Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) published a Gazette notice today (January 2) to invite applications for a passenger service licence for the operation of a package of New Territories public light bus (scheduled) route (green minibus route) covering one route in total, plying between Fanling North and Kwu Tung North.
 
     Application documents are available free of charge from the following TD offices and the TD website:
 

1. The TD New Territories Regional Office, 7/F, Mongkok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon;
2. The TD Public Light Bus Section, 11/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon;
3. The TD Urban Regional Office (Hong Kong), 37/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; and
4. The TD Hong Kong Licensing Office, 3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong.

 
     A spokesman for the TD reminded applicants to refer to the details and requirements of the green minibus route concerned and the “Guidance Notes for Applicants” attached in the application document. They should also follow the guidelines when completing the application form.
 
     Completed application forms and relevant supporting documents must be submitted in a plain envelope sealed and marked on the outside of the envelope with “Application for Passenger Service Licence in respect of the Package of Public Light Bus (Scheduled) Route Gazetted in January 2026”. They must be placed in the tender box located at the reception counter of the TD Headquarters at 10/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, before noon on February 27, 2026 (Friday). Applications by any other means or late submissions will not be considered.
 
     For enquiries, please call the hotline at 2804 2600.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police today (January 2) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tai Po.

     Chan Wai-yim, aged 70, went missing after she left a hospital on Chuen On Road on December 31, 2025. Staff of the hospital made a report to Police on the same day.

     She is about 1.65 metres tall and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short curly black hair. She was last seen wearing a black long-sleeved top, black checkered trousers and white socks without shoes.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her 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

     In accordance with the Roads (Works, Use and Compensation) Ordinance (Cap. 370), the Government published a notice in the Gazette today (January 2) on the authorisation of the proposed road works for the Smart and Green Mass Transit System Phase 1 in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area (HSK/HT NDA).

     The Phase 1 road works of the system is about 4.5 kilometres long with seven proposed stations. It will connect Nai Wai to the planned Logistics, Enterprise and Technology Quarter and Residential Area in the HSK/HT NDA, and will connect to the Tuen Ma Line Hung Shui Kiu Station (under construction), the Light Rail Nai Wai Stop, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (under planning) and transport interchanges within the area, supporting the Second Phase Development of the HSK/HT NDA.

     The Government has consulted the public on the scheme for the Phase 1 road works of the system and received wide support. The invitation of tenders for the relevant proposed road works is targeted for 2026, with a view to completing the relevant road works by 2031 and commissioning the system in time to meet the major population intake in the HSK/HT NDA.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Communications Authority:

     The Communications Authority (CA) announced today (January 2) the commencement of a one-month public consultation on the renewal of a domestic pay television programme service (pay TV) licence.
 
     The pay TV licence of Now TV Limited (Now TV) is due to expire on September 25, 2027 (Note). Now TV has submitted its licence renewal application to the CA. In accordance with the requirements under the Broadcasting Ordinance (Cap. 562) (BO) and established procedures, the CA will carry out a detailed assessment of the licensee’s past performance and collect public views through various means, including carrying out a one-month public consultation, an opinion survey and a televised online public hearing (TOPH). The CA will take into account the licensee’s performance and renewal proposal, views of the industry and public, the latest market developments etc, and make recommendations on the licence renewal application to the Chief Executive in Council in September 2026.  
 
     Members of the public may give their views through various means, including submitting views in writing during the period from January 2 to February 1, 2026 (by email: paytv-pc@ofca.gov.hk, fax: 2507 2219 or mail to: Office of the Communications Authority (Attn: Broadcasting Section 32), 20/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong); and/or by participating in the TOPH which will be held on January 17, 2026. For the TOPH registration arrangements and the details of the licensee’s service (including compliance records and investment plans), please visit the dedicated webpage on the CA’s website. 
 
     The pay TV licence of Now TV is valid for 12 years from September 26, 2015, to September 25, 2027. As required by the BO, Now TV has submitted its licence renewal application to the CA no less than 24 months before the expiry of the validity period of its licence. The CA will carry out a review exercise for the renewal application in accordance with the BO and established procedures.
 
Note: The Chief Executive in Council renewed the licence of PCCW Media Limited in December 2014, with a validity period of 12 years from September 26, 2015, to September 25, 2027. PCCW Media Limited was renamed as Now TV Limited with effect from September 2024.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government proposes to construct a new pier within an area of approximately 0.89 hectares of foreshore and seabed to the west of Yim Tin Tsai. The extent of the area foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice gazetted today (January 2).

