Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Communications Authority today announced the start of a one-month public consultation on the renewal of a domestic pay television programme service (pay TV) licence.

Now TV’s pay TV licence is due to expire on September 25, 2027 and it has submitted its licence renewal application to the authority.

The authority said it will take into account the licensee’s performance and renewal proposal, views of the industry and public, as well as the latest market developments, and make recommendations on the renewal application to the Chief Executive in Council in September.

Members of the public may share their views through various means including by email to paytv-pc@ofca.gov.hk, or participate in the televised online public hearing to be held on January 17.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for a deliberate and unfounded report on Lai Chee-ying’s health condition in an attempt to fabricate facts to mislead the public by intentionally portraying him as a victim to cover up his offences and conviction by the court.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the court’s verdict was entirely free from any political considerations, noting that reasons for the verdict, including the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, are fully open for public inspection.

The court’s verdict is well-founded and reasoned, fully demonstrating that its decision was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence and free from any interference, the statement said.

The court clarified that Lai Chee-ying’s only intent, whether pre or post National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the citizens of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong.

Additionally, the court found that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the conspiracies charged in all three counts, and his actions showed his intent to pursue these conspiracies, which constituted a threat to the national security in the PRC and the city, the statement added.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable, noting that Article 5 of the security law and section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly state that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security.

Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a privilege to break the law, and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, it added.

The statement dismissed the claims regarding Lai Chee-ying’s health condition as reported by BBC, noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government has repeatedly insisted that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) handled the custodial arrangements for him in the same manner as other persons-in-custody.

It said that Lai Chee-ying has received adequate and comprehensive medical attention. All correctional facilities, equipped with hospitals or sick bays, maintain 24/7 staffing by medical officers seconded from the Department of Health and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications.

The Hospital Authority and the Department of Health’s medical specialists visit correctional institutions regularly to give persons-in-custody specialist consultation and treatment, including dental treatment. Those with dental health issues are referred to dental specialists, and in serious cases are transferred immediately to a public hospital for treatment, the statement added.

The statement noted that during the public court hearing in August 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying informed the court that he had consistently received appropriate treatment and care in prison.

The statement said that daily medical check-ups were arranged for Lai Chee-ying, and he raised no complaints about the care he received. Consequently, the court commended the CSD for its medical arrangements.

On December 15, 2025, when the court handed down its verdict, the senior counsel representing him stated in response to questions from the media that everyone in the court could clearly see his health condition, the statement added.

The CSD provided dental treatment for Lai Chee-ying in 2021 and 2022 based on his needs. Since then, Lai Chee-ying has had no dental health problems and has made no further requests for dental treatment, the statement noted.

Separately in 2025, Lai Chee-ying notified the CSD of problems with his fingernails. However, he fully recovered after treatment with ointment prescribed by the institution’s medical officer, with no loss of fingernails as alleged in the media reports, the statement added.

In August 2025, before the public hearing, the CSD arranged for him to wear a cardiac monitoring device and prescribed heart medication for heart palpitations, to be used as needed. The statement emphasised that since then, Lai Chee-ying has made no further complaints to the department about his heart palpitations.

The statement stressed that the allegations made by Lai Chee-ying’s daughter and relevant media reports, including those by BBC, are completely baseless.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that individuals with ulterior motives, including Lai Chee-ying’s family members and certain media, have ignored the facts and continue to spread lies and engage in despicable acts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (December 31) released the findings of its food safety report for last month. The results of about 6 200 food samples tested (including food items purchased online) were found to be satisfactory except for three unsatisfactory samples that were announced earlier. The overall satisfactory rate was 99.9 per cent.

A CFS spokesman said that about 1 800 food samples were collected for microbiological tests, and about 4 400 samples were taken for chemical and radiation level tests.

The microbiological tests covered pathogens and hygiene indicators; the chemical tests included testing for pesticides, preservatives, metallic contaminants, colouring matters, veterinary drug residues and others; and the radiation-level tests included testing for radioactive caesium and iodine in samples collected from imported food from different regions.

The samples comprised about 1 700 samples of vegetables and fruit and their products; about 400 samples of cereals, grains and their products; about 700 samples of meat and poultry and their products; about 900 samples of milk, milk products and frozen confections; about 900 samples of aquatic and related products; and about 1 600 samples of other food commodities (including beverages, bakery products and snacks).

The three unsatisfactory samples comprised a prepackaged pistachio paste sample suspected to be contaminated with aflatoxin; a bighead carp sample found with malachite green; and a cut fruits sample found with Salmonella.

