Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH calls on members of public to maintain oral health for comprehensive physical and mental well-being in support of World Oral Health Day
Oral health is closely related to physical health
The Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services of DH, Dr Kitty Hse, remarked that oral health not only affects eating ability, language expression and personal appearance, but is also closely related to overall health. Excessive sugar intake in daily diets can cause tooth decay and also increases the risk of obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. To address these health challenges, the Government has just launched Hong Kong’s inaugural Action Plan on Weight Management
Controlling sugar intake is one of the most effective ways to achieve the concept of “A Happy Mouth is … a Happy Life”. Dr Hse emphasised that sugar-reduction-based dental care habits should be cultivated from infancy. Parents should avoid letting infants fall asleep with a feeding bottle in their mouth and should brush their child’s teeth twice daily once their child starts teething, to reduce the risk of tooth decay. During childhood and adolescence, parents should help their children establish the habit of brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night, avoid frequent consumption of high-sugar snacks and drinks, and take their children for regular oral health check-ups annually, laying a solid foundation for good dental care from an early age.
Government dental services cover “all ages”
The Government adopts the strategy of widely promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare among citizens across all age groups.
The DH’s dental services cover all primary and secondary school students under 18 and preschool children in Hong Kong, aiming to provide continuous oral health support from preschool through school age, help children establish good lifestyle habits from the earliest stages of life, and guide them to maintain regular oral check-ups throughout their lives for early prevention of dental problems.
Upon reaching adulthood, members of the public should cultivate good oral health habits through daily practices, including thorough daily cleaning of teeth and interdental spaces, regular oral check-ups, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing sugar intake, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption. These habits can help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The Government provides oral health education, oral hygiene instructions, and risk assessment services in the community through DHCs and non-governmental organisations. It also collaborates with relevant dental clinics to assist DHCs in offering oral health care services to designated high-risk groups. Through implementing the principle of “early prevention, early detection and early treatment” of dental diseases, members of the public can effectively preserve their teeth and maintain oral function in later stages of life, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
To strengthen oral health protection, the Government launched the Community Dental Support Programme
In support of this year’s World Oral Health Day, Dr Hse said that the DH has not only launched a promotional video, but also organised a thematic exhibition at the following venues. Members of the public are welcome to visit: For more information on oral health and relevant programmes, members of public may visit the DH’s Oral Health Promotion Division’s online platforms and relevant websites:Issued at HKT 9:30
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Joint Working Group on Promoting Interconnectivity of Charging Facilities in the Greater Bay Area convenes first meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Joint Working Group on Promoting Interconnectivity of Charging Facilities in the Greater Bay Area convenes first meeting
The National Energy Administration (NEA) and the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) signed the Cooperation Arrangement on Promoting Interconnectivity of Charging Facilities in the Greater Bay Area in October 2025, and agreed to establish the JWG to introduce a pilot scheme in Hong Kong using the new EV charging technology ChaoJi. The EEB announced the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles (Updated Roadmap) this February, indicating that ChaoJi not only supports high-power charging but also achieves innovative breakthroughs in charging standard compatibility and safety.
At today’s meeting, the JWG set out major tasks for the coming two years, including commencing research on compatibility between ChaoJi chargers and national (GB) and European (IEC) charging standards; testing developed adaptors; and preparing to construct a ChaoJi charging demonstration station in Hong Kong. The meeting also exchanged views on the membership of consultation of the JWG, the action timetable and the progress of research. Implementation details were confirmed, with the goal of completing the construction of the ChaoJi charging demonstration station in Hong Kong by next year.
The JWG is co-chaired by the EEB and the China Electricity Council. Its members include representatives of government departments, industry associations, electricity enterprises, and research institutions from the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. More industry experts will be invited to participate in specific projects as needed.
Issued at HKT 18:00
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Saigon Street in Yau Ma Tei to be reinstated as one-way eastbound from March 22
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Saigon Street in Yau Ma Tei to be reinstated as one-way eastbound from March 22 Motorists should pay attention to traffic signs and drive with care when passing through the road sections concerned. The Government has distributed notices to the relevant District Council members and stakeholders on the above arrangements.
