Category: MIL-OSI

Statistics of Payment Cards Issued in Hong Kong for Fourth Quarter 2025      
     The payment card statistics (see Annex) include quarterly data on credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong under the credit and/or debit card schemes of the eight payment card scheme operators (Note 1). The HKMA began to publish the payment card statistics on a quarterly basis in June 2010 to enhance transparency of the payment card industry in Hong Kong, in line with international practice.
      
     According to the quarterly statistics, the total number of credit cards in circulation (Note 2) was 28.99 million by the end of Q4/2025. The figure represents a 15.6 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 38.4 per cent increase from the previous year. The number and value of credit card transactions (including retail sales and cash advances) (Note 3) are susceptible to seasonal factors and the general economic environment, making the trends more prone to fluctuation. The total number of credit card transactions was 393.96 million for Q4/2025, representing a 3.0 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 16.1 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. The total value of credit card transactions was HK$311.6 billion for Q4/2025, representing a 9.1 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 14.8 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Of the total transaction value, HK$201.6 billion (64.7 per cent) was related to retail spending in Hong Kong, HK$100.3 billion (32.2 per cent) in retail spending overseas and HK$9.6 billion (3.1 per cent) in cash advances.
      
     The total number of debit cards in circulation is not available due to overlapping of debit card brands in a single card. Like the number and value of credit card transactions, the number and value of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments (Note 4) are also affected by seasonal factors. On a quarterly basis, the total number of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments increased by 2.7 per cent to 53.7 million while the total value increased by 11.0 per cent to HK$69.6 billion in Q4/2025. When compared to the same period in 2024, the total number decreased by 3.2 per cent and the total value dropped by 4.6 per cent in Q4/2025.Issued at HKT 17:45

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CHP investigates local case of invasive meningococcal infection and continues to monitor outbreak in United Kingdom      
Information on latest local case
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     The case involves a 3-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever and vomiting on March 17. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital the following day (March 18) and admitted for treatment. He is currently in a serious condition. His blood and cerebrospinal fluid specimens tested positive for meningococcus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis is meningitis.
      
     An initial investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP has prescribed preventive drugs to them, and the investigation is ongoing. Initial findings suggest that this is a sporadic case. There is no evidence suggesting an epidemiological linkage between this case and previously confirmed cases in Hong Kong or the recent outbreak in the UK.
      
     Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease. The CHP has recorded four cases this year so far. A total of 11 cases were recorded last year.
 
Strengthening local preventive and control measures in response to outbreak in UK
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     Over the past week, the CHP has been closely monitoring the outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, the UK, and has requested further information from the UK health authority.
      
     “According to the latest information, the number of infected cases in the UK continues to increase from 20 to 29 (as at 5pm on March 19, UK time), with two students having died. The cases primarily involve young people. Some of them are students at the University of Kent or individuals who visited a local nightclub called “Club Chemistry” between March 5 and 7. Although the CHP has not received notification from the UK health authority that the cluster or its close contacts involve students from Hong Kong, the CHP has prepared health information on invasive meningococcal disease and will distribute it to Hong Kong students in the UK through the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London in due course. Regarding preventive and control measures at the immigration level, the CHP has stepped up health screenings at the airport for related inbound passengers showing suspected symptoms to facilitate prompt referral of suspected cases to hospitals for examinations. The CHP will also issue a letter to all doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them to be vigilant for symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease among patients returning from affected regions, and to provide professional advice on meningococcal vaccination based on the patient’s age, health status, and detailed travel history (including destination, duration of stay and activities). The CHP will continue to maintain close liaison with the UK health authority and take appropriate follow-up measures based on risk assessments to safeguard public health,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
 
     Dr Tsui added that according to overseas literature, there is a higher risk of transmission or outbreak of meningococcal infection in crowded settings including university or staff dormitories. The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP last year reviewed the local epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, the recommendations of the World Health Organization and overseas practices. In light of the very low invasive meningococcal disease incidence in Hong Kong, the SCVPD did not recommend introducing universal meningococcal vaccination into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme from the public health perspective. However, the SCVPD recommended high-risk individuals, including long-term travellers and those studying abroad, receive meningococcal vaccinations per the recommendations by the health authorities in the destination country to safeguard personal health. With the Easter holidays approaching, overseas students may return to Hong Kong. Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they develop symptoms of meningococcal infection.
 
Preventive measures
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     Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, the CHP urged members of the public to take the following measures:
          The public may visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 19:02

Tuen Mun Hospital to conduct electrical infrastructure related works      
     The spokesperson of the HA said, “This work is one of the necessary construction items within the extension project of the Operating Theatre Block at TMH, aimed at enhancing the stability of the hospital’s power supply in the long term, ensuring it meets the future development needs of hospital services. The remaining items of the extension project, including the reconstruction of the existing Accident and Emergency Department at TMH, will be fully operational within the year.”
      
     The hospital has formulated a series of comprehensive contingency measures to address any potential impacts from the works. The HA has instructed the contractor to take necessary measures to ensure that TMH’s power supply is uninterrupted during the works. Communication has also been maintained with the Fire Services Department, the Home Affairs Department, the electricity company, and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth completion of the project.
     
Issued at HKT 18:00

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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