Category: MIL-OSI

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Hong Kong Customs, FSD and Police mount territory-wide joint operation against illicit fuel activities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs, FSD and Police mount territory-wide joint operation against illicit fuel activities       
     During the operation, Customs strengthened enforcement against the sources of illicit fuel. Customs officers detected four cases of land smuggling of illicit fuel at the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port. They seized about 1 200 litres of illicit motor spirit and four vehicles with fuel tanks suspected to be altered for smuggling, and arrested four male drivers. Customs also detected three cases of sea smuggling of illicit fuel near Ninepin Group, Castle Peak Bay and Cheung Chau, seized about 4 000 litres of illicit motor spirit and arrested five male crew members.
      
     In addition, officers of Customs, the FSD and the Police also shut down five illicit mobile motor spirit fuelling stations in Lok Fu, Kowloon Bay, Wong Tai Sin, Kai Tak and Tsing Yi. They seized about 2 200 litres of illicit motor spirit and nine vehicles involved in supplying or receiving illicit fuel, and arrested four workers of illicit fuelling stations and five persons suspected to have patronised the fuelling stations.
      
     Officers of the three departments also raided an illicit motor spirit fuelling station and an illicit fuel storage site in Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long respectively. About 800 litres of illicit motor spirit, 1 600 litres of illicit diesel and two private cars involved in the cases were seized. Four persons were arrested. In addition, officers of the FSD also raided a total of four illegal diesel fuelling stations in Kowloon Bay and Shau Kei Wan. About 9 400 litres of diesel along with a batch of fuelling equipment were seized. Five persons in connection with the cases were intercepted.  
      
     Investigations are ongoing. Customs will continue to collaborate with the FSD and the Police in combating illicit fuel activities. Members of the public are also urged not to patronise illicit fuelling stations. The use of illicit fuel is a criminal offence, and vehicles involved may be liable to confiscation.
      
     According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), 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 (Cap. 95F), 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 (Cap. 295) 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.
      
     Moreover, Customs reminds cross-boundary goods vehicle drivers not to engage in any smuggling activities. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO), any person who alters the fittings, fabric or structure, or makes use of the altered fittings, fabric or structure, of any vehicle for the purpose of smuggling commits an offence. The vehicle may also be subject to forfeiture.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public are urged to report suspected illicit fuel activities via the Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or the FSD’s 24-hour hotline 5577 9666. The public may also report through the Illicit Fuelling Activities on the Fire Hazard Electronic Complaint Portal of the FSD (fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:06

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Appeal for information on missing girl in Aberdeen

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appeal for information on missing girl in Aberdeen (with photo)                             
      She is about 1.7 metres tall, around 60 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a sharp face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt, dark blue trousers, white sneakers, carrying a white crossbody bag, a black jacket and a white umbrella.     
Issued at HKT 18:56

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LCQ19: Enhancing transparency of fuel prices

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Chong Ho-fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
 
Question:
 
     With the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, international crude oil prices have fluctuated sharply and stood at high levels for an extended period, which has also led to persistently high fuel prices in Hong Kong. There are views that the Hong Kong fuel market has long been plagued by opaque pricing, coupled with the complex pricing strategies generally adopted by oil companies, which are based on high pump prices and supplemented by various promotional offers and loyalty rewards, making it extremely difficult for consumers to swiftly compare the selling prices of fuels at different petrol filling stations, thereby undermining the market competition mechanism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the authorities will, by making reference to the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance which mandates the use of saleable area as the pricing basis, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s requirement for banks to disclose the annualised percentage rate when promoting and providing loan products, conduct a study on introducing legislation to require oil companies to simultaneously display a standard final selling price for auto-fuels (e.g. the fuel price per litre after deducting the company’s most common discount) in all their display channels (including roadside signs and promotional materials), so as to enhance price transparency; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the Government will consider requiring oil companies to submit detailed data on their discount structures, so that the Consumer Council can publish a net price comparison table of greater reference value in a timely manner, rather than relying solely on pump prices, with a view to establishing a monitoring mechanism for livelihood-related fuel prices; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) in the current period of energy price fluctuations, whether the Government will explore other measures to enhance price transparency and prevent oil companies from reducing the strength of promotional offers through complex terms and conditions; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Stable energy supply is crucial to Hong Kong’s economic and social operations. Public transportation, air passenger and cargo services, and electricity supply, etc, are directly related to energy supply. The situation in the Middle East is affecting global oil supply, with the impact on Asia being particularly pronounced. The top priority of the Government is to ensure the stability of Hong Kong’s energy supply.
 