Members of the public may visit the Highways Department’s Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section) webpage (ckr-hyd.hk/traffic_diversionIssued at HKT 10:00
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Two live humphead wrasses seized in inspection operation by AFCD
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) seized two live humphead wrasses from a restaurant in Lok Fu during an inspection operation yesterday evening (March 19), with an estimated market value of about $17,000.
Following a complaint received earlier alleging that a restaurant in Lok Fu was suspected of illegally selling the endangered humphead wrasse, AFCD officers conducted an inspection at the restaurant. During the operation, officers found two live humphead wrasses on display in a fish tank at the restaurant, and the species was also listed on the restaurant menu. AFCD officers requested the restaurant manager to provide proof of origin for the fish. The document provided indicated that the humphead wrasses were wild-caught.
The humphead wrasse is listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), possession of live specimens of Appendix II species of wild origin requires a Licence to Possess. As the restaurant manager was unable to produce any required licence, the AFCD has therefore seized the humphead wrasses for further investigation.
A spokesman for the AFCD said, “Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.”
The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and collect intelligence through various channels, and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing to espint@afcd.gov.hk.
Film Archive to present “The Kid” and “Fantasies in Reality: A Cinematic Journey” screenings in April
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Film Archive to present “The Kid” and “Fantasies in Reality: A Cinematic Journey” screenings in April
“Restored Treasures – The Kid (1999) (4K Digitally Restored Version) (Hong Kong Premiere)”
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To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the birth of superstar Leslie Cheung, the HKFA will premiere the 4K digitally restored version of “The Kid” (1999) at 7.30pm on April 26 (Sunday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Amid the sluggish Hong Kong film market in the late 1990s, the director of “The Kid”, Jacob Cheung, worked with various filmmakers to found Creative Alliance, a collective where directors had to raise funds and hire actors personally to produce quality films. At this juncture, Leslie Cheung joined the production of the film with a nominal pay of $1. He also took it upon himself to compose and sing the theme song. To let more audiences witness the superstar’s passion for Hong Kong films, Jacob Cheung funded the 4K digital restoration of the film after more than two decades.
In the film, Leslie Cheung plays the role of a financial elite losing everything during the economic turmoil of the time. At this low point of his life, he finds and adopts an abandoned baby boy. The two become indispensable to each other, like father and son, until the return of the child’s mother, forcing them to make a choice. The film exemplifies Jacob Cheung’s signature blend of arthouse lyricism and realism, reflecting the emotions of Hong Kong people during the financial crisis while offering a tender portrait of a family bond.
The programme will be accompanied by a pre-screening talk by Jacob Cheung with director Joe Cheung, one of the founders of Creative Alliance. Tickets priced at $70 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
“Fantasies in Reality: A Cinematic Journey”
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“Fantasies in Reality: A Cinematic Journey” will be held from April 25 to June 7, featuring 12 films from different eras under five themes to present the fantasy worlds created by Hong Kong filmmakers with their wild inventiveness and daring special effects.
The screening programme kicks off with the world premiere of “The Spooky Bunch” (1980) (4K digitally restored version). Directed by Ann Hui and starring the film’s producer Josephine Siao, alongside Kenny Bee, Kwan Chung, Lau Hark-suen, Tina Liu and others, the film employs a darkly comedic approach to portray a paranormal adventure of a Cantonese opera troupe in Cheung Chau. With Cantonese opera performances woven into the story, the film blends suspense, hilarity, Cantonese opera culture and local supernatural folk legend. The 4K digitally restored version revives the audio-visual quality of its original theatrical release to bring back the original splendour of this Hong Kong New Wave masterpiece.
Other films include the two Cantonese fantasy period films with the theme “Memories of Light and Shadow”. Starring Cheung Ying, Law Yim-hing, Sek Kin and others, “Ten Brothers” (1959) (2K digital version) visualises the magical powers of the brothers in their journey to rescue their father through double exposures, still frames, and special props. With advanced technology of the time and intensive special effects, “The Magic Cup” (Part One and Concluding Episode) (1961) (2K digital version) tells the story of good triumphing over evil, with Fung Bo-bo as a little girl defeating evil schemes with the help of the Magic Cup Genie, played by Law Yim-hing.