     The proposed works will provide additional berths and barrier-free facilities to enhance the convenience and safety of pier users while boarding and alighting. The proposed works are scheduled to commence as early as the second half of 2027 for completion in approximately two years. During the construction period, the existing pier will maintain normal operation.

     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);
* Sai Kung Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Sai Kung District Office (G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories); and
* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     Enquiries regarding the proposed works can be addressed to the Port Works Division, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, as stated in the notice.

     Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before March 2. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he will be allegedly affected. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government proposes to carry out reclamation works within an area of about 240 hectares of foreshore and seabed at Lung Kwu Tan. The extent of the area of foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice gazetted today (January 2).
      
     The proposed works include filling of the seabed to form about 145 hectares of land, reprovisioning of a submarine outfall, and construction of a seawall. The proposed works are tentatively scheduled to commence in 2028.
      
     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);
* Tuen Mun Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Tuen Mun District Office (2/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices, 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories); and
* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     According to the environmental impact assessment carried out by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the proposed reclamation works at Lung Kwu Tan are not expected to cause an adverse ecological impact, and the proposed reclamation area is away from the habitat of the Chinese White Dolphins at the Sha Chau and Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park, with the existing Urmston Road Fairway in between serving as a natural buffer zone. It is expected that the proposed reclamation works would only cause relatively minor impact on the Chinese White Dolphins. The relevant Environmental Impact Assessment Report is made available for public inspection from today.

     Enquiries regarding the proposed works can be addressed to the Land Works Division, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, as stated in the notice.
     ​
     Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before March 2. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he will be allegedly affected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Department of Health (DH) today (January 2) urged members of the public to support Cervical Cancer Awareness Month by adopting healthy lifestyles and taking effective precautionary measures against cervical cancer, including receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and undergoing regular cervical screening.

     “The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control. We have consistently pursued the goal of ‘early prevention, early detection and early treatment’ through vaccination. The Cervical Screening Programme has been launched since 2004. HPV vaccination has been included under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) since 2019, and a high vaccination rate of about 90 per cent has been maintained in recent years. This significantly lowers the risk of cervical cancer in Hong Kong females. The DH also launched a one-off HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme in December 2024, with over 48 000 doses administered so far. The Government will further expand cervical screening services to encourage more women to undergo screening and safeguard their health,” said Dr Edwin Tsui, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH.

     The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (WHO) designated January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and motivate actions against cervical cancer, with the goal of eliminating this public health concern within the next century.

     In Hong Kong, cervical cancer was the seventh most common female cancer in 2023 and the ninth leading cause of cancer deaths among females. As most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV, women are recommended to receive HPV vaccination before having sexual relations, undergo regular cervical screenings and practise safe sex (such as using condoms and avoiding multiple sexual partners) to prevent HPV infection. In addition, smoking should be avoided as it can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
 
HPV vaccination
——————–

     “HPV vaccination is among the most effective measures for cervical cancer prevention, especially for those who have never been exposed to HPV infection, i.e. before their first sexual encounter. Since the 2019/20 school year, the DH has been providing free HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary 5 schoolgirls under the HKCIP. The DH’s School Immunisation Teams provide the first dose of vaccine to Primary 5 female students at their schools, and the second dose will be given to them when they reach Primary 6 during the following school year. The second dose coverage rates of HPV vaccination for Primary 6 girls in the school year 2024/25 has reached 92 per cent,” Dr Tsui said.

     In December 2024, the DH launched a one-off HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme, offering free catch-up vaccinations to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their HPV vaccination. Eligible persons only need to register with eHealth, and can schedule an appointment through the website or by calling 2855 1333 to receive a free HPV vaccination at Women Wellness Satellites (WWSs) or designated District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses (DHCEs) under the Primary Healthcare Commission of the Health Bureau. The programme is to last for about two years. Details can be found on the DH’s website.
 
Cervical screening
———————-

     Infection with HPV or early stages of cervical cancer may not have any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, women aged 25 to 64 who have had sexual experience should undergo regular cervical screenings. Members of the public can access information about cervical screenings via the DH website. The DH also regularly sends reminders to eligible women via the Cervical Screening Information System and the eHealth mobile app to schedule their screenings.

     Cervical screening services are available at Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) of the DH, WWSs, as well as through non-governmental organisations and private healthcare providers. Common screening methods include HPV testing and/or a cytology examination (also called a cervical smear or pap smear) performed by healthcare professionals. The WHO has also recommended vaginal self-sampling for HPV testing as another reliable method for cervical screening. Starting in 2024, the DH initiated HPV testing of self-collected samples at 11 MCHCs to study the feasibility and acceptability of vaginal HPV self-sampling locally. Moreover, HPV testing of self-collected samples is planned to be rolled out in WWSs in the first quarter of 2026. Details will be announced later on the WWS’s website.

