Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is conducting a series of inter-departmental emergency drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, including mock scenarios of a traffic accident, power outage, lift failure and electrical short circuit, to test departmental emergency response ahead of the port’s opening.

One of the drills simulated a traffic accident involving three private cars at the public transport interchange inside the Hong Kong Port Area. The scenario involved multiple injuries, prompting emergency crews to rush to the scene.

Firefighters first ensured that the area was secure and that no one was trapped before assessing the casualties and then standing by with a charged hose line as a precaution.

Ambulance personnel then provided further medical treatment before taking the injured to hospital. Meanwhile, police officers investigated the cause of the simulated crash and conducted a breath test on a driver.

The Fire Services Department also staged a rescue operation inside the port building, where four travellers were simulated as trapped in a lift, complaining of dizziness and discomfort.

Firefighters safely opened the lift doors using a manual key after confirming that the power supply was switched off.

After initial checks, two of the rescued travellers were sent to hospital for further treatment.

Another drill simulated an electrical appliance short circuit in a building rest area, forcing a large number of travellers to evacuate.

Emergency teams directed travellers out of the building, while arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to prevent potential flare-ups. One traveller felt unwell and was taken to hospital.

In a separate development, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, together with other government departments, staged emergency scenarios including a simulated power failure, a breakdown of the air-conditioning system and a sudden escalator failure.

Under the department’s supervision, technical staff carried out emergency repairs to ensure a swift resumption of services.

After the establishment of the Hong Kong Port Area, the Hong Kong SAR Government continues to conduct drills and exercises of varying scales to ensure relevant departments and units familiarise themselves with handling different emergency situations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To facilitate the launch of the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme (the Pilot Scheme) in September, the Planning Department (PlanD), the Lands Department (LandsD) and the Buildings Department (BD) under the Development Bureau (DEVB) issued a Joint Practice Note (JPN) today (August 19) setting out the detailed requirements and arrangements of the Pilot Scheme.

     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “Following the legislative amendment to lower the compulsory sale threshold over a year ago, the Pilot Scheme is another measure to expedite private redevelopment projects in old districts, which implements the creative and bold policy vision of the current-term Government. To focus market resources on promoting redevelopment in old districts, the Pilot Scheme will be implemented in seven old districts (Note). Private redevelopment sites located within these seven old districts, which meet other requirements of the Pilot Scheme, can obtain an additional 20 per cent plot ratio (PR) to enhance the financial viability of redevelopment projects.”

She continued, “Data over the past decade shows that about 20 per cent of the new flats from all redevelopment projects came from the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), with the remaining 80 per cent from private development projects, which demonstrates the paramount importance of the private market participation in the redevelopment of old buildings. However, as redevelopment projects in old districts involve acquisition costs and there are certain constraints on development parameters for pursuing redevelopment in developed areas, market participation has remained sluggish. Given that buildings aged 50 years or above are increasing by more than 500 per year, and will even grow by an annual average of over 700 blocks in the coming 15 years, it is necessary for us to adopt an innovative and bolder policy to push the market to undertake redevelopment, with a view to tackling the issue of building ageing at a much faster pace than redevelopment by both the URA and the private market, thereby achieving our policy objective of addressing hidden hazards of old buildings and improving living environments. We are pleased to see that the public and the industry generally support this policy measure.”

In finalising the implementation details and formulating the JPN, the DEVB and the three departments have considered the views received during the two-month consultation period at the end of last year, and further exchanged views with key stakeholders. The JPN sets out the implementation details, including the scope, application criteria and conditions, as well as the application deadline of the Pilot Scheme, providing developers with a clear understanding of the actual operation to facilitate early applications.

Under the Pilot Scheme, if a developer commits to pull down a residential building in the seven old districts with the building age reaching 50 years or above with the site area not less than 700 square metres, and redevelop it into residential use, an additional 20 per cent premium-free gross floor area (GFA) will be provided as bonus. Developers can choose:

(i) to submit planning applications to the Town Planning Board (TPB) proposing an increase in permissible GFA for in-situ redevelopment, with a ceiling of 20 per cent. Upon approval, the bonus PR will be premium-free (under actual implementation arrangements, the land premium value of the 20 per cent bonus PR will be calculated by the standard rates, which can be used to offset the land premium payable for the in-situ redevelopment project); or

(ii) if it is decided not to increase the GFA by a maximum of 20 per cent at the in-situ redevelopment site, the bonus PR can be translated into land premium value to offset the land premium payable for that in-situ redevelopment project of the developer, or any land transactions carried out in the Northern Metropolis and other areas across Hong Kong, including land bidding, lease modification or land exchange projects. The validity period for the use of the land premium value will be 10 years. No interest will be payable for the value during the time limit and the land premium value is non-transferable in the market. No redemption, compensation or alike will be paid for any unused land premium value after expiry of the 10-year validity period of the land premium value.