Under the theme “Stories Across Time”, “A Chinese Ghost Story” (1987) (2K digitally restored version) tells a mesmerising love story between a man and a ghost, through the fine acting of Leslie Cheung and Joey Wang respectively, with ingenious special effects and cinematography. Turning a side character in the original myth into the protagonist, played by Maggie Cheung, “Green Snake” (1993) (4K digitally restored version) gives a fresh take on the legendary romance between the White Snake, played by Wang, and her scholar, played by Wu Hsing-kuo, all in a bewitching and beguiling world created with special effects and lighting.
The two films under the theme “The Spooky and the Supernatural” were trendsetting and wildly popular at the time of their original release. Scripted, directed and starred by Sammo Hung, “Encounter of the Spooky Kind” (1980) mixes paranormal and comedic elements with martial arts, pioneering a unique sub-genre in Hong Kong films. Also a Hong Kong film classic, “Mr. Vampire” (1985), starring Lam Ching-ying, Ricky Hui and Chin Siu-ho, in its own distinctive style, weaves together Chinese folklores with legends of bloodsucking ghouls in the West, spawning a fad of vampire films in Hong Kong.
Under the theme “Sci-Fi and Comic Wonders”, the two films presented include “I Love Maria” (1988), in which a former gang member, played by the film’s producer Tsui Hark, is hunted by an android, played by Sally Yeh, in a future world. Anita Mui, Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok present exemplary performances in the contemporary-set swordplay film “Saviour of the Soul” (1991), with the screenplay by Wong Kar-wai and Jeff Lau that brings together elements of Eastern and Western fantasies.
One of the films under the theme “Dreamlike Cityscapes” is “Lavender” (2000). It tells an ethereal and romantic fairytale between a broken-winged angel, played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, and an aromatherapist, played by Kelly Chen. In “Wait ‘Til You’re Older” (2005), directed by Teddy Chen and starring Andy Lau and Karen Mok, a boy takes a stolen potion, which makes him an adult overnight with the caveat of growing old soon after, leaving behind profound ponderings about life.
Some screenings will be accompanied by pre- or post-screening talks, where directors Ann Hui and Teddy Chen, art director Dr Rebecca Lee and actress Tina Liu will share their extraordinary creativity both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, while film scholars and researchers Dr Lei Chin-pang, Keeto Lam, Thomas Shin, Eric Tsang, Joyce Yang and Matthew Cheng will discuss with audiences their insights into the films. In addition, Eric Li, son of Li Wui-tao, who founded the Tao Yuen Motion Picture Development Company that produced “The Magic Cup”, will share his memories at the filming studio at a post-screening talk.
“The Spooky Bunch” will be screened at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with tickets priced at $70 and a 20 per cent discount for LCSD Museum Pass holders purchasing regular-priced tickets for this screening at URBTIX outlets. Other films will be screened at the HKFA Cinema, with tickets priced at $60. There is also a 20 per cent discount is available for every purchase of two or more regular-priced tickets of this programme. Tickets will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
For details of the programmes, please visit the website of the HKFA: www.filmarchive.gov.hk
With “Beyond Fantasy” as this year’s theme, the LCSD presents the fourth Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival. Over the years, Hong Kong pop culture has continued to evolve through music, images and text, as well as stage and cross-media creations. Shaped by the interplay of inheritance, circulation, fusion and breakthroughs, it has distilled a style that is uniquely Hong Kong. The Festival will continue to join audiences and local creators in crossing boundaries within everyday rhythms, and create warm, resonant and moving works while inspiring the limitless possibilities of pop culture. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/enIssued at HKT 18:20
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Hong Kong Customs, FSD and HKPF mount joint operation against illicit fuel storage site and illegal fuelling station
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs, FSD and HKPF mount joint operation against illicit fuel storage site and illegal fuelling station
According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any vehicle found conveying illicit motor spirit, as well as any tools, equipment, or articles used or intended to be used in connection with the commission of related offences, shall be liable to forfeiture whether or not any person is convicted of any offence. Anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit motor spirit commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation, it is an offence to possess or control any controlled substance for the business purpose of transferring it into vehicle fuel tanks. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance also provides that no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use any dangerous goods unless they possess a licence or exemption granted. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty for the first offence is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months. For each subsequent offence, the maximum penalty is a $200,000 fine and imprisonment for one year.