The CFS has taken follow-up actions on the above-mentioned unsatisfactory samples, including informing the vendors concerned of the test results, instructing them to stop selling the affected food items, and tracing the sources of the food items in question.

The spokesman reminded the food trade to ensure that food is fit for human consumption and meets legal requirements. Consumers should patronise reliable shops when buying food and maintain a balanced diet to minimise food risks.

Separately, in response to the Japanese Government’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the CFS will continue enhancing the testing on imported Japanese food, and make reference to the risk assessment results to adjust relevant surveillance work in a timely manner. The CFS will announce every working day on its dedicated webpage (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/daily_japan_nuclear_incidents.html) the radiological test results of the samples of food imported from Japan, with a view to enabling the trade and members of the public to have a better grasp of the latest safety information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel on December 23. A batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $7 million was seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Enforcement operations were thus formulated, with a suspicious container scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Malaysia via an ocean-going vessel being selected for inspection.

Customs inspected the abovementioned container that was declared as carrying metals, server boards, printed circuit boards, hard drives, wires, etc, on December 23. Upon examination, Customs officers found a batch of suspected smuggled goods, including integrated circuits, resistors and heat sinks, in the container.

An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, today (December 31) expressed profound sadness at the passing of a Workman II, Ms Li Haiying, and offered his deepest condolences to her family.

Ms Li was carrying out street cleansing duties this afternoon in the vicinity of Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. While transporting refuse to the junction of Waterloo Road and Ferry Street, she was knocked down by a goods vehicle. She was sent to hospital and later certified dead, aged 57. Investigation by the Police is under way.

Ms Li was under the Yau Tsim District Environmental Hygiene Office and was mainly responsible for street cleansing work.

Mr Ng said, “Having joined the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) for over nine years, Ms Li served the public with dedication and perseverance. I am deeply grieved at the loss of such a devoted colleague. On behalf of all our colleagues, I offer the deepest condolences to her family.”

The FEHD will maintain close contact with Ms Li’s family and provide all appropriate support and assistance to help them through this difficult time.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Process Review Panel (PRP) for the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today (December 31) published its annual report covering the work of the PRP in 2024-25.

     The PRP Chairman, Ms Miranda Kwok, said, “In 2024-25, the PRP reviewed 60 completed or closed cases under various areas of the work of the SFC. The PRP concluded that the SFC has carried out the work in accordance with its internal procedures. It also made a number of observations and recommendations to the SFC, which will be conducive to the SFC’s continuous enhancement of procedures and guidelines.

     “We are thankful to the SFC for its co-operation and support in facilitating the work of the PRP, and are pleased to note the positive response of the SFC to the PRP’s recommendations”, she added.

     The annual report has been uploaded onto the website of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/business/prp/afsreport.html).

     The PRP welcomes views of the public and market participants on the PRP’s work. They may express their views by sending an email to the PRP (prp@fstb.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government yesterday (January 1) strongly condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the deliberate unfounded report on Lai Chee-ying’s health condition in an attempt to fabricate facts to mislead the public by intentionally portraying Lai Chee-ying as a victim, with the aim of covering up his numerous wrongdoings and his conviction by the court.

Court’s conviction verdict was entirely free from any political considerations

     A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government said, “The court’s reasons for verdict in Lai Chee-ying’s case are 855 pages long, which are fully open for public inspection, and include the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons for convicting Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies in full detail. The court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court’s conviction verdict is well-founded and reasoned, fully demonstrating that the court has made its decision on the case strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference, and absolutely free of any political considerations.

     “The court clearly pointed out that Lai Chee-ying’s only intent, whether pre or post Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the People’s Republic of China and the HKSAR. Also, the court found that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the conspiracies charged in all three counts, and his actions show his deliberate intent to pursue these conspiracies, which constituted a threat and harm to the national security in the PRC and the HKSAR.”

     The spokesperson stressed, “Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable. Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.”

Lai Chee-ying’s health has been properly cared for

     The spokesperson said, “The claims regarding Lai Chee-ying’s health condition as reported by the BBC are false and extremely misleading. The HKSAR Government has pointed out time and again that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) handles the custodial arrangements for Lai Chee-ying in the same way as other persons-in-custody (PICs). The CSD attaches great importance to the safety and health of PICs. Regardless of the identities, ages and nationalities of PICs, the CSD is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, which includes appropriate and timely medical support.

     “The medical services received by Lai Chee-ying in custody are adequate and comprehensive. All correctional institutions have hospitals or sick bays staffed 24 hours a day by Medical Officers seconded from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications. Medical specialists from the Hospital Authority (HA) and the DH will visit correctional institutions on a regular basis to provide PICs with specialist consultation and treatment, including dental treatment. If PICs have dental health issues, the Medical Officer of the institution will refer them to dental specialists. In serious cases, PICs will be transferred immediately to a public hospital for treatment.

