Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements for Che Kung Festival——————————————————————————— The right-turn lane of westbound Che Kung Miu Road between Chui
Tin Street and near the Che Kung Temple;
– The slow lane of northbound Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu
Road and the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House; and
– The slow lane of southbound Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu
Road and the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House.- Traffic along westbound Che Kung Miu Road cannot turn right to the private road of The Wai;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn left to the road leading to the public car park on Chui Tin Street near Che Kung Temple;
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn right to the road leading to the public car park on Chui Tin Street near Che Kung Temple;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street cannot turn right to the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House;
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street cannot go straight to the private road outside The Wai;
– Traffic along westbound Che Kung Miu Road heading for southbound Chui Tin Street and the private road outside The Wai will be diverted via westbound Che Kung Miu Road, the roundabout and eastbound Che Kung Miu Road;
– Traffic along southbound Chui Tin Street heading for the entrance of Sun Chui Estate near Sun Fong House will be diverted via southbound Chui Tin Street, westbound Chui Tin Street, the roundabout, eastbound Chui Tin Street and northbound Chui Tin Street; and
– Traffic along northbound Chui Tin Street heading for the private
road outside The Wai will be diverted via westbound Che Kung Miu Road, the roundabout and eastbound Che Kung Miu Road.- The cycle track along the western riverside of Shing Mun River
Channel between Tai Wai Soccer Pitch and Che Kung Miu Road;
– The cycle track along the eastern riverside of Shing Mun River
Channel between Tai Wai Soccer Pitch and Man Lai Court;
– The cycle track connecting the eastern and western riverside of Shing Mun River Channel near Block 1 of Man Lai Court;
– The cycle tracks along both sides of Che Kung Miu Road between
Chui Tin Street and Sha Tin Tau Road;
– The cycle track inside the subway system at the junction between Che Kung Miu Road and Chui Tin Street;
– The cycle track inside the subway system at the junction between Che Kung Miu Road and Sha Tin Tau Road;
– The cycle track along southern kerbside lane of Che Kung Miu Road between Chui Tin Street and Ng Yuk Secondary School; and
– The cycle tracks along both sides of Chui Tin Street between Che Kung Miu Road and the unnamed road leading to public car park near the Che Kung Temple.Issued at HKT 15:33
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EPD to launch 2026 Peach Blossom Trees Recycling Programme
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 16) announced the details of the 2026 Peach Blossom Trees (PBTs) Recycling Programme (2026 Programme). To encourage the recovery and recycling of yard waste in the community, the EPD has organised the PBTs Recycling Programme since 2017. The PBTs collected from the programme will be processed and turned into recyclable products, such as bulking agents for composting and mulch for gardening. The 2026 Programme will be held after the Lunar New Year holiday this year, and the arrangements are as follows:
- February 27 to March 8
- Collection points: A central collection point at Y·PARK (see location at Annex), and 55 district collection points (including 12 GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, six Outlying Islands Transfer Facilities and 37 public refuse collection points). Please refer to the following website for the locations and opening hours of the collection points: www.wastereduction.gov.hk/sites/default/files/2026/2026-peach-blossom-trees-recycling-programme/Annex_PBT_2026_r0.pdf.
- March 9 to 14
- Members of the public and commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations can deliver their PBTs to Y·PARK directly during operation hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday).
An EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that the 2026 Programme is limited to the recycling of PBTs. All decorations, including fai chun and tape, should be removed before delivery to facilitate the subsequent recycling processes. The public is also encouraged to replant small potted plants such as tangerine trees and reuse festival decorations to help reduce waste and conserve resources. The EPD also welcomes other organisations and associations to provide their own recycling services for PBTs to help the public, and C&I organisations support waste reduction and carbon reduction for all.
Participants who deliver PBTs to Y·PARK or any GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Station for recycling will receive an e-certificate upon the submission and verification of their enrolment form. Those who deliver PBTs to the GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations will also receive a gift while stocks last. For details of the Programme, please visit the following website:
2026 PBTs Recycling Programme: www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en-hk/article/2026-peach-blossom-trees-recycling-programme.
February 2026 issue of “Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics” now available
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
February 2026 issue of “Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics” now available
Apart from providing up-to-date statistics, this issue also contains a feature article entitled “Trends of Infant Mortality in Hong Kong, 1951 to 2024”. Statistics presented in the “Trends of Infant Mortality in Hong Kong, 1951 to 2024” article are based on the data source from the Health Statistics Division, Department of Health.