     Currently, around 80 per cent of Hong Kong’s oil products come from the Chinese Mainland. With the advantage of having strong support from the motherland, Hong Kong has been able to maintain a stable energy supply amid the emergence of energy shortages in many regions and cities around the world. The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) is in close contact with local auto-fuel suppliers to ensure that the supply of auto-fuel remains stable.
 
     In addition, the Government has established the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply (the Task Force) to monitor and assess geopolitical changes and fuel supply and prices, to ensure the stability of Hong Kong’s energy supply, and to examine the impact of oil price fluctuations on various industries. The Task Force will continue to conduct dynamic assessments, co-ordinate bureaux and departments to prepare contingency plans, and formulate forward-looking strategies. The Task Force will also study different measures to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices.
 
     The reply to the question raised by Hon Chong Ho-fung is as follows:
 
(1) In 2019, the Government issued guidelines for the erection of price information boards (PIBs) within petrol filling stations (PFSs), specifying standards regarding the price information to be displayed, as well as the dimensions, design, and placement of the PIB. The guidelines require oil companies that have newly acquired PFS sites to comply with these requirements and submit proposals for the PIBs to the EEB for approval. The EEB requires oil companies to display on the PIBs the Chinese and English names of the fuel products sold at the PFS, the pump prices, and the net price after any walk-in discounts, in order to enhance transparency. As for discounts offered by oil companies to specific customers (such as members), these are considered common commercial practices intended to attract customers.
 
     To further enhance price transparency, the Government commissioned the Consumer Council in November 2020 to launch the Oil Price Watch website and mobile application, which provide information on pump prices and discounted prices, PFS search function, and push notifications on price changes, enabling consumers to access comprehensive pricing and promotional information more conveniently. As of March this year, the Oil Price Watch mobile application had a total of 123 000 downloads and an average of 157 000 monthly visits, while the website recorded an average of 262 000 monthly visits.
 
(2) and (3) For many years, retail prices of auto-fuels in Hong Kong have been determined by the market and depend on a host of factors, such as the costs of purchasing imported refined oil products and operating PFSs. The Government has been endeavouring to ensure a stable and reliable fuel supply, maintain an open market and encourage competition, and at the same time enhancing transparency of the prices of auto-fuel products so that consumers can make suitable choices.
 
     Although retail prices of auto-fuel in Hong Kong are determined by oil companies having regard to market principles and operating costs, the Government is mindful of the concerns across various sectors regarding auto-fuel prices in Hong Kong and has been monitoring whether changes in local retail prices of auto-fuel are in line with the trend movements of international refined oil product price, and in close contact with oil companies and urged them to promptly adjust prices in tandem with international refined oil product price movements.
 
     To facilitate the public monitoring of retail price adjustments for auto-fuel, with effect from April 1, 2026, the EEB releases, on a weekly basis, the seven-day moving average retail prices, after walk-in discounts, of unleaded petrol and diesel from oil companies, along with the trends in international benchmark prices of refined oil products during the same period, to enhance transparency of market and price. The Competition Commission has also met with oil companies, emphasising the importance of fair competition and information transparency. The Competition Commission will continue to closely monitor the market for any instances of price collusion or unfair competition to ensure fair market operations.
 
