Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $23 million
In the first case, through risk assessment, Customs inspected a seaborne consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands and declared as carrying sugar cubes, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound. Upon inspection, Customs officers found 56kg of suspected ketamine inside eight plastic buckets.
Customs officers subsequently conducted a controlled delivery operation and arrested two men, aged 42 and 43, in Man Kam To. The 42-year-old man has been released on bail pending further investigation, while the 43-year-old man will be charged with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug and will appear at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 10).
In the second case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted in To Kwa Wan yesterday afternoon, Customs officers intercepted a 58-year-old suspicious man and escorted him to a residential unit nearby for a search and seized about 1.2 kg of suspected cocaine, 800g of suspected crack cocaine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. The man was subsequently arrested. An investigation is ongoing.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:25
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Contract for development of Advanced Construction Industry Building in Tsing Yi awarded
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (July 9) announced that the contract for the development of the Advanced Construction Industry Building (ACIB) in Tsing Yi has been awarded to Hong Kong Smart Construction Industry Park Limited (HKSCIP), whose holding company is China State Construction International Holdings Limited. The contract signing ceremony was held today.
With a site area of about three hectares and a contract period of 30 years, the ACIB is Hong Kong’s first advanced construction industry park. It aims to support the industry in enhancing productivity, quality, safety and sustainability levels, while providing more stable support for the long-term infrastructure and housing development of Hong Kong.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the ACIB development project is a landmark project, playing a leading role in the development of the construction industry in Hong Kong. The ACIB, positioned as an integrated advanced manufacturing base, brings together steel reinforcing bar (rebar) prefabrication, production of Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) modules, and the provision of other advanced manufacturing facilities, while simultaneously conducting research and development and training, among others, thereby generating synergistic effects to more effectively promote the development of advanced construction technologies. The project adopts a public-private partnership model of “Build, Operate, and Transfer” (BOT), under which the successful tenderer is responsible for the financing, design, construction and operation of the ACIB in accordance with the specifications and service requirements designated by the Government. In addition to introducing market technologies, operational experience, and innovation capabilities, this model helps the Government and the industry jointly drive the upgrading and transformation of the construction sector, creating a showcase of sustainable advanced construction development.
The DEVB earlier launched an open tender for the project under a two-envelope approach, with the weighting of 70 per cent and 30 per cent allocated to the assessment of the technical proposal and the fee proposal respectively. The Tender Assessment Panel evaluated the two tenders received in accordance with the criteria set out in the tender documents. HKSCIP achieved higher combined scores in both technical and fee proposals, and its tender price is $808 million.
In accordance with the requirements set out in the tender documents, HKSCIP will provide in the ACIB (1) not less than 15 000 square metres of floor area for steel rebar prefabrication yards; (2) not less than 5 000 sq m of floor area for MiMEP processing sites; and (3) not less than 5 000 sq m of floor area for lease to the industry for operating steel rebar prefabrication yards or MiMEP processing sites. The successful tenderer shall be responsible for operating (1) and (2), which must possess a minimum annual production capacity of 300 000 tonnes of prefabricated steel rebar and 6 000 MiMEP modules.
HKSCIP also proposed a substantial increase in the total gross floor area of the building facilities to about 40 000 sq m, which exceeds the basic requirement by nearly 15 000 sq m. It also proposed the adoption of advanced machinery and equipment, artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling and smart management systems, among others, to further enhance the production capacity of the steel reinforcing bar prefabrication yards and the MiMEP processing yards.
In addition, HKSCIP proposed to provide a concrete batching plant for producing innovative materials such as ultra-high-performance concrete and low-carbon concrete, in order to support the industry in adopting more efficient and environmentally friendly construction materials. Training, research and development facilities will also be provided.
The Government will monitor the implementation by HKSCIP of its technical proposal and operational commitments in accordance with the contract requirements. Upon expiry of the contract, the whole building, including all production facilities and equipment, shall be transferred to the Government. Construction works are expected to commence in the second half of 2026 for commissioning at the end of 2028.
CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (July 9) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.
The case involves a 41-year-old male. He developed a fever and a rash over his genital area on July 2, followed by swelling of lymph nodes in his groin area on July 7. He sought medical treatment at the DH’s Male Social Hygiene Clinic (SocHS) and was subsequently admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation treatment. He is currently in stable condition.
According to information provided by the patient, he had not received Mpox vaccination before the onset of symptoms. During the incubation period, he travelled to Taiwan alone and had high-risk exposure during his stay there. It cannot be ruled out that he was infected as a result. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier could be identified so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigation of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization and the health authority in Taiwan.
Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 93 Mpox cases (74 local cases and 19 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high‑risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
- individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
- healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
- laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
- animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.
High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s Social Hygiene Service Clinics (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.
Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.
For more details, please visit the CHP’s page on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.
Government announces latest progress on Pak Shek Kok Station integrated development project
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (July 9) announced the latest progress on the Pak Shek Kok (PSK) Station integrated development project, and will consult the Tai Po District Council tomorrow (July 10).
The PSK development project encompasses multiple policy objectives. These include building the PSK Station to enhance commuting convenience for residents and the working population at the Science Park, as well as boosting the overall attractiveness of the Science Park; reprovisioning the existing Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Sports Centre to a site adjacent to EdUHK’s main campus to facilitate students’ use of it, releasing the development potential of land in the vicinity including the EdUHK Sports Centre site in PSK to be freed up after reprovisioning; and upgrading the infrastructure required for the proposed development in the district.
A Development Bureau (DEVB) spokesman said, “As the project itself involves constructing a station on running tracks, as well as the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre and the upgrading of infrastructure, it faces considerable engineering and financing challenges. Following detailed studies with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), we have finalised the development proposal that will benefit various sectors of the community. This includes not only the building of PSK Station to facilitate commuting convenience for the working population at the Science Park and nearby residents, but also the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre to enhance students’ learning and campus life experience, which also aligns with the Government’s policy to promote Hong Kong as an international higher education hub. We will also finance the relevant integrated development by granting the property development rights for private residential development.”
The spokesman continued, “At present, the residential and working population in PSK and the Science Park rely primarily on road transport. As the district becomes increasingly mature, there has been a strong local demand for enhancing the external transport infrastructure of PSK. We will adopt a ‘station first, residential development later’ approach to take forward the project, with a view to enhancing the attractiveness of the Science Park and improving commuting convenience for the residents as soon as possible through strengthened transport infrastructure.”
The proposed PSK Station will be located roughly mid-way between the Science Park and the existing EdUHK Sports Centre site. The selection of the station site aims to facilitate the vast majority of the current and future residential and working populations. The proposed works also include the provision of a barrier-free elevated footbridge spanning across the Tolo Highway to connect the station with Chong San Road (near the Science Park), with a view to strengthening the connectivity between the developments on both sides of the highway.
The Chief Executive in Council has approved the Government to invite the MTRCL to proceed with the detailed planning and design for the PSK Station project, and agreed in principle to grant the property development rights of two sites to the MTRCL to finance the construction of PSK Station, the reprovisioning of the EdUHK Sports Centre, and the construction of relevant infrastructure. The two sites are located at PSK (“Site 1”) and Ma On Shan (“Site 2”).
The MTRCL will commence the detailed design and relevant assessments for the proposed integrated development, while the Government will continue to scrutinise the technical and financial assessments submitted by the MTRCL to further refine the project arrangements. Among others, the MTRCL will conduct detailed assessments including the traffic impact and will co-ordinate with relevant parties to implement appropriate mitigation measures. According to preliminary estimates by Government departments, the current capacity of the East Rail Line (EAL) is still sufficient to cater for the forecast passenger demand arising from the addition of the PSK Station. The Government and the MTRCL will continue to closely monitor the passenger demand on the EAL, and having regard to community development, population growth in the area, and changes in community planning, review the actual operational situation, as well as passenger distribution patterns and changes in a timely manner. Consideration will be given to the procurement of additional trains to increase train frequencies as necessary to meet the passenger demand and maintain the service levels of the EAL.
