Kuresa So’oalo.

Interested advertisers may contact our contractor – EMD Samoa or contact our Office for further information.

END OF RELEASE

SOURCE – Samoa Ports Authority

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LCQ15: Development of pet-related industries

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ15: Development of pet-related industries 
Question:
 
It has been reported that the number of households keeping pets has increased in recent years, with pet-related industries developing rapidly. However, there are views pointing out that Hong Kong still has room for improvement in veterinary medical care and pet-friendly public facilities, as well as in data management and policies regarding the pet industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as it is learnt that a number of private shopping centres have introduced pet-inclusive facilities, such as pet accesses and pet rest areas, to attract spending from pet owners and thereby further unleash the potential of the pet economy, whether the Hong Kong Housing Authority will consider drawing on the relevant experience to implement pet-friendly measures in the shopping centres of the public housing estates under its purview; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) as it has been reported that public or charity-run veterinary organisations have been established one after another in Taiwan, such as in Taoyuan City and New Taipei City, to provide basic veterinary medical services at transparent charges, which not only enhance pet health protection but also boost the pet economy, whether the HKSAR Government has conducted studies or policy planning regarding the establishment of public or semi-public veterinary medical facilities; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) as there are views that maintaining pet-related data can help understand the risks of pet epidemics and diseases, as well as the market structure and potential of the pet industry, whether the Government will establish a territory-wide pet data management platform to systematically collect relevant data, including the number of pets, breed distribution, keeping and vaccination records, and pet disease trends, so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of policies on pet-friendliness and developing the pet economy policies; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
Having consulted the Housing Bureau, the reply to the question from the Hon Rock Chen is as follows:
 
(1) As pet keeping has become increasingly common in Hong Kong, there has been more attention in society to bringing animals to enter different premises and use public facilities. In general, the Government needs to take into account different factors when considering whether to further relax existing arrangements, including the nature of individual facilities, whether ancillary facilities are in place and the degree of social acceptance, in order to achieve the policy objective of facilitating people and animals to co-exist harmoniously.
 
The shopping centres under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) are mainly “neighbourhood shopping centres” located in public housing estates/courts. These shopping centres provide local residents with shopping convenience, with the aim of catering for their basic needs in daily life. All along, guide dogs accompanying the visually impaired have been allowed to enter the HA’s shopping centres. The HA has further implemented some pet-friendly policies, such as allowing pets to enter shopping centres if they are placed in pet carrier bags or pet strollers and that no hygiene and environmental nuisance will be caused. The HA will keep in view the development and needs of the community for pet-friendly spaces and facilities, and design “neighbourhood shopping centres” that are in line with the actual situation.
 
On the other hand, the Domain located in Yau Tong is a large-scale regional shopping centre under the HA. Coupled with spacious indoor space, outdoor activity areas, wide passageways and multiple entrances at different locations, it is more equipped with the requisites for development into a pet-friendly mall than typical “neighbourhood shopping centres” located in housing estates. The HA will review whether it is appropriate to further provide pet-friendly measures in the Domain, such as installing relevant human-pet friendly facilities to appeal to pet owners for boosting consumption and visitor flow.
 
(2) The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has been carrying out publicity and public education to remind the public to consider carefully before deciding to keep pets, to assess whether one could fulfil the duties of pet ownership in meeting the pets’ basic needs in diet, environment, daily care, healthcare, etc.
 
On veterinary services, the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB) established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance (Cap. 529), is currently responsible for the regulation, registration and disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, so as to ensure a high standard of veterinary services in Hong Kong. The VSB learns about the overall veterinary services through data gathered in the regulation of the veterinary profession. The number of registered veterinary surgeons (RVS) has been consistently on the rise since 2015, from 823 in 2015 to 1 364 in April this year, representing an increase of 65 per cent. RVS comprises many specialties, such as small animal internal medicine and surgery, dermatology, cardiology, neurology and veterinary pathology, and therefore animal owners should be able to find appropriate veterinary services for their pets. To meet unexpected medical expenses, members of the public may also purchase pet insurance products available in the market as appropriate.
 
Apart from private veterinarians, the City University of Hong Kong and some animal welfare organisations (such as the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) also provide veterinary services and hence the Government currently has no plan to separately establish public medical facilities for pets.
 
(3) To safeguard public health and prevent the spread of animal diseases, the AFCD monitors and regulates animal activities in accordance with the law, and assesses the risk of pet animal diseases. The AFCD regulates the import of live animals through a permit system under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), so as to prevent the introduction of animal diseases into Hong Kong. Furthermore, the AFCD regulates the local animal activities through various licences, for example, regulating the animal trading and dog breeding activities through the Animal Trader Licence and Dog Breeder Licence respectively under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Trading and Breeding) Regulations (Cap. 139B), and to require dog keepers to have their dogs vaccinated against rabies, implanted with a microchip, and to apply for a dog licence under the Rabies Regulation, for the prevention of rabies.
 
The Government last conducted a Thematic Household Survey on pet ownership among households across Hong Kong in 2018. The AFCD and the Census and Statistics Department will conduct another survey later this year to gather the latest data on trends and preferences in pet ownership of Hong Kong families. These findings will assist the trade to learn about the latest trend of pet ownership, for their provision of products and services according to market demand.
Issued at HKT 12:15

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Scrap trader fined for using inaccurate electronic platform scale (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Scrap trader fined for using inaccurate electronic platform scale (with photo) 
Hong Kong Customs appeals to the public to report any case of suspected fraud using defective weighing or measuring equipment to the department by 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 14:55

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S.A.M.E. EXPORT AWARDS GRANT- – 6th June 2025.