In addition to providing the two options for the developers to choose based on their circumstances, the Pilot Scheme will also introduce two arrangements to facilitate applications and streamline the procedures. First, before submitting an application, developers can make enquiries with LandsD and PlanD about the eligibility of the redevelopment site, the land premium value of the bonus PR and planning matters, etc. Second, LandsD will use standard rates to calculate the land premium value of the bonus PR. LandsD has also issued a Practice Note (No. 9/2026) today to set out the applicable standard rates for each of the seven old districts, which are determined with reference to a basket of relevant market information.

The Pilot Scheme will cover a period of five years, commencing on September 1 this year until August 31, 2031. Setting a time period is mainly to encourage the market to seize the opportunity to drive redevelopment projects. Within the five-year period, LandsD will accept lease modification applications from developers for eligible redevelopment sites under the Pilot Scheme, and impose relevant lease conditions, including incorporating the building covenant period and penalties, so as to ensure that developers will implement the redevelopment plans on time. Following the launch of the Pilot Scheme, the DEVB will evaluate its effectiveness in a timely manner, and introduce adjustments where necessary, including considering whether the period of the Pilot Scheme will be extended, having regard to the market response.

The JPN can be downloaded from the websites of the PlanD (www.pland.gov.hk), the LandsD (www.landsd.gov.hk), and the BD (www.bd.gov.hk), while the LandsD’s Practice Note No. 9/2026 can be downloaded from the website of the LandsD (www.landsd.gov.hk).

The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address proposed to incentivise private urban redevelopment with a new policy mindset. Apart from proposing the launch of the Pilot Scheme, it also suggested allowing the cross-district transfer of the PR. The TPB will consider amendments to the planning guidelines this Friday (August 21) to implement the latter proposal.

Note: The seven old districts are designated areas under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance, comprising Cheung Sha Wan (the same Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) covering also Sham Shui Po), Ma Tau Kok (covering Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan), Mong Kok, Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan (covered by the same OZP), Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai and Yau Ma Tei.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today charged a 52-year-old man under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation for failing to properly control a large dog. The department is also considering additional charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance.

 

Between July and August, the man allegedly failed to keep his dog securely leashed in public on at least two occasions. During these incidents, the dog attacked three other canines, injuring one on July 10 and killing two others on August 17.

 

The case will be presented at Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow.

 

The dog is currently being held for observation at an AFCD animal management centre after the owner signed a consent form surrendering custody. The department will conduct a temperament assessment to decide the appropriate next steps for the animal.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety and animal welfare, the AFCD is working closely with the Department of Justice on the investigation and prosecution. The department will also continue partnering with local animal welfare organisations to promote responsible dog ownership and offer training courses focused on canine behavior.

 

Additionally, the AFCD is reviewing current penalties to determine if stronger legal deterrents are needed to prevent irresponsible dog keeping.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today issued a Joint Practice Note (JPN) setting out the detailed requirements and arrangements of the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme which will be launched in September.

The JPN was issued by the Planning Department, the Lands Department and the Buildings Department, under the Development Bureau (DEVB).

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn pointed out that, to focus market resources on promoting redevelopment in old districts, the pilot scheme will be implemented in seven old districts, comprising Cheung Sha Wan, Ma Tau Kok, Mong Kok, Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan, Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai, and Yau Ma Tei.

Private redevelopment sites located within these seven old districts, which meet other requirements of the pilot scheme, can obtain an additional 20% plot ratio (PR) to enhance the financial viability of redevelopment projects..

Miss Linn explained that, given that buildings aged 50 years or above are increasing by more than 500 per year, and will even grow by an annual average of over 700 blocks in the coming 15 years, it is necessary for the Government to adopt an innovative and bolder policy to push the market to undertake redevelopment.

The ultimate aim is to tackle the issue of building ageing at a much faster pace than redevelopment by both the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the private market, thereby achieving the Government’s policy objective of addressing hidden hazards of old buildings and improving living environments, Ms Linn added.