Subject to the smooth progress of subsequent works, the construction works for proposed PSK Station are expected to commence in the second half of 2028, with a target for commissioning the station by 2033. Following the resumption and clearance of private land involved at the Tung Tsz site at Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, the reprovisioning works for the EdUHK Sports Centre will commence in the second half of 2028 and is expected to be completed in 2031. To ensure a seamless transition, Site 1 will only be released after the new sports centre is commissioned. The residential developments at Site 1 and Site 2 are expected to commence progressively from 2031 at the earliest.
The paper (Chinese only) to be discussed by the Tai Po District Council tomorrow has been uploaded onto the website of the District Council (www.districtcouncils.gov.hk/tp/doc/2024_2027/tc/committee_meetings_doc/SHDC/32180/SHD_33_2026.pdf), which includes the location plans of the proposed PSK Station and relevant residential sites.
Latest progress on suspected leakage of leachate from WENT Landfill
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Latest progress on suspected leakage of leachate from WENT Landfill
The landfill contractor confirmed the source of the leakage last night and immediately commenced containment of the leakage at the source, remediation and overnight monitoring. Following urgent interception, the leakage of leachate through a stormwater outfall to Tai Shui Hang stopped last night, and no abnormalities were observed at the stormwater outfall and in nearby water bodies. Affected by the heavy rain early this morning, a small amount of leachate was spotted at the source location, which was a temporary condition during maintenance work. The contractor then immediately strengthened the pumping and interception measures. No leachate flowed into the downstream stormwater outfall or Tai Shui Hang, and the situation remains under control.
After on-site investigation, the incident is believed to have caused by a blockage in sub-soil leachate trench beneath the landfill’s operational area, coupled with persistent heavy rain yesterday afternoon. This resulted in leachate flowing together with rainwater into the stormwater drains along the landfill haul roads, and subsequently to Tai Shui Hang. The contractor completed the source remediation work this morning, which included intercepting the leak and continuing to remove any remaining leachate. At the same time, further preventive and cleanup measures have been implemented, including removing stagnant water from the drainage channels and installing additional silt curtain in Tai Shui Hang to enhance containment. The contractor will continue to thoroughly clean the affected stormwater outfall to remove any traces of leachate remaining on the inner walls of the outfall.
The EPD further confirmed that no new leakage was found on-site during an investigation this morning, while tankers remain on standby at the scene as a precautionary measure. Based on on-site observations and the performance of the silt curtains, the EPD assessed that the amount of leachate leaked into Tai Shui Hang yesterday was limited. Given that the rainy season has begun, the EPD has demanded that the contractor strengthen the inspection and maintenance of the sub-soil leachate trenches and the drainage system to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring during periods of intense rain.
In addition, the EPD continued today to collect water samples from Tai Shui Hang and the Deep Bay to monitor any changes in water quality. Preliminary analysis revealed that pH and the dissolved oxygen levels in the water samples are within the normal ranges, without signs of significant change in water quality. No fish deaths were found at the scene, and there were no signs of any significant ecological impact nearby. The EPD will continue to closely monitor the water quality in Tai Shui Hang and the Deep Bay.
Issued at HKT 23:12
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Dog-friendly dining policy rolled out
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today hailed a new policy allowing the public to bring dogs into permitted restaurants as a remarkable breakthrough.
The measure takes effect today, granting customers access with their dogs to an initial batch of more than 940 permitted food premises across Hong Kong.
Mr Tse visited a permitted restaurant in the West Kowloon Cultural District this afternoon to observe the implementation of the policy and exchange views with operators and customers.