     In addition, the Government will continue to work with the Consumer Council to optimise the Oil Price Watch website and mobile application, to facilitate consumers to make informed choices that are suitable to their needs.

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LCQ7: 999 Emergency Hotline

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ7: 999 Emergency Hotline 
Question:
 
     The Operations Wing of the Police Force provides a prompt and efficient 24-hour service to 999 callers, striving to answer all 999 calls within nine seconds and to respond to all genuine emergency calls within the established time limit. The average response time is nine minutes for Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon area, and 15 minutes for the New Territories. Response time is measured from the moment the Regional Command and Control Centre’s 999 console receives the call to the arrival of police officers at the scene. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) in the past three years, (i) of the respective annual numbers of calls received by the 999 hotline, the number of those calls which were genuine emergency calls, and the average waiting time for calls to be answered; (ii) of the percentage of calls which met the service standard of being answered within nine seconds; (iii) of the respective average response times for the New Territories, Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon area, and whether these met the service standards for those areas;
 
(2) (i) whether the 999 hotline has compiled statistics categorising the languages used by callers (including Cantonese, Putonghua, English and other languages); if so, of the relevant figures for the past three years; (ii) of the current mechanism for handling calls made in languages other than Cantonese, Putonghua and English; (iii) whether the Government will study the introduction of AI technologies, such as voice recognition and real-time translation systems, to the 999 hotline to enhance the efficiency of handling requests for assistance made in different languages; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) (i) of the current staffing establishment of Police Communications Officers and the average daily number on duty; (ii) of the types of training provided to Police Communications Officers to ensure that they have sufficient judgement to determine whether a call for assistance is urgent and the nature of the case, so that each case is handled properly; (iii) whether the authorities have plans to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of handling requests for assistance; if so, the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     There are three Police Regional Command and Control Centres (RCCC) in Hong Kong, namely Hong Kong Island RCCC, Kowloon RCCC and New Territories RCCC. A 999 Emergency Call Centre is set up in each RCCC to answer the public’s calls for assistance on a 24-hour basis. Police officers are also deployed from District/Divisional Consoles to handle cases of various nature, with a view to providing efficient and effective services to persons seeking assistance.

     The reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
 
(1) The figures relevant to 999 emergency call services in the past three years are as follows:
 

 (number of emergency calls)(81 659)(82 382)(80 568)     To ensure appropriate allocation of resources for each call for assistance, the Police classify incoming calls based on the content of the cases. In general, incoming calls classified as “emergency calls” involve incidents such as “assault”, “arson”, “burglary”, “robbery”, “fire”, “person drowning” and “bomb discovery”, etc.
      
     The Police strive to respond to incoming emergency calls within the specified time limit under the performance pledge, which is nine minutes for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and 15 minutes for the New Territories. Response time is calculated from the moment the RCCC’s 999 console receives the call to the arrival of police officers at the scene. The percentages of response time meeting the performance pledge over the past three years are as follows:
 

Region
(Performance pledge on response time)(nine minutes)(15 minutes)     The Police do not maintain data regarding the average response time within the past three years.
 
(2) The Police do not maintain a statistical breakdown by language used by callers. 
 
     Currently, 999 Emergency Call Centres provide response services in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The Police has been closely monitoring the needs of different individuals in society and formulate various measures to ensure that callers who cannot communicate in Cantonese, Putonghua or English can receive appropriate assistance.
      
     The project TRANSLINK was launched by the Police in 2016. Under the project, designated telephones in the report rooms of police stations are connected to interpreters of subvented organisations. By way of three-way conference calls, the interpreters will provide immediate interpretation service in nine common non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) languages for NEC reporting incidents in person or by telephone. Starting from April 2025, the project has been upgraded to TRANSLINK 2.0, allowing uniformed frontline police officers to engage the interpretation service through the Police’s smart devices.
      