“Trends of Infant Mortality in Hong Kong, 1951 to 2024”
Infant mortality refers to death of those aged below 1 year old. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is the number of registered infant deaths in a year per 1 000 registered live births in that year. IMR is a useful indicator of the health status not only of infants, but also of the whole population and of the socio-economic conditions under which they live.
This feature article describes the trends of infant mortality in Hong Kong from 1951 to 2024 and analyses the infant mortality by sex and by major causes of deaths.
For enquiries about this feature article, please contact the Health Statistics Division, Department of Health (Tel: 3586 2996; email: enquiries@dh.gov.hk
Published in bilingual form, the HKMDS is a compact volume of official statistics containing about 130 tables. It collects up-to-date statistical series on various aspects of the social and economic situation of Hong Kong. Topics include population; labour; external trade; National Income and Balance of Payments; prices; business performance; energy; housing and property; government accounts, finance and insurance; and transport, communications and tourism. For selected key statistical items, over 20 charts depicting the annual trend in the past decade and quarterly or monthly trend in the recent two years are also available. Users can download the Digest at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1010002&scode=460
Enquiries about the contents of the Digest can be directed to the Statistical Information Dissemination Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4738; email: gen-enquiry@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00
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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Welcomes the New President of Dharma Drum Mountain Sydney Chapter
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu was pleased to welcome Ms. Tsui-Yi Lu, the new President of the Sydney Chapter of Dharma Drum Mountain, along with Vice President Ms. Wei-Yi Liu and Ms. Ping Lin. They exchanged views on the chapter’s recent activities and community engagement.
Ms. Lu shared this year’s blessing theme, “Harmony, Joy and Abundance,” and presented symbolic gifts conveying peace and well-being. Director General Wu expressed his appreciation for the visit and extended his best wishes for a successful year ahead.
Shau Kei Wan site sold
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Lands Department today announced that the tender for a site at Shau Kei Wan Main Street East has been awarded on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $1.383899 billion.
Shau Kei Wan Inland Lot No. 860 was awarded to Fine Century Holdings, a subsidiary of Kerry Properties.
It has a site area of about 1,349.2 sq m and is designated for non-industrial purposes, excluding godown, hotel and petrol filling station.
The site’s maximum gross floor area for private residential purposes is 12,142 sq m. This excludes the gross floor area for government accommodation, specifically a sub-base of a district elderly community centre, which is to be constructed by the purchaser under the Conditions of Sale.
Riding High in the Year of Horse
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
As the Year of the Horse nears, Hong Kong’s streets and alleyways are pulsing with energy, filled with crowds rushing to stock up on festive essentials in a final festive shopping spree.
In Sheung Wan, a stall tucked beside a traditional grocery store holds firm to tradition, offering handwritten fai chun banners to welcome new year with custom blessings.
Further north in Sheung Shui Wai, the pace slows as villagers faithfully carry on the century-old custom of making rice cookies, preserving their rural heritage.
In Sham Shui Po’s Pei Ho Street, long-established pastry shops draw steady crowds eager to purchase festive favourites.
Victoria Park’s Lunar New Year Fair is a sea of colour as shoppers weave through crowds picking out the perfect blooms to welcome spring and invite good fortune for the new year ahead.
Throughout the city, colourful lanterns and bright decorations add a festive sparkle, creating a luminous trail of New Year joy.
The News.gov.hk team wishes all our readers enduring success and good health in the prosperous Year of the Horse.
CE delivers CNY message
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee
Chinese New Year is the festival we eagerly anticipate, a time when every household decorates and prepares to welcome new beginnings.
As the spirited steed gallops forward, leaving the old year behind, we stand united to embark on a new journey.
The horse, symbolising speed and stamina, boldly charges ahead, covering vast distances every day. It embodies the tenacity and resilience of Hong Kong people.
As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us continue to move with agility and steadiness, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and propelling Hong Kong forward.
My wife and I wish for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all.
This is a translation of the Chinese New Year message delivered by Chief Executive John Lee on February 16.
More Thundery Showers Expected In The Early Fortnight
Source: Government of Singapore
16 February 2026 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the second fortnight of February 2026, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.