     It is important to note that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence in Hong Kong or internationally to support the use of self-collected menstrual blood or urine samples for cervical screenings. The DH will continue to review the latest scientific evidence. 

     Women who wish to receive a cervical screening at MCHCs can schedule an appointment through the 24-hour hotline at 3166 6631, or contact WWSs via its website or 18 DHCs/DHCEs (website) for personalised primary healthcare services for women including cervical cancer screening. For further information on cervical cancer and screenings, please visit the DH’s website.
 
Life course preventive care plan
————————————–
 
     At the same time, the Primary Healthcare Commission is actively promoting the life course preventive care plan. Based on the core principles of prevention-oriented and whole-person care, a personalised preventive care plan will be formulated to address the health needs of citizens across different life stages with reference to the latest evidence. Family doctors and primary healthcare professionals will collaborate to provide health advice and education on chronic diseases and cancer screening as well as healthy lifestyles according to age, sex and personal factors such as family history. The WWSs offer personalised primary healthcare services for women, including health assessments, individual consultations, cervical cancer and breast cancer screenings, etc and will refer cases to family doctors for follow-ups when necessary.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     On the second day (January 2) of the implementation of the Hospital Authority public healthcare fees and charges reform (fees and charges reform), public hospitals maintained smooth operation. The HA will continue to deploy additional manpower across various departments at hospitals to assist patients in need.

     On the first day (January 1) of the fees and charges reform, 3 888 patients attended the Accident and Emergency departments (A&E) of 18 public hospitals, a decrease of about 25 per cent when comparing to New Year’s Day last year. From midnight to 2pm yesterday (January 2), 2 329 patients attended all A&E, approximately 30 per cent fewer than the same time period of January 2 of last year. Among the patients seeking medical consultation, there were 34 critical cases and 82 emergency cases. According to the new fees and charges arrangement, these two categories of patients will have their A&E charges fully exempted. The other cases subject to the new fees and charges arrangement include 986 urgent cases, 1 171 semi-urgent cases, and 56 non-urgent cases. The average waiting times for semi-urgent and non-urgent cases was around 55 minutes, which is shorter compared to the average waiting time for the same period last year (approximately 147 minutes) for semi-urgent and non-urgent cases.

     Additionally, the HA’s 75 Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) providing family medicine outpatient services also operated smoothly yesterday. As of 2pm yesterday, approximately 10 000 patients attended these FMCs, with overall service usage remaining similar to that before the implementation of the measures.

     The HA has deployed additional manpower to expedite the processing of patients’ medical fee waivers applications. As of 2pm yesterday, public hospitals received approximately 3 300 applications in total for the day, with nearly 90 per cent approved, amounting to about 2 900 applications. The remaining cases will be processed as soon as possible. Compared to the 14 000 individuals who were approved for medical fee waivers in 2023/24, the HA has approved approximately 35 000 applications since early November last year, benefiting citizens in need.

     Furthermore, patients who had previously scheduled non-urgent radiology services or pathology services will be receiving payment notifications through mail or the HA mobile application HA Go starting from January 1. The HA reminds patients with recent appointments can arrange payment as early as practicable upon receiving the notification. For patients with distant appointment dates, payment can be arranged at their convenience after receiving the notification. Patients are not required to settle the payment immediately. Patients undergoing non-urgent radiology services must settle the payment at least 14 days before their appointment date, while patients requiring pathology services must settle the payment before testing. If patients have questions regarding payment items, they can inquire with healthcare staff during follow-up appointment, and specialist out-patient clinics will also have Integrated Patient Service Centres to provide detailed explanations about payment arrangements.

     The HA reminds patients that the fees and charges reform has been implemented. Patients are advised to familiarise themselves with the new fees and charges arrangements before visiting public hospitals or outpatient clinics. Some medical service procedures have also been modified. Every cluster has set up hotlines (see table below) for patients to inquire about the fees and charges reform arrangements. Patients can also visit the HA website to learn about the new arrangements.

Hotlines for Public Healthcare Fees and Charges Reform

Clusters	Hotlines
Hong Kong East Cluster	6460 4303
Hong Kong West Cluster	2255 4177
Kowloon Central Cluster	3506 7198
Kowloon East Cluster	5215 7326
Kowloon West Cluster	3467 7575
New Territories East Cluster	6273 3551
New Territories West Cluster	2468 5353

Service hours: January 2-11, 2026, 8am to 8pm