     The Police have also been actively adopting new technologies. The Advanced Mobile Location (AML) service was introduced in 2023. When a call for assistance is made using a smartphone, the 999 Emergency Call Centre will simultaneously receive information about the caller’s location. The AML service effectively facilitates the handling of situations where communication with the caller may be hindered due to language barriers or critical circumstances and can greatly enhance the operational efficiency in responding to emergency calls. 

     In addition, the Police launched the HKSOS mobile application in 2024. This application, specially designed for people engaging in outdoor activities, also features geolocation sharing functions. To facilitate transmission of SOS messages to the 999 Emergency Call Centres in case of emergencies, the HKSOS presents messages in graphics for nine common categories of circumstances, such as fractures, severe bleeding and breathing difficulties, etc for users to choose. With a single click, the user can directly connect to the 999 Emergency Call Centre, which will immediately receive the caller’s location. 
(3) The RCCCs of the Police are manned by police officers (at the ranks of Superintendent, Inspector and Sergeant) and Police Communications Officers (PCO) (Senior PCOs and PCOs), who provide 24-hour service on a shift basis. All calls made to the 999 Emergency Response Centres of the RCCCs are answered by PCOs around the clock on a shift basis. Currently, there are a total of approximately 80 PCOs assigned to answer incoming 999 calls every day.
 
     As regards training, newly recruited PCOs are required to undergo a four-week training programme, which covers subjects such as the structures of the Police Force and various grades, the operation of the Command and Control Centres and the operation of the computer and communication systems. Additionally, training on case classification will be provided for PCOs to ensure that they possess the ability to swiftly and accurately assess the nature of each case of request for assistance.  Upon completion of the training, the PCOs will be deployed to the RCCCs to assist with the operation of the Divisional Consoles. Those who have accumulated practical experience of approximately nine months to one year and have met the performance standards will further receive a five-day training course on 999 emergency calls. They will be assigned to the duties of answering 999 emergency calls only after they have completed the course and met the required standards.Issued at HKT 11:19

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LCQ20: Traffic incidents involving animals

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
 
Question:
 
     It has been reported that there have been a number of traffic accidents involving animals being hit in recent months. In particular, incidents involving cattle being hit by vehicles occurred successively in Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan within a single week, arousing public concern about the issues of animal safety and road safety. Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to specified animals (i.e. horse, cow, donkey, mule, sheep, pig, goat, cat and dog) not in the vehicle. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the number of traffic accidents involving vehicles hitting animals in each of the past five years, and among them, the number of such accidents involving animals specified under the Ordinance, with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory;
 
(2) of the number of animals being hit in the traffic accidents mentioned in (1) that (i) died at the scene, (ii) were humanely dispatched and (iii) received treatment, with a breakdown by animal type;
 
(3) given that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on May 28, 2025, the Government indicated that the authorities would closely monitor the implementation of the Ordinance and timely review whether to include more wild animals as specified animals under the Ordinance, of the current progress of the review; whether more animals will be included as specified animals under the Ordinance to ensure that these animals are provided with the necessary protection; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(4) whether the Government will implement road improvement measures, such as installing railings and signs, on road sections where accidents involving animals being hit by vehicles frequently occur, so as to prevent animals from straying onto the road and being hit by vehicles, as well as to remind drivers to exercise caution on those sections; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:

President,
 
     Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if they hit a specified animal, with the intent of allowing injured animals to receive medical assistance, and facilitating animal owners to seek compensation from the drivers concerned. Drivers are required to provide personal particulars, including name and address, to any police officer or any person having reasonable grounds for requiring the information. If the drivers are not able to provide the information for any reason, they are required to report the accident to the Police as soon as possible and in any case no later than 24 hours after the accident.
 
     Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the reply to the question from the Hon Kenneth Lau is as follows:

(1) The number of traffic accident reports involving animals received by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) between 2021 and 2025 is tabulated as follows:
 

Year Number of traffic accidents reports involving animals
(those involving specified animals)
2021 36 (35)
2022 155 (144)
2023 369 (319)
2024 372 (314)
2025 416 (346)

     The HKPF does not maintain breakdown of statistics by 18 districts.