“The restaurant has made thorough preparations in terms of hygiene facilities and seating arrangements, and we can see customers bringing dogs were co-operative,” Mr Tse said. “Everyone was beaming, feeling that this is a remarkable breakthrough.”
He noted that permitted food premises are expected to demonstrate professionalism and self-discipline by strictly abiding by the laws and licensing conditions. Customers must also properly control their dogs and respect other diners to maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment.
To assist operators in adapting to the changes, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has deployed a dedicated 90-member team to visit each permitted establishment. The team provides managers with detailed explanations on statutory requirements, licensing conditions and other compliance arrangements.
The department will step up visits over the coming month to monitor the implementation and assist the catering industry in complying with the regulations.
Pak Shek Kok project meeting set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government today announced the latest progress on the integrated development project for the proposed Pak Shek Kok (PSK) Station, which is expected to see construction commence in the second half of 2028. Target commissioning for the new station is set for 2033.
The proposed station will be located roughly mid-way between the Hong Kong Science Park and the existing Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Sports Centre site. To unlock the development potential of the vicinity, the project involves reprovisioning the existing sports centre to a site at Tung Tsz on Ting Kok Road, adjacent to EdUHK’s main campus.
Following land resumption and clearance, construction of the sports centre will begin in the second half of 2028 for completion in 2031.
The Development Bureau noted that because the project involves constructing a station on active running tracks, reprovisioning the sports centre, and upgrading infrastructure, it faces considerable engineering and financing challenges.
To take forward the project, a “station first, residential development later” approach will be adopted.
The Government will finance the integrated development by granting property development rights to the MTR Corporation for two sites at Pak Shek Kok and Ma On Shan. Residential developments at these sites are expected to commence progressively from 2031 at the earliest.
The Chief Executive in Council has approved the Government inviting the MTR Corporation to proceed with detailed planning and design for the PSK Station project. The approval includes an agreement in principle to grant the property development rights to finance the station, sports centre reprovisioning, and infrastructure works.
The selected station site aims to serve the vast majority of current and future residential and working populations. Proposed works also include a barrier-free elevated footbridge spanning the Tolo Highway to connect the station with Chong San Road near the Science Park.
The project will be presented to the Tai Po District Council for consultation tomorrow.
GoGlobal success stories published
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Department of Justice (DoJ) has released the second edition of the “Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong’s Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global”.
Compiling over 160 cases, the new series nearly triples the inaugural volume, showcasing Hong Kong’s capacity to provide comprehensive, full-chain, end-to-end support for Mainland businesses expanding internationally.
This publication builds upon the launch of the Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform and the first series of the collection in December. Through this initiative, the DoJ aims to foster collaboration across vital professional sectors, such as accounting and finance, to jointly support Mainland enterprises.
Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairman of the Expert Committee on Professional Services for Going Global Cheung Kwok-kwan noted that the second series covers a diverse array of cross-disciplinary practices, including the legal, accounting, financial and business consultancy sectors.
He added that these cases vividly demonstrate the unique value of Hong Kong’s professional services. They highlight three defining features: full business lifecycle coverage, representation across diverse industries, and global investment footprints.
RTHK Solar Project 2026 Xinjiang study tour concludes
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
RTHK Solar Project 2026 Xinjiang study tour concludes
Held under the theme “Cultural and Tourism Junior Reporters”, the programme took the students as Solar Ambassadors to multiple destinations, including Urumqi, Shihezi, the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, where they visited a diverse range of cultural landmarks and engaged in immersive educational activities. Key highlights of the itinerary included Tianshan Tianchi, cotton fields, peach orchards, vineyards, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Reclamation Museum, Sayram Lake, Liuxing Street and the Lin Zexu Memorial Hall in Yining City. Throughout the visit, RTHK published daily short videos and photos captured by the Solar Ambassadors on its official social media pages, offering a vivid showcase of their learning experiences and achievements.
