Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 3) said that the opening hours of columbaria under the FEHD will be extended to 7am to 7pm during the Chung Yeung Festival period (i.e. from October 11 to November 9) to assist grave sweepers as well as to alleviate crowd conditions. The department appealed to grave sweepers to avoid grave-sweeping activities during the peak period on the day of the Chung Yeung Festival, and pay tribute to ancestors over a wider period before and after the festival.

The spokesman reminded grave sweepers to pay attention to special traffic and transport arrangements that will be implemented during the Chung Yeung Festival. Access to cemeteries and columbaria of the FEHD will be closed to all vehicles while the special traffic and transport arrangements are in operation, except for those with permission. For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements in the vicinity of cemeteries and columbaria, please browse the Transport Department website (www.td.gov.hk). In addition, the escalator adjacent to the Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium has been opened for public access.

The FEHD expects that there will be a large number of visitors burning paper offerings in joss paper burners (JPBs) at the Tsang Tsui Columbarium and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium during the peak sweeping period of the Chung Yeung Festival. No walk-in queuing for the JPBs will be allowed at both columbaria on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the above-mentioned Chung Yeung Festival period. Members of the public must make bookings via the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/notice.html) or obtain queue tickets in the columbaria. For details of the JPB arrangements, please visit the FEHD website.

The FEHD reminds the public that the newly commissioned Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance in Sha Tin has implemented a “smoke-free worship” environment. Burning of joss sticks and paper offerings is strictly prohibited throughout the premises, and no related facilities will be provided. The public is encouraged to pay tribute with fresh flowers instead of traditional offerings to help preserve the peaceful and dignified atmosphere of the site.

Green burial allows the environment to thrive and love to endure. Members of the public can register their wishes for a green burial through the Green Burial Central Register (www.greenburial.gov.hk). The registration is simple and free of charge. Members of the public can also pay tribute to their loved ones through the Internet Memorial Service webpage (www.memorial.gov.hk) and its mobile application. During the Chung Yeung Festival, a “Green Burial, Love Living On” exhibition will be held on the G/F of the Tsang Tsui Columbarium. All are welcome to visit free of charge. Throughout the exhibition period, a food kiosk will be set up to provide food and beverages for sale.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Working Group on Planning and Development under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, chaired by the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, held its first meeting today (October 3).
 
Mr Wong said, “To implement the development objectives outlined by the Chief Executive in the 2025 Policy Address, and in accordance with the directives of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, the Working Group will strive to establish a comprehensive and efficient mechanism to co-ordinate land development and infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis. This will ensure the timely delivery of land and supporting facilities, strengthen supervision of works projects in the Northern Metropolis, and expedite their approval process. The Working Group will also participate in the preparatory work for dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis, in respect of accelerating land and infrastructure development.”
 
A dedicated project supervision office has been established under the Working Group to speed up the approval process for private projects in the Northern Metropolis. The office reported its work plan at the meeting, aiming to finalise and announce operational details by the end of this year. Similarly, three dedicated groups overseeing public housing, railways and major roads, as well as other public works projects, will also formulate operational details within this year. An update on the preparatory work for the dedicated legislation for the Northern Metropolis was also reported during the meeting.
 
The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address the establishment of the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, led by the Chief Executive, to elevate the decision-making level of Northern Metropolis development. Three working groups were set up under the Committee, namely the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models, the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town, and the Working Group on Planning and Development. The Working Group on Planning and Development will be responsible for co-ordinating and consolidating various tasks across planning, engineering, land, transportation and environmental protection, ensuring the timely provision of the required land and supporting facilities, including infrastructure. The Working Group is committed to strengthening the co-ordination and supervision of the project approval process in the Northern Metropolis, with a view to reducing cost and saving time by accelerating the approval process.
 
Members of the Working Group on Planning and Development include:

Deputy Financial Secretary (Chairman)  
Secretary for Development  
Secretary for Environment and Ecology  
Secretary for Transport and Logistics  
Head of Chief Executive’s Policy Unit  
Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands)  
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works)  
Director, Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office  
Director of Planning  
Director of Civil Engineering and Development  
Director of Lands  
Director of Buildings  
Director of Environmental Protection  
Director of Highways  
Commissioner for Transport  

Representatives of other relevant policy bureaux and departments will be invited to attend meetings as necessary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Labour Department (LD) today (October 3) announced that the maximum daily rates of medical expenses reimbursable by employees injured at work and prescribed occupational disease sufferers who have received medical treatment in respect of a work injury or a prescribed occupational disease will be adjusted from January 1, 2026. 
 
The Legislative Council on September 26 passed two resolutions to increase the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for out-patient treatment under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECO) and the Pneumoconiosis and Mesothelioma (Compensation) Ordinance (PMCO) from $300 to $500 and the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for in-patient and out-patient treatment received on the same day from $370 to $700, while maintaining the maximum daily rate of medical expenses for in-patient treatment at $300, enabling injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers to receive enhanced protection on medical expenses.  
 
“In general, the revised rates can cover the expenses incurred by injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers on consultation, treatment/therapy, injection and dressing, medicines and hospitalisation, etc, on a day in a public hospital or clinic,” a spokesman for the LD said.
 
Under the ECO and the PMCO, injured employees and prescribed occupational disease sufferers who have received medical treatment in respect of a work injury or a prescribed occupational disease may claim reimbursement of the actual amount of medical expenses incurred, subject to the maximum daily rates specified in the two Ordinances.
 