(2) In general, upon receipt of reports of dogs and cats injured in traffic accidents, the Police will first contact the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The SPCA will inspect the animals at the scene and send the injured dogs and cats without keepers at the scene to the SPCA’s clinics for further treatment. If the dog has been implanted with a microchip, the SPCA will inform the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), so that the department can contact the dog owner. As regards other animals, the Police will contact the AFCD to provide rescue services at the scene. The AFCD will send the injured animal to its Animal Management Centres for further examination and observation as necessary.
 
     As regards deceased animals due to traffic accident, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will arrange for contractors to collect animal carcasses at the scene upon receipt of referrals from departments or reports from the public, and deliver them to the facilities of the Environmental Protection Department for handling.
 
     The HKPF, AFCD and FEHD do not maintain the breakdown of figures requested at the question.

(3) The Government has been closely monitoring the implementation of the Ordinance, and data shows that the majority of animals involved in traffic accidents are animals specified in the Ordinance. Even where the injured animal is not specified in the Ordinance, the AFCD will assist with rescue as needed upon receipt of report. At this stage, the Government has no plans to add further types of specified animals, and will timely review the operation of the Ordinance, striving to strike an appropriate balance between safeguarding animals and the safety of road users.

(4) The Government attaches great importance to road safety. Currently, the Road Users’ Code issued under the Ordinance clearly reminds drivers that when animals are sighted on the road or roadside ahead, they should drive slowly, allow sufficient space for the animals to move, and be prepared to stop if necessary. In addition, the Transport Department (TD) will proactively consider installing warning signs at road sections frequented by animals to enhance drivers’ awareness. The TD will continue to closely monitor the road situations and provide appropriate measures according to actual needs.

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LCQ9: Promoting aerospace science and technology education

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Ken Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
           
Question:

     There are views that our country’s development in aerospace industry has advanced at an unprecedented pace in recent years, with the achievements of the Shenzhou manned spacecraft, the Tiangong Space Station and the Chang’e lunar exploration programme garnering global attention. For the first time, the country has also selected payload experts in Hong Kong, illustrating the importance it has attached to the innovation and technology (I&T) development in Hong Kong, as well as recognising of the capability of our I&T talent. Moreover, the authorities’ further promotion of aerospace science and technology education will also help cultivate students’ scientific literacy and patriotism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

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LCQ15: Measures to promote electric vehicles amid high oil prices

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Following is a question by the Hon Ray Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):

Question:

High oil prices in Hong Kong, caused by international geopolitical instability, have added to the economic burden on private car owners. Meanwhile, the Government’s “One-for-One Replacement” Scheme for electric vehicles (EV) (the Scheme) expired on 31 March 2026. There are views that amid the prevailing high oil prices and the climate crisis, the Government needs to review its green transport policies to alleviate the burden on the public and maintain the momentum of carbon reduction. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether, from the perspectives of “energy security” and “relieving public hardship”, the Government will consider extending the Scheme to ensure that the target of ceasing new registration of fuel-propelled private cars (including hybrid vehicles) in 2035 or earlier can be achieved as scheduled; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether, with a view to reducing the difficulties in installing EV chargers in aged buildings and private housing estates, the Government will consider: (i) relaunching the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme or setting up a dedicated fund to subsidize owners of aged buildings to upgrade their electrical equipment; and (ii) reviewing and relaxing the restrictions on the provision of charging facilities in indoor/covered car parks and outdoor/open-air car parks, so as to enhance the willingness of property management companies and owners’ corporations to install EV chargers; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) as the industry has relayed that the progress of installing quick chargers in old districts is often constrained by factors such as insufficient grid capacity or limited space in transformer rooms, whether the Government will review the approval criteria for electricity investment under the Scheme of Control Agreements, so as to require power companies to upgrade cables and substations in advance in areas with high growth in electricity demand; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) in view of the longer time required for power grid upgrades, whether the Government will draw on Mainland and overseas experience and proactively introduce “mobile EV charger” technology as a flexible means to bridge infrastructure gaps and alleviate the “range anxiety” of vehicle owners; if so, of the specific implementation plan; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