Under the pilot scheme, if a developer commits to pull down a residential building in the seven old districts with the building age reaching 50 years or above, with the site area not less than 700 sq m, and redevelop it into residential use, an additional 20% premium-free gross floor area (GFA) will be provided as bonus.

If it is decided not to increase the GFA by a maximum of 20% at the in-situ redevelopment site, the bonus PR can be translated into land premium value to offset the land premium payable for that in-situ redevelopment project of the developer, or any land transactions carried out in the Northern Metropolis and other areas across Hong Kong.

The pilot scheme will cover a period of five years, starting September 1 this year until August 31, 2031.

The DEVB will evaluate its effectiveness in a timely manner, and introduce adjustments where necessary, including considering whether the period of the pilot scheme will be extended, having regard to the market response.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai attends 2026 Net Zero Tech International Contest Award Ceremony and Networking Dinner  
On the evening of August 19, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2026 Net Zero Tech International Contest Award Ceremony and Networking Dinner. In remarks, President Lai commended the young contest participants for addressing climate challenges with innovative technologies. He stated that Taiwan possesses complete industry clusters and strong research capabilities, and that the government will continue to promote the development of key net-zero technologies and link resources across all sectors, helping turn research into solutions for industries and international markets and contributing to the global net-zero transformation.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I’m very happy to return to my alma mater today for the 2026 Net Zero Tech International Contest Award Ceremony. To begin, I want to thank [National Taiwan University], TECO Technology Foundation, and all the sponsors, judges, and advisors. Thank you for building this stage for young people to gather from around the world.
I also want to congratulate all the winning teams. The judges recognized your hard work, and you earned this honor through many hours of research and experiments, plus good teamwork. Let’s give the winners another round of applause!
This contest continues to grow. In 2023, it began with 146 teams from 10 countries. This year, we have 267 teams from 20 countries. No matter the final results, we truly admire all your hard work. With your skills, you have expertly addressed climate challenges. You have shown a strong sense of responsibility and drive, putting forward solutions for the net-zero transformation.
In today’s world, most carbon reduction comes from scaling up the technologies we already have. But to reach our 2050 net-zero goals, we need new ideas. AI is growing fast, and using more power. We need new materials, energy systems, and production methods. And we must improve computing performance and energy efficiency.
After I took office in 2024, I established the National Climate Change Committee at the Presidential Office. It includes government and industry leaders, civil society groups, scholars, and experts. Together, we discuss Taiwan’s climate governance, energy transformation, and net-zero path. This ensures our policies include diverse input from experts and the public.
Last January, we proposed the beta version of our [Nationally Determined Contributions] 3.0. After consulting widely across society and further refining that plan, we completed our Comprehensive Carbon Reduction Action Plan. It sets a new target: By 2035, we will cut emissions by 38 percent, plus or minus 2 percent, from 2005 levels. This more ambitious target demonstrates Taiwan’s determination to contribute to the global sustainability transition.
Taiwan has complete industry clusters in semiconductors, ICT, and precision manufacturing. We also have strong research capabilities and robust supply chains. These advantages enable us to combine research and manufacturing and develop net-zero technologies that are globally competitive.
Our government will continue to promote net-zero innovations and the development of key technologies. We will help link resources across all sectors. And we will facilitate field verification, industry cooperation, and startup support. This will help promising research become solutions for industry – solutions that international markets are waiting for.
To all the young people here: These awards acknowledge what you have already achieved in research; they also point the way forward. On the next stage of your journey, I hope you all take your research deeper and promote real-world applications. Through this contest, you have built connections with partners from different countries and fields. And I hope you keep those connections alive, because you are all working together to develop new technologies and address climate challenges.
Once more, I’d like to congratulate every winning team. And thank you to the competitors for your dedication. Taiwan wants to be your partner: in research, in collaborations, and in the companies you go on to build. Let the ideas honored today become the force that realizes net zero tomorrow. Together, we can contribute to a more sustainable, more prosperous future for generations to come. Thank you.
 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Luo Huanghao met today to discuss the planning and development of boundary control points, following an inspection of preparatory work at Huanggang Port.

Mr Tang and Mr Luo co-chaired a meeting of the task force on Hong Kong-Shenzhen control points development. Prior to the meeting, delegations from both cities visited Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area.

In addition to Huanggang Port’s progress, officials also exchanged views on the Sha Tau Kok Boundary Control Point redevelopment project.