The revised maximum daily rates of reimbursable medical expenses were gazetted today and will take effect from January 1, 2026. For medical treatment received on or after the effective date meeting the relevant provisions of the ECO or the PMCO, the new maximum daily rates of reimbursable medical expenses will be applicable.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (October 3) reminded the public to observe fire safety and keep the countryside clean during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

“During the Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors shall light or use fire only in designated barbecue sites or designated camping sites in country parks and special areas, and ensure all kindling is fully extinguished before leaving to prevent hill fires,” an AFCD spokesman said.

“It is an offence under the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) to illegally light or use a fire in country parks and the open countryside. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year’s imprisonment upon conviction.”

The spokesman also reminded visitors to keep the countryside clean and properly dispose of waste. Anyone who commits a littering offence in a country park area is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. The AFCD will step up patrols at country parks and take enforcement action against any irregularities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (October 3) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Airport.

Yung Shing-wai, aged 47, went missing after he was last seen at Hong Kong International Airport on September 28 afternoon. His family made a report to Police yesterday (October 2).

He is about 1.8 metres tall and of fat build. He has a round face with yellow complexion, long black hair, and a long beard and sideburns. He was last seen wearing a dark blue hoodie, dark blue pants, grey sports shoes, and carrying a black-and-red backpack.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 5239 7701 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 3) conducted a food safety response drill, codenamed “Moon Greeting”, to enhance the department’s co-ordination and preparedness in handling potential food safety emergencies during the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG). Some 30 officers from the FEHD, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) participated in the exercise.

To ensure food safety throughout the Games, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the FEHD has commenced a series of preparatory measures since last year. These included the formulation of the Food Safety Preparedness and Response Plan, enhancing food surveillance, and organising food safety seminars for the trade. The Environmental Hygiene Branch of the FEHD has also stepped up inspections of food premises associated with the Games to establish a stronger food safety safeguard.

The drill simulated a suspected food complaint and poisoning case involving related personnel during the Games. Upon receiving the report, the FEHD fully activated the Departmental Emergency Coordinating Centre (DECC) in accordance with the Plan, conducted investigations at the relevant food premises, and implemented control measures to safeguard food safety. The DECC also co-ordinated communication and collaboration with the NGCO and other relevant parties.

​The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, said the drill has reinforced the emergency response capabilities of the FEHD and other relevant departments. The FEHD will work closely with the trade to ensure food safety throughout the NG, the NGD and the NSOG.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government announced today (October 3) the appointment of Mr Victor Dawes, SC, as the Chairman of the Air Transport Licensing Authority with effect from September 11, 2025, to July 31, 2027.

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “We are confident that under Mr Dawes’s chairmanship, the team of serving members, with their expertise and backgrounds in different sectors, will continue to make valuable contributions to the work of the Authority in facilitating the development of air services in Hong Kong.

     “The Government is most grateful to the former Chairman, Mr Eugene Fung Ting-sek, for his invaluable contribution to the Authority for over five years. His term of service expired on September 11, 2025.”

The appointment has been published in the Government Gazette today.

The Authority is an independent statutory body established under the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (Cap. 448A). It is responsible for considering applications from airlines of Hong Kong for licences to operate scheduled services to and from Hong Kong in accordance with the provisions of the said regulations. The Authority comprises a chairman and eight non-official members. The membership list with effect from September 11, 2025, is as follows:

Chairman
Mr Victor Dawes, SC

Members
Mr Chan Chi-kin
Professor Fong Yuk-fai 
Ms Fung Po-yee
Ms Jasmine Lee Shun-yi
Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun 
Mr Suen Jenkin, SC
Miss Sara Tong See-pui, SC
Ms Avon Yue Nga-fong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (Bangkok ETO) today (October 3) opened the “A Date in Hong Kong” exhibition in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The exhibition brings Hong Kong’s iconic cityscape to life through colourful and interactive installations, from a replica tram and glowing skyline to street corners that blend tradition and modernity. It offers visitors an immersive experience of Hong Kong’s dynamism, vibrancy and heritage.

The Acting Consul General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chiang Mai, Ms Li Jing, the Vice Governor of Chiang Mai Province, Mr Wiraphong Rhitrot, and other guests from the local communities joined the opening ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of the Bangkok ETO, Mr Parson Lam, highlighted the strong ties between Hong Kong and Thailand.

“Thailand is one of Hong Kong’s most cherished partners, with deep and enduring bonds spanning economic co-operation, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties,” he said. “Through this exhibition, we hope to celebrate our connections and invite more Thai people to experience Hong Kong as a dynamic hub which embraces modernity while preserving its traditions.”

The exhibition also features a cross-cultural element. Thai artists and students teamed up with Hong Kong artists to recreate Hong Kong’s iconic scenes through the lens of Thai contemporary art.

In addition, the Bangkok ETO has partnered with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to spotlight Hong Kong’s design talent. A dedicated booth at the exhibition features around 50 products from Hong Kong’s talent designers and brands. Visitors can scan a QR code to order items, which will be delivered directly to addresses across Thailand.
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The “A Date in Hong Kong” exhibition is open to the public from October 3 to 12 on the Ground Floor of the Central Chiang Mai shopping centre. Admission is free.