2. Moderate to heavy thundery showers are forecast over most parts of the island in the afternoon and evening during the first few days of the second fortnight of February 2026. Following this period, conditions are expected to turn relatively drier, though brief localised thundery showers may still occur on several afternoons. A few dry days may be expected. Overall, the total rainfall for the second fortnight of February 2026 is expected to be near average across most parts of the island.
3. The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 32 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius on most days, with a high of around 34 degrees Celsius on a few days.
4. For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.
REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 February 2026)
5. Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of February 2026. During this period, the low-level winds blew from the north or northeast.
6. The first fortnight of February 2026 saw more showers compared to the second half of January 2026. Localised, short-duration showers occurred over parts of the island on several afternoons. On 5 February 2026, widespread thundery showers affected many areas, resulting in a daily total rainfall of 108.6mm around the Jurong Pier area. This was the highest daily rainfall recorded in the first fortnight of February 2026.
7. During the first fortnight of February 2026, daily maximum temperatures generally ranged from about 32 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius. On several occasions, the maximum temperature exceeded 34 degrees Celsius, with the highest reading of 34.7 degrees Celsius recorded at Jurong Island on 4 February 2026.
8. Most parts of Singapore recorded below average rainfall in the first fortnight of February 2026. The area around Bedok North registered rainfall of 88 per cent below average, and the area around Jurong Pier registered rainfall of 89 per cent above average.
CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS
| Long-term Statistics for February (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020) |
||
|---|---|---|
| Average daily maximum temperature: | 31.5 | °C |
| Average daily minimum temperature: | 24.6 | °C |
| Average monthly temperature: | 27.3 | °C |
| Average rainfall: | 105.1 | mm |
| Average number of rain days: | 9 | |
| Historical Extremes for February (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929) |
||
| Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: | 33.5 | °C (2010) |
| Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: | 21.6 | °C (1930, 1934) |
| Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 566.7 | mm (1910) |
| Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: | 0.2 | mm (2014) |
—————||————–
METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE
16 Feb 2026
~~ End ~~
For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.
Officials pay festive visits
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Principal officials, accompanied by District Officers, District Council members and District Services & Community Care Team members, paid visits to elderly, grassroots and ethnic minority households in Southern, Tuen Mun, Kwai Tsing, Yuen Long and Wong Tai Sin today.
By distributing gifts in celebration of the Lunar New Year, the officials aimed to extend warmth and blessings from the Government to citizens.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau shared the festive joy by chatting with an elderly couple and an intergenerational family living in South Horizons in Southern District.
In Tuen Mun, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho visited a grassroots family, an ethnic minority household and an elderly individual living in Sam Shing Estate.
Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak met a middle-class family and elderly couples living in Cheung On Estate, Kwai Ching, to learn more about their daily lives and extend seasonal greetings.
Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, meanwhile, called on a family with school-age children, and an elderly couple in Tin Yiu Estate, Yuen Long.
In addition, Acting Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming engaged with a young family and an elderly doubleton in Upper Wong Tai Sin Estate.
President Lai’s remarks for Lunar New Year
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On the night before Lunar New Year’s Eve, President Lai Ching-te wished his fellow citizens a happy Year of the Horse via video. In his recorded remarks, President Lai thanked people in Taiwan working and living earnestly with their feet firmly on the ground, saying that it is their hard work that contributes bit by bit to our strongest power. The president emphasized that the government will continue to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense capabilities and public security efforts, steadily advance economic development initiatives, and bolster social investment and welfare programs. He stated that the government hopes to protect people’s livelihoods, and provide a stage for the driven and hope for the diligent, as we all move forward together, hand in hand, to greet an even better year ahead.
A translation of the president’s full remarks is as follows:
My dear fellow citizens: Good evening.
This is Xiaoxueshan Radar Station. Located on the mountain peak at 3,020 meters above sea level, it is the highest-altitude naval unit in Taiwan. I am here to share a holiday meal with the officers and personnel of our armed forces and offer them some words of encouragement.
During Lunar New Year, as families gather together to celebrate, many of our citizens are just like the troops stationed here, steadfastly working hard at their posts. I want to thank our troops and our men and women in the coast guard for their around-the-clock efforts to protect our homeland. I also want to thank our dedicated staff in police and firefighting services, healthcare, customs, immigration, environmental protection, public utilities, and public transportation for keeping society running smoothly and enabling our people to enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.
Over the last year, Taiwan faced several challenges; but we grew with every trial