My response to the question raised by the Hon Ray Wong is as follows:

(1) The Budget announced that the first registration tax (FRT) for electric commercial vehicles, electric motor cycles and electric motor tricycles would continue to be waived in full until end-March 2028. The FRT concession arrangement for electric private cars (e-PCs), including the “One-for-One Replacement” Scheme (the Scheme), ceased to operate upon its expiry at the end of March this year. In his concluding remarks during the resumption of the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 at the Legislative Council meeting on April 29, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, stated that the Government fully exempted the FRT for all electric vehicles (EVs) for a total of 23 years, from 1994 to March 31, 2017. During the period from April 1, 2017 to the end of March 2018, the FRT concession cap for EVs was set at $97,500. The arrangement was further adjusted in 2021. The Government extended the arrangement which was due to expire last year to the end of March this year after considering Members’ views. After taking various factors into account, the Government is of the view that sufficient time has already been given for the market to adapt to the shifts. At the same time, as presented in the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, the penetration rate of new e-PCs in Hong Kong has continued to climb in recent years, with significant improvements in vehicle prices, model selection, vehicle performance and charging infrastructure. At present, e-PCs have clear advantages over fuel-propelled private cars (PCs) in terms of both vehicle price and operating costs. Additionally, e-PC technology has matured, making the trend towards popularisation of e-PCs irreversible. Private market forces have already dominated the green transition of PCs. Against this backdrop, the Government discontinues the Scheme according to the original timetable. Moving forward, the Government will focus on improving the supporting infrastructure for the charging network to bring convenience to e-PC owners. 

(2) The EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme (EHSS) was launched in October 2020, with a total funding of $3.5 billion allocated in 2 phases. The EHSS ceased accepting applications on December 31, 2023. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) completed processing all applications in early 2024. The EHSS is expected to cover about 140 000 parking spaces in about 700 car parks of existing private residential buildings and housing estates, accounting for about half of the eligible parking spaces in Hong Kong. As at end-March 2026, 488 car parks (covering about 87 010 parking spaces) have completed the installation works. The number of parking spaces installed with EV charging-enabling infrastructure (EVCEI) is expected to be further increased to 117 000 by end-2026, and to achieve the anticipated target as scheduled by 2027. The EPD will continue to provide technical support to EHSS applicants (including property management companies and incorporated owners) to expedite the installation of EVCEI.

In order to be eligible for the EHSS, the number of parking spaces in open area in the car park must be less than 60 per cent of the total number of eligible parking spaces. This is to avoid spending most of the subsidy on road excavation works and additional cable support facilities needed for supplying electricity to those parking spaces, thereby maximising the use of limited resources to benefit more estate car parks. In fact, the vast majority of applications under the EHSS are for indoor or covered car parks. Only five applications (0.6 per cent of all applications) were disqualified because parking spaces in open area accounted for more than 60 per cent of the total. The Government has no intention to relax this eligibility criterion.

In terms of upgrading the electrical equipment, we note that the EHSS has successfully encouraged the installation of EVCEI at parking spaces of many private residential buildings and housing estates, driving the market demand for charging facilities for e-PCs. At present, there are multiple charging service operators in the market offering various charging facility installation solutions for housing estates and vehicle owners to choose from. The two power companies have been supporting the Government in promoting the installation of EV charging facilities in private residential buildings and housing estates, including the provision of free assessments and technical support on matters such as the power supply capacity of buildings and the installation of charging facilities. At present, the Government has no plan to relaunch or introduce any new scheme to subsidise private housing estates in upgrading their electrical installations for the installation of chargers.