Ms Kwan reaffirmed RTHK’s longstanding commitment to youth development, expressing hope that Solar Project, as an established annual youth initiative, will continue to provide young people with first-hand exposure to the nation’s history, culture, and development. She encouraged participants to bring their unique youth perspectives to telling China’s story to the world, and to share their learnings and experiences with family and friends upon returning to Hong Kong.
Ahead of the Xinjiang visit, RTHK had arranged a preparatory exchange visit to Qianhai on June 26, followed by a new media and video production workshop on June 27. Looking ahead, RTHK will host the Solar Project 2026 Closing Ceremony in August, and will broadcast a dedicated feature programme on RTHK TV31, offering a comprehensive record of the programme’s highlights and memorable moments.
Issued at HKT 12:00
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HA Go “Just One Click Away” launches new functions for medical fee waivers and medical report applications
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HA Go “Just One Click Away” launches new functions for medical fee waivers and medical report applications
The Hospital Authority (HA) today (July 9) announced the latest enhancements to its HA Go mobile application, which include one-stop management and booking for medical fee waiver applications, and applying for medical reports from home. The new features offer HA Go members the convenience of being “Just One Click Away”, allowing them to easily access public hospital services and manage their own and their family’s health more effectively.
Starting today, the function for the application of medical fee waivers under the HA Go feature “Medical Fee Assistance” has been further expanded. HA Go full members who meet the following criteria can submit their medical fee waiver applications directly (see Annex 1) and book “Medical Social Services” via HA Go (see Annex 2): Applicants can fill in the application form and upload supporting documents directly through HA Go. Members can also preliminarily assess their eligibility using the Means Test Calculator before applying. If supplementary documents are required during the process, the hospital will contact the applicant or send a push notification via HA Go. Applicants can then upload the required documents through the app, saving them the hassle of travelling to the hospital, and allowing them to complete the entire process with “Just One Click Away”.
The HA reminded members of the public that although the application process can be initiated via HA Go, applicants are still required to go to the hospital to sign a declaration form before the waiver is formally approved, ensuring the accuracy of the submitted information.
If patients prefer to submit paper applications in person, they can use the new feature, “Book Medical Social Services”, to schedule an appointment for their application. HA Go will provide various time slots for hospitals where they have a scheduled appointment in the coming 60 days, or have received a bill or payment notice in the past 90 days. The earliest available appointment times will also be provided for consideration. These two new features are designed to help applicants manage their medical fee waiver applications anytime, anywhere.
The HA spokesperson said, “Enhancing the medical fee waiving mechanism is one of the measures to strengthen patient protection under the public healthcare fees and charges reform. We aim to streamline the application arrangements to better facilitate patients truly in need. This ensures that no patients will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means.”
Furthermore, HA Go will introduce a new feature, “Apply Medical Report”, by the end of September, providing a fast channel for patients to apply for medical reports written by doctors. HA Go members aged 18 or above holding Hong Kong Identity Cards are eligible to use this feature as the patient in person. They can submit applications, check their application status, and pay the relevant fees via “Pay HA”. The prevailing fee for a general specialist medical report is HK$1,100. Upon confirmation of their application, HA Go members will receive a push notification and can choose to have the report mailed to their registered address or collect it in person at the hospital.
Due to privacy considerations, registered carers on HA Go are not permitted to apply for medical reports on behalf of their parents or children. For applications for medical records, including photocopying what is commonly referred to as the “patient bedside folder”, applicants are currently still required to submit their applications either in person or by post at the hospital’s Medical Records Office. The HA will continue to explore ways to optimise the features of HA Go, with a view to further facilitating patients in accessing health information and managing their health.
The HA spokesperson added, “Since its launch in 2019, HA Go has been well received by the public. As of the first quarter of this year, HA Go has recorded over 4.5 million downloads, with 3.5 million full members and 400 000 registered carers. We will continue to enhance the features of HA Go, striving to develop it into an essential ‘health manager’ for every citizen.”
Issued at HKT 12:15
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