Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 17) released the third batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering 11 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	October 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Central and Western	Central and Admiralty	1.9%	1.0
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui East	1.8%	1.0
Wong Tai Sin	Wong Tai Sin Central	0.0%	N/A
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill	3.5%	1.0
Kwun Tong	Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling	0.0%	N/A
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	1.9%	1.0
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	2.0%	1.0
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	3.4%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi North	7.4%	1.5

 

District	Survey Area	October 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Central and Western	Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun	4.5%	1.4
Sha Tin	Sha Tin East	0.8%	1.0

Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering nine survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas in October, all were below 10 per cent.

The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October 2025, covering 23 survey areas. Among these 23 survey areas, 15 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. September 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (October 17) announced the launch of a full investigation into the procedures and mechanisms currently employed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in handling dog licence applications and renewals.

The Rabies Regulations require all dogs in Hong Kong reaching the age of 5 months or above to be licensed, vaccinated against rabies and microchipped. The AFCD’s Animal Management Centres provide anti-rabies dog inoculation and licensing and microchipping services.

The Office of The Ombudsman received a public complaint that the complainant recently brought his microchipped dogs to an AFCD Animal Management Centre to apply for their first dog licences. Upon arrival, he was informed that the AFCD had introduced a new requirement whereby dog owners must provide proof of the legal origin of their dogs, such as a receipt for purchasing the dog from a pet shop or the dog’s vaccination record, in order to apply for a dog licence. Eventually, the complainant had to return home with his dogs to obtain the required proof and revisited the centre to complete the procedure. The complainant alleged that the AFCD was unable to reasonably explain the rationale for the new requirement, and there was a lack of information about the new requirement on its website. 

Mr Chan said, “Keeping pet dogs is increasingly common in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address also includes measures to promote a pet-friendly culture. Our society is gradually embracing pet inclusivity. It is crucial for the AFCD to establish reasonable procedures and requirements for dog licence applications and renewals and to provide clear information to the public so as to facilitate dog owners in licensing, vaccinating and microchipping their dogs, as well as renewing dog licences and re-vaccinating their dogs in a timely manner. These measures are essential for preventing the outbreak of rabies and effectively monitoring whether dog owners have fulfilled their responsibilities, thereby protecting the rights and welfare of dogs. In this light, I have decided to launch a full investigation into the AFCD’s mechanisms and procedures for handling dog licence applications and renewals to identify any areas for improvement. Pertinent recommendations will be made for enhancing the AFCD’s services, with a view to facilitating dog owners in taking proper care of their dogs.”

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by November 17, 2025: 

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre, 168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong  
Fax: 2882 8149 
Email: cic-afcd@ombudsman.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Two women who went missing in Tsuen Wan have been located.

     Two Filipino women, Pabuaya Imee-mahilum and Tibay Aleli-perez, aged 24 and 33 respectively, went missing after they were last seen on Yeung Uk Road on October 4 afternoon. Police has respectively received the reports on October 8 and October 6.

    Two women were located at a shopping mall on Sui Wo Road, Sha Tin last night (October 16). They sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Town Planning Board today (October 17) announced amendments to the approved Shek Kong Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

The amendments mainly involve rezoning a site to the south of Kam Sheung Road and west of Lai Uk Tsuen from “Residential (Group D)” to “Residential (Group C)”.
 
The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP are amended to take into account the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning scheme area, where appropriate.

The draft Shek Kong OZP No. S/YL-SK/10, incorporating the amendments, is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Fanling, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long East District Planning Office, (iv) the Yuen Long District Office and (v) the Pat Heung Rural Committee.
 
Any person may make written representations in respect of the amendments to the Secretary of the Town Planning Board on or before December 17. Any person who intends to make a representation is advised to read the Town Planning Board Guidelines No. 29C on “Submission and Processing of Representations and Further Representations” (TPB PG-No. 29C).

Submission of a representation should comply with the requirements set out in TPB PG-No. 29C. In particular, the representer should take note of the following:

* If the representer fails to provide his or her full name and the first four alphanumeric characters of his or her Hong Kong identity card or passport number as required under TPB PG-No. 29C, the representation submitted shall be treated as not having been made; and
* The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.