Mr Tang noted that preparations for the upcoming opening of Huanggang Port are in full swing, with testing and drills actively underway.

Both sides aim to ensure the port operates safely, efficiently and smoothly while providing high-quality services for residents and travellers.

Representatives from the Architectural Services Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Immigration Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Department of Health and the Government Property Agency also attended the meeting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 18) shut down a suspected drug manufacturing centre in Kowloon Bay and a suspected drug distribution centre in Yau Tong and seized about 1.9 kilograms of suspected cannabis oil, about 2.4kg of cannabis-infused gummy candies and about 2 200 sticks of suspected cannabis oil vape capsules. The total estimated market value was about $1.3 million. A 46-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.
 
Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigation, Customs targeted a man and arrested him in Prince Edward yesterday. Customs officers escorted the man to an industrial unit in Kowloon Bay for a search and found about 1.9kg of suspected cannabis oil, about 2.4kg of cannabis-infused gummy candies and a batch of drug manufacturing and packaging paraphernalia. Customs officers then escorted the man to an industrial unit in Yau Tong for a search and found about 2 200 sticks of suspected cannabis oil vape capsules, about 7 grams of cannabis-infused gummy candies and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia.
 
The arrestee was charged with two counts of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of manufacture of a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 20).
 
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To prepare for the new school year, and to enhance food safety and hygiene awareness among licensed food factories supplying school lunch boxes, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched a series of operations to inspect licensed food factories supplying school lunch boxes in various districts of Hong Kong with a view to ensuring food safety. 

A spokesman for the FEHD said today (August 19), “The FEHD has enhanced inspections of food factories supplying school lunch boxes to ensure that the licensing conditions in respect of food handling and processing are observed by the operators, and that hygienic standards stipulated in the laws are met. Food samples are continuously collected for testing. Meanwhile, FEHD staff will also provide health education to operators and staff of food factories, distributing food safety pamphlets to remind them of the proper way of handling school lunch boxes.” 

The CFS hosted an online trade meeting on July 9 to remind lunch box suppliers to adhere to good hygiene practices and establish a food safety plan based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system. Suppliers may refer to the relevant guidelines for more safety information on lunch box production. Furthermore, to ensure food safety on campuses, the CFS arranged an online seminar for schools on July 29, highlighting food safety hazards such as choking and food allergies, and advising schools to choose lunch box suppliers that hold a valid Food Factory Licence issued by the FEHD and are endorsed to provide lunch boxes. Before placing orders, schools should visit the premises to ensure that food handlers observe food safety and hygiene practices. 

The CFS has published “A Practical Guide for Ensuring Food Safety in Schools and Childcare Facilities”, to which schools and childcare facilities can refer when choosing lunchbox suppliers and ensuring food safety on campus. For further details, please visit the “Safe Food at School” thematic webpage. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To ensure the smooth conduct of the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly scheduled to be held in Hong Kong in late November this year, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), in collaboration with various government departments and relevant organisations, successfully carried out a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise last night (August 18), at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area.
 
The exercise covered a wide range of measures and arrangements, including simulating crowd flow management for approximately 1 000 delegates within the venue and their movement between the main and side event venues, command and coordination of sea and land transport, wireless network stress test, and contingency deployment plans for unexpected situations. These efforts aimed to ensure that every segment of the General Assembly would proceed efficiently and smoothly, while showcasing Hong Kong’s capability and determination in hosting major international events.
 
The exercise also simulated a scenario in which terrorists rammed a vehicle into the venue and opened fire during the General Assembly, resulting in mass casualties. Concurrently, an evacuation was carried out at a neighbouring educational institution due to a separate incident. Various departments and organisations swiftly activated their emergency response mechanisms. The exercise comprehensively tested the coordination capabilities of relevant stakeholders across various key operational areas, including immediate tactical intervention, emergency response, triage and emergency medical treatment of casualties, handling of suspicious objects, and management of affected persons. By refining contingency protocols, the exercise further strengthened inter-departmental counter-terrorism readiness and incident response capabilities.
 
The exercise mobilised over 2 600 personnel from various government departments and relevant organisations, including the HKPF, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, observed the exercise on site, and commended the professional performance and coordination of all participating units.
 
As an international metropolis, Hong Kong must maintain a high state of vigilance amidst the complex and volatile global terrorism landscape. Through this comprehensive exercise, various departments further refined collaboration and contingency protocols, making every effort to ensure meticulous preparations for the upcoming major international events.