     “During the public court hearing in August 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying clearly presented to the court that Lai Chee-ying had all along been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The correctional institutions had been arranging daily medical checkups for Lai Chee-ying and that there had been no complaints at all regarding the medical services he was receiving, and the Court also commended the CSD. Moreover, on the day the court handed down its verdict on December 15, 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying stated, when responding to questions from the media, that everyone in the court could see clearly Lai Chee-ying’s health condition.

     “The CSD provided dental treatment for Lai Chee-ying in 2021 and 2022 based on his needs. Since then, Lai Chee-ying has had no dental health problems nor made any further requests for dental treatment. Separately, in 2025, Lai Chee-ying notified the CSD of problems with his nails, but he has since fully recovered after treatment with ointment prescribed by the Medical Officer of the institution, with no nail loss as alleged in the media reports. In August 2025, before the public hearing, the CSD arranged for Lai Chee-ying to wear a cardiac monitoring device and prescribed heart medication for his claimed heart palpitations, to be used as needed. Since then and up till the present moment, Lai Chee-ying has made no further complaints about his heart palpitations to the CSD. It must be stressed that the allegations made by Lai Chee-ying’s daughter and relevant media reports, including those by the BBC, are completely baseless.”

     The spokesperson pointed out, “Certain individuals with ulterior motives, including Lai Chee-ying’s family members and certain media, have ignored these facts and continue to spread lies and engage in despicable acts. Recently, Lai Chee-ying’s daughter has repeatedly attempted to maliciously smear the HKSAR Government and the CSD, misleading the public to believing that Lai Chee-ying’s detention and medical arrangements are poor. Their malicious intentions are obvious. The HKSAR Government strongly opposes and condemns such acts.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 1) reminded the public, particularly the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, pregnant women, infants and children, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.
     
Elderly and people with chronic illnesses
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     A spokesman for the CHP said that in general, elderly people have less insulating fat, and their body temperature control mechanisms would be weaker. Their body may not respond appropriately to the cold weather. In addition, some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat.

     Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes or hypothyroidism, would lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Besides, persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

     The spokesman reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
• Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
• Stay in a warm environment. Avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
• Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead; and
• Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

Infants, children and pregnant women
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     Infants and young children are more susceptible to heat loss during the cold weather. The spokesman reminded parents that they should ensure babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them. When children engage in outdoor activities, their clothing should be adjusted accordingly, and changed quickly if soaked. Infants, young children and pregnant women should also try to avoid going out in the morning and at night when the temperature is lower.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:

• Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
• Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
• Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
• Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and
• Maintain a smoke-free environment.

Outdoor workers
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     Outdoor workers should take heed of the weather report and wear appropriate warm clothing for work. Clothing should be changed as soon as possible if soaked. When the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions. They should take a break immediately and seek help and medical attention if feeling unwell.

General public
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     In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website.

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may become more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     
     ​Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
     

• Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
• Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
• Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
• Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
• Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
• For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
• Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogens;
• Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
• Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
• Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

     
     ​​In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.
     
     For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage as well as press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against cold weather for outdoor workers and their employers when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Government announced today (January 1) that following an open recruitment exercise, Mr Francis Chan Wing-on will take up the appointment as the Commissioner of Critical Infrastructure (Computer-system Security) for a three-year term with effect from today. The appointment is made by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Cap. 653) (the Ordinance).

     A Government spokesperson said, “Mr Chan possesses outstanding cybersecurity expertise, international vision, law enforcement experience and strategic management capabilities, along with excellent leadership, management and communication skills. He will lead the Commissioner’s Office under the Security Bureau to safeguard the security of computer systems of critical infrastructures in Hong Kong.”

     Mr Chan is the former Chief Superintendent of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and has served as the Chairperson of the INTERPOL Cybercrime Expert Group. After retiring from the Police in 2020, he has taken up managerial roles related to computer systems and cybersecurity in the private sector. He has been serving as the Assistant Director (Critical Infrastructure) of the Security Bureau since May 2024.

     The Ordinance, which comes into effect today, provides a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard the security of computer systems of critical infrastructures in Hong Kong, regulate operators of critical infrastructures and investigate and respond to relevant computer-system security threats and incidents. The Commissioner of Critical Infrastructure (Computer-system Security) will head the Commissioner’s Office, which is established on the same day, to implement and enforce the statutory regime of the Ordinance, including designating “operators of critical infrastructures” and “critical computer systems”, as well as monitoring their compliance with statutory obligations.