Customs will continue to collaborate with the FSD and the HKPF in combating illicit fuel activities and arranging surprise inspections against blackspots of illicit fuel activities. The FSD will also report suspected breach of the land lease governing the site identified to the relevant department for follow-up action. Members of the public are urged not to patronise illegal fuelling stations. As these illegal fuelling stations lack the proper fire-safety installations and equipment used for fuelling stations, the consequences could be catastrophic in the event of a fire.
Members of the public are urged to report suspected illegal fuel activities via the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or the FSD’s 24-hour hotline 5577 9666 or report through the Illicit Fuelling Activities on the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal of the FSD (fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:35
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Approved Hung Shui Kiu and Ha Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan amended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Approved Hung Shui Kiu and Ha Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan amended * The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.Issued at HKT 16:00
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GoGlobal Task Force thematic website and cross-sector professional services platform launched to support Mainland enterprises going global via Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
GoGlobal Task Force thematic website and cross-sector professional services platform launched to support Mainland enterprises going global via Hong Kong
The GoGlobal Task Force thematic website consolidates key information for Mainland enterprises going global, including the GoGlobal Task Force’s member list and support services; promotional events held by the Task Force on the Mainland and in Hong Kong; success stories of Mainland enterprises going global via Hong Kong; practical resources; and the first phase of the cross-sector professional services platform launched on the same day by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
As one of the new measures announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the platform brings together service providers from Hong Kong in eight major sectors – finance, legal, accounting, branding and marketing, logistics, communication technology, infrastructure and real estate, and testing and certification. It will match Mainland enterprises with suitable Hong Kong service providers, offering one-stop professional support for their global expansion. The list of service providers on the platform incorporates professional opinions from the Expert Committee on Professional Services for Going Global led by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, relevant members of the GoGlobal Task Force, professional bodies and industry organisations. It will be regularly updated as needed.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “The cross-bureau, cross-departmental, and cross-organisation GoGlobal Task Force, launched in October last year, serves as a one-stop platform and the best partner for Mainland enterprises to go global. We encourage Mainland enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong’s international advantages in finance, trade, professional services, innovation and technology, and talent to assist them in expanding their business in the global market. At the same time, more Mainland enterprises going global through Hong Kong will bring more direct investment, job opportunities, and demand for professional services to Hong Kong, further driving high-quality growth in the local economy and the flourishing development of various professions.”
The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, remarked that the Department of Justice (DoJ) has earlier released the inaugural edition of the “Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong’s Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global” (bilingual in Chinese and English), which is available on the DoJ websiteIssued at HKT 15:16
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Consumer Price Indices for February 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (March 20) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for February 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in February 2026 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the corresponding increase (1.1%) in January 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in February 2026 was 1.6%, also larger than that in January 2026 (1.0%). The larger increase was mainly due to the increases in the charges for package tours as well as inbound and outbound transport fares during the Chinese New Year, coupled with the fact that the Chinese New Year fell in January last year, resulting in a relatively lower base of comparison in February 2025.
It should be noted that consumer prices tend to show greater volatility in the first two months of a year due to the timing of the Chinese New Year. As the Chinese New Year fell in February this year but in January last year, the year-on-year comparison for January and February 2026 might have been affected by this factor to a certain extent. Taking the first two months of 2026 together to neutralise the effect of the Chinese New Year, the Composite CPI rose by 1.5% over the same period a year earlier. Netting out the effect of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding increase was 1.3%.
Hong Kong Customs detects case of precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions during suspension of registration
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects case of precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions during suspension of registration
The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.
For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk
Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:00
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