The Guidelines and the submission form are available at the above locations (i) and (ii) as well as the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Copies of the draft Shek Kong OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Information Services Department (ISD), in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), has produced a mini-drama titled “Victory in War of Resistance” (Chinese only). This five-episode series aims to enhance public awareness of the War of Resistance on the Chinese Mainland and in Hong Kong, remember history, honour martyrs, and cherish and safeguard peace to cultivate patriotic feelings and foster a strong sense of national identity and belonging. The programme is available starting today (October 17) on the 80th Anniversary of Victory in War of Resistance dedicated webpage, as well as the official websites and social media platforms of the ISD and RTHK.
 
     The mini-drama consists of five episodes and tells the story of a group of young guerrillas defending their homeland during the fall of Hong Kong. The protagonist initially plans to flee the city with his family, but later joins guerrilla forces alongside his cousin to fight bravely against the enemy. During a mission to attack Kai Tak Airport, a site occupied by the Japanese army, his cousin sacrifices himself by staying behind to detonate explosives, destroying Japanese military equipment and fulfilling a noble cause.
 
The mini-drama features a cast of young actors, including Angus Yeung, Venus Lam and Tomi Ng. To enhance authenticity, the production team referenced a wealth of historical photographs during the filming of the mini-drama. They utilised computer-generated effects and AI technology to colourise black-and-white historical photos, integrating them into the drama. This immersive approach allows audience to vividly experience the hardships of the wartime era. The scene depicting the guerrilla raid on Kai Tak Airport was meticulously recreated with high historical accuracy.
 
To further deepen public understanding of the War of Resistance, each episode concludes with a “History Insight” segment. Presented in an engaging format, this segment introduces historical facts to help audiences build accurate historical knowledge and perspectives, and to deepen their appreciation and respect for this chapter of history.
 
All five episodes of the mini-drama will be available on the following platforms:

• 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression dedicated web page: www.80avictory.gov.hk/tc/mini-drama.html
• ISD website: www.isd.gov.hk
• RTHK website: www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/videoonthewarofresistance
• RTHK TV mobile app

RTHK will also broadcast the series on RTHK TV 31 at 9.30pm starting today for five consecutive nights.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tsim Sha Tsui Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). 

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tsim Sha Tsui area”, a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17). 

The planning scheme area, covering about 192 hectares, is located at the southern tip of Kowloon Peninsula. It is bounded by Victoria Harbour to the south, southwest and southeast; Jordan Road and Gascoigne Road to the north; and Hung Hom Bay Reclamation to the east.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/29, which mainly involve revising the building height restriction from 45 metres above Principal Datum (mPD) to 90mPD for the “Government, Institution or Community” zone currently occupied by the main campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University at Yuk Choi Road.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tsim Sha Tsui OZP No. S/K1/30 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office and (iv) the Yau Tsim Mong District Office. 

Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 17) the reappointments of Mr Chu Kin-wing and Miss Barbara Wong as the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman respectively of the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel, as well as the reappointments of six incumbent members and the appointments of three new members to the Panel for a term of two years with effect from October 20, 2025.

     The incumbent members who have been reappointed are Mr Chan Chi-ho, Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik, Mr Chau Chi-chung, Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung, Mr Leung Chi-ho, and Mr Jan Noel Shih. The new members are Ms Rebecca Lee Pui-yi, Dr Mung Wai-yin and Mr Franky Wong Chun-ho.

     Established under section 14 of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel is responsible for hearing appeals against enforcement decisions or actions taken by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise under the Ordinance.

     The Panel’s membership with effect from October 20, 2025, will be as follows:

Chairman
————
Mr Chu Kin-wing

Deputy Chairman
———————
Miss Barbara Wong

Members
———–
(1) Scientists or technologists with relevant expertise in consumer goods

Mr Chan Chi-ho
Mr Leung Chi-ho
Dr Mung Wai-yin

(2) Persons from the consumer goods industry

Ms Rebecca Lee Pui-yi
Mr Jan Noel Shih
Mr Franky Wong Chun-ho

(3) General public

Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik
Mr Chau Chi-chung
Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Tseung Kwan O Outline Zoning Plan (OZP).