(3) According to the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the Government and the two power companies, the two power companies shall pledge to provide adequate power generation and transmission facilities to meet the demand for electricity, which include assisting the development and installation of EV chargers, and provide, operate and maintain adequate electricity facilities for new development areas.

The two power companies have earlier published Power Availability Maps for all districts in Hong Kong to facilitate charge point operators (CPOs) in planning and installing charging facilities in different districts. The Government will maintain communication with CPOs to understand potential issues they may encounter in expanding charging facilities, and relay them to the two power companies for coordination and follow-up. Additionally, through the working group established with the two power companies earlier this year, the Government will also review the electricity demand arising from charging facilities and the grid capacity of the relevant areas, so as to help identify potential constraints early and, where necessary, study appropriate grid and related facility arrangements to meet the growing demand for EV charging. 

(4) The Government adopts a technology-neutral principle towards all forms of charging technologies, and welcomes the trade to introduce various types of charging technologies to Hong Kong to accelerate the development of EVs. The Government has noticed the development of Mobile Charger technology or energy storage systems and their benefits in saving costs and time required for constructing power infrastructure as well as enhancing the operational flexibility of charging services. Therefore, fast chargers utilizing new technologies such as battery energy storage systems and Mobile Chargers will be eligible for applying for the $300 million Fast Charger Incentive Scheme launched in July 2025. We have approached some enterprises who are interested in promoting Mobile Charger technology and energy storage systems in Hong Kong, explaining the Government’s measures and support available to promote the popularisation of EVs. 

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LCQ13: Cost-effectiveness of publishing notices in newspapers by the Government

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​​Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
 
Question:
 
The Government regularly publishes government notices in newspapers, which mainly include statutory notices and tender notices, for dissemination of information. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the government expenditure on publishing notices in newspapers in each of the past five years; and
 
(2) whether the Government has assessed the cost-effectiveness of publishing notices in newspapers (such as whether it has compiled statistics on the number of readers of government notices and the trend concerned); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,

Upon consulting bureaux and their departments, the expenditure on posting statutory notices and tender notices in newspapers in the past five years are tabulated below:
 

Year Expenditure (HK$ million)
2021 33.24
2022 28.95
2023 18.25
2024 22.29
2025 18.94

In general, statutory notices are published by bureaux and departments in accordance with legal requirements and shall be published on newspapers as stipulated by relevant ordinances. As for tender notices, bureaux and departments may, depending on the circumstances such as the intended readership or the fee level, choose the newspapers in which to place the notice, so as to achieve cost-effectiveness.
 
Apart from publishing notices in newspapers, bureaux and departments also release information through the relevant websites with a view to broadening coverage and conveying messages more effectively to the public.

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LCQ12: Land use planning for Au Tau

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ12: Land use planning for Au Tau 
Question:
 
     In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Government would commence a land use review for Au Tau to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), and to consider increasing the proportion of private housing in the area around Sha Po at Au Tau Station for development into a New Development Area. The Government will engage the MTR Corporation Limited to conduct the review. There are views that as the site selection and planning will have far-reaching implications for existing housing estates nearby and future residents of Sha Po, the authorities’ planning should embody the strategy of “enhancing connectivity for public convenience and prioritising supporting facilities”, and ensure that the impacts on the surrounding environment are minimised during the construction and operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that the proposed site of the Au Tau Station of the NOL is relatively distant from existing housing estates, whether the authorities will consider constructing multi-level linking facilities such as footbridges or subways to facilitate residents of existing housing estates in travelling to and from Au Tau Station; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) of the specific design measures (e.g. the location of ventilation buildings and the design of air filtration systems) which the authorities will adopt to ensure that the operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL will not have an adverse impact on the air quality in the surrounding area; and
 
(3) whether the authorities will take advantage of the aforementioned planning opportunity to introduce large shopping malls and ancillary facilities for leisure and entertainment for residents nearby, and to develop a local economy that can create employment opportunities within the area, so as to ensure that residents from all walks of life will benefit; if so, of the details?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The Government has announced in the 2025 Policy Address that a land use review for Au Tau would commence to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), developing the area around planned Au Tau Station and Sha Po into a New Development Area (NDA) in the Northern Metropolis (NM).  Consideration would also be given to introduce a larger proportion of private housing. The Development Bureau (DEVB) has already engaged the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to conduct the land use review, targeting to announce the results within this year.
 