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Keynote Remarks: Hon. Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour

Representatives from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, Representatives of the Media,

Talofa Lava,

It is an honor and a privilege to welcome our members from the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME) to witness the continuous commitment of our Government to Private Sector Development through the annual disbursement of the SAME Export Awards Grant.

The main purpose of this grant and export awards initiative is to recognise the achievements and contributions of the manufacturing and export sector in Samoa’s economy, driving economic growth, employment creation, and international trade. In recent years, this special program was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the establishment of SAME’s Buy Samoa Made initiative in the past fiscal year 2023/24.

However, the Export Awards remain an important initiative for the acknowledgement of local manufacturers and exporters. Therefore, the continuation of this initiative is a testament of the Government’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the development of the Manufacturing and Export Sector as reflected in its National Industry Development Policy & Strategy 2024/25 – 2034/35, and also aligned to the Key Priority Areas 8, 9 and 10 of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.

We hope that this Grant will encourage manufacturers and exporters to strive for excellence, and reach new heights for Samoa in terms of productivity, trade and competitiveness in the global market. Your hard work and significant contribution to the development of Samoa’s economy

does not go unnoticed. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deep appreciation to all our local manufacturers and exporters for all that you have done and continue to do for Samoa.

I would also like to express my utmost gratitude to SAME for their continued support and dedication in strengthening the manufacturing and export sectors as vital engines of Samoa’s economic prosperity.

Your devotion is seen through your endeavours to develop robust networks for members, advocacy work, as well as your efforts in facilitating this award. Without your collaboration and partnership, this initiative would not be possible.

It is through such meaningful alliances that the Government is able to drive progress, empower local industries, and create lasting opportunities for our people. So let us continue to foster strong partnerships, celebrate excellence, and work together toward a thriving and resilient future for Samoa.

Fa’afetai tele lava, and may we all be inspired to keep striving for excellence, and wishing our SAME all the best with preparations for the Exports Awards

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

FESOASOANI MO LE FAALAPOTOPOTOGA A PISINISI GAOSI OLOA MA OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO MO LE POLOKALAME O FAAILOGA MO OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO (EXPORT AWARDS) 2025

SAUNOAGA AUTU: Afioga Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo Minisita o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa – 6 Iuni 2025

Sui Peresitene – Faalapotopotoga a Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo Sui o Ofisa Faasalalau,

Talofa Lava,

Ua tatou potopoto mai i lenei aso, tatou te molimauina le fesoasoani faaauau a le tatou Malo mo Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i fafo e tauala atu i le Polokalame Faailogaina mo Oloa auina atu i Fafo a le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo (SAME Export Awards).

O le sini autu o lenei polokalame ina ia amanaia aloaia ma faailogaina le sao taua o Vaega ma Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa auina atu i Fafo i le tamaoaiga o Samoa, e ala atu i se fesoasoani tau tupe mai i le tatou Malo mo le tatou fa’alapotopotoga nei .

O lenei fesoasoani e le i mafai ona faataunuuina i tausaga ua mavae ona o le faamai o le Koviti19, fa’apea tapenaga o le Polokalame a le SAME ua taua o le ‘Faatau Oloa Samoa’ mo le tausaga faaletupe ua mavae, 2023/24.

O le naunautaiga a le Malo ina ia faamalosi’au ma lagolago le atina’eina o Pisinisi Maoti tau Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo ina ia ausia ni isi tulaga maualuga ma lelei mo Samoa e ala lea i le fa’aauau pea o lenei Fesoasoani.

E o gatasi lenei fesoasoani ma le Faiga Faavae mo le Atina’eina o Alamanuia i Samoa 2024/25-2033/34 o lo o fa’atautaia e le Matagaluega, ma o lo o feso’ota’i uma i lalo o Vaega Fa’amuamua 8, 9 ma le 10 o le Ta’iala mo le Lumana’i Manuia o Samoa 2021/2022 – 2025/2026.

A o le’i fa’ai’u se fa’amatalaga, e momoli atu le faamalō ma le faafetai i a tatou Pisinisi gaosi oloa ma pisinisi o loo auina atu i fafo a latou oloa mo lo outou sao tāua i le atina’eina o le Vaega Maoti faapea

foi le tamāoā’iga o Samoa, e ala i le faatupulaia ai pea o avanoa mo le fa’afaigaluegaina o tatou tagata, le faatupulaia o a tatou fefaatauaiga ma isi atunuu o le lalolagi ma le manuia lautele o si o tatou atunuu.

E le tau fesiligia le tele o lo outou tautigā ma lo outou sao mo Samoa, o lea e momoli atu ai le agaga faafetai tele mo a outou taumafaiga mo se lumanai manuia o lo tatou atunuu.

E momoli atu foi le faafetai tele i le Faalapotopotoga o Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa ma Oloa Auina atu i Fafo.

O lo outou ta’imua i le lagolagoina ma le una’ia o Pisinisi taitasi Gaosi Oloa ma le Auina atu i Fafo mo le atina’eina o Samoa, o lo o molimauina i a outou taumafaiga ma galuega fa’afaufautua, faatasi ai ma le fa’afoeina o le polokalame mo le amanaia o nei Pisinisi e tauala atu i lalo o lenei Fesoasoani.

O la outou lagolagosua ma le faigapa’aga ua mafai ai ona fa’ataunu’uina lenei fa’amoemoe.

E talitonu o le a fa’aauau pea le tatou faiga faapa’aga ma tatou galulue soosoo tauau mo le agai i luma o le atina’eina o le tamaoaiga ma se lumanai manuia o Samoa ma ona tagata lautele.

Ia manuia a outou tapenaga mo lenei faamoemoe.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

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