     “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tseung Kwan O area,” a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (October 17).

The planning scheme area, covering about 1 761 hectares, is located at the southern part of Sai Kung District in the South East New Territories. It is bounded by Clear Water Bay Peninsula to the east, Junk Bay to the south, Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping areas to the west, and Tseng Lan Shue and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to the north. The area is surrounded by steep sloping hills in the north, east and west, and is physically segregated from East Kowloon and Clear Water Bay Peninsula.

The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/31, which mainly involve (i) incorporation of two sea areas in Fat Tong O into the planning scheme boundary and zoning/rezoning of these sea areas and adjoining Tseung Kwan O Area 137 for primarily residential and government, institution or community developments; and (ii) incorporation of another sea area in Chiu Keng Wan of Tseung Kwan O Area 132 into the planning scheme boundary and zoning it primarily for public facility developments.

The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zones and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.

The approved Tseung Kwan O OZP No. S/TKO/32 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Sai Kung and Islands District Planning Office, (iv) the Sai Kung District Office, and (v) the Hang Hau Rural Committee.

Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (October 17) that a total of four government sites in North District, Yuen Long and Tai Po will be let by way of short-term tenancy through tender to eligible brownfield operators affected by the land resumption and clearance exercises before or within the fourth quarter of 2028 under relevant government development projects.
 
     Brownfield operators, which were invited to participate in previous relevant tenders for a short-term tenancy two or more times after the completion of clearance exercises of relevant government development projects, will be excluded from this tender.
 
     The tender commences today and will close on November 19. Details of the four sites and the list of relevant government development projects involved are described in a Government Notice gazetted today.
 
     Under the prevailing arrangements, business operators affected by government development projects will be offered statutory compensation in accordance with the law, or ex-gratia allowances as an alternative, subject to the fulfilment of relevant eligibility criteria.
 
     A spokesperson for the LandsD said that in order to facilitate brownfield operators’ relocation of businesses or operations, and to optimise the utilisation of land resources, the department has been identifying suitable vacant sites on government land to let through tender by way of a short-term tenancy.
 
     The four sites to be let through tender are suitable for a range of uses including industrial use, open storage, godown, workshop, recovery and recycling or reprocessing business and fee-paying public carpark. 
 
     The spokesperson stressed that the LandsD will continue to identify vacant sites suitable for use by those brownfield operators required to be displaced, and these sites will be let through tender by way of a short-term tenancy.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, hosted the 35th WCO A/P Regional Contact Points Meeting starting October 14 for four consecutive days, with the meeting concluding today (October 17). 

The meeting gathered more than 70 representatives from A/P Customs administrations and the WCO’s regional entities. The agenda featured a series of thematic presentations and discussions that facilitated participants in exchanging views on Customs initiatives, enforcement strategies and training experiences from diverse perspectives, deepening co-operation and connections among A/P members.

The meeting commenced on October 14 with a welcoming speech delivered by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the A/P Region (APVC). Mr Chan emphasised that the meeting provided a vital platform for A/P members and regional entities to discuss and formulate policies for the global Customs community. He encouraged members to take the opportunity to share their experiences and innovative ideas and explore future Customs developments. He also highlighted Hong Kong Customs’ proactive efforts during its first year as the APVC and the impactful events organised that have brought together representatives and experts worldwide to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration across the region.

In his concluding remarks today, Mr Chan highlighted the fruitful outcomes of the four-day meeting, including discussions on current and future regional development strategies and exchanges of experiences in domestic Customs policies. The participants took part in in-depth discussions on an innovative initiative led by Hong Kong Customs in the capacity of the APVC, which was about a blockchain-based validation platform for digital documents designed to accelerate regional logistics and economic development. At the same time, Mr Chan expressed gratitude for all delegates’ active participation, stressing that all the insightful proposals and collective commitment to advancing regional development contributed to the meeting’s success.

The welcoming reception featured a wonderful performance by the Hong Kong Customs & Excise Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Also, the performance by the Ying Wa Primary School Senior Choir at the opening session added brilliance to the meeting, showcasing the talent, creativity, and potential of both Customs officers and Hong Kong’s young generation.