     In response to the question raised by the Hon Holden Chow, after consulting the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the reply is set out below:
 
(1) The TLB has all along implemented various measures to enhance walkability, such as constructing footpaths to enhance overall connectivity of the pedestrian network, widening footpaths, adding or expanding pedestrian crossing facilities, as well as constructing footbridges or subways as needed. The MTRCL has previously conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment for the NOL Main Line and considered that the existing pedestrian facilities are able to meet the travel demand between Au Tau Station and nearby residential developments. Nevertheless, in view of the DEVB’s latest proposal to develop Au Tau as an NDA under the latest planning position and layout, the consultant hired by the MTRCL will further examine connectivity and accessibility in the vicinity of the Au Tau Station in the context of the ongoing land use review for Au Tau, with a view to formulating a suitable proposal and considering the detailed design and implementation arrangements after holistic consideration of relevant factors such as district planning, projected pedestrian demand, technical constraints and cost-effectiveness.
 
     Separately, the Transport Department will keep in view the latest developments in the area as well as progress of the new railway station and, having regard to anticipated changes in passenger demand, co-ordinate with public transport operators to adjust or strengthen public transport services according to the established mechanism as and when appropriate, including adjusting the frequency, operating hours and routing of existing services, or considering introduction of new short-haul feeder services connecting to the new railway station.
 
(2) According to the TLB, ventilation buildings are essential facilities for an underground railway system. Their functions are to maintain air circulation in railway stations and tunnels, and to serve as emergency access points for rescue personnel to enter and carry out rescue operations in the tunnels in case of emergencies.  Ventilation buildings would be placed at an appropriate distance away from nearby buildings in accordance with relevant guidelines, and would need to be equipped with suitable noise-reduction fittings to ensure that the operational noise levels would comply with the requirements. In addition, underground railways utilise electric locomotives which have no emissions during daily operations. Therefore, the ventilation system only facilitates normal air circulation and would not cause air pollution. During the construction and operation of the NOL project, the MTRCL will maintain close communication with stakeholders in the community to listen to and address their views and concerns.
 
(3) In the process of planning an NDA, besides residential space, we will also accommodate shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities within the NDA in our land use planning, as well as the essential government, institution or community facilities to meet the needs of residents in the NDA and surrounding vicinity.
 
     Regarding employment, promoting home-job balance has all along been one of the Government’s guiding principles for developing the NM. While the developments in Au Tau NDA will be predominately residential, it would be only one or two stations away from the future Ngau Tam Mei Station and San Tin Station on the NOL Main Line. Ngau Tam Mei will be developed into an NM University Town, whereas San Tin Technopole together with the Loop nearby will become the heart of future innovation and technology development in the NM. They will provide substantial employment opportunities suitable for people across different strata of the society, benefiting also residents of Au Tau.
Issued at HKT 12:32

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LCQ18: Measures to expedite the handling of court cases

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Nick Chan and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):

Question: 
     For civil proceedings, the target average waiting times have been achieved persistently in general. In particular, for the Court of First Instance (CFI) of the High Court (HC), the average waiting time for the civil fixture list in 2025 was 151 days, which was the lowest since 2021. For criminal proceedings, the target waiting times have been met in general except for cases in the CFI and the District Court (DC) due to the priority accorded to a considerable number of complicated 2019 anti-extradition amendment bill incidents and national security cases requiring longer trials, as well as the recent surge of cases related to money laundering and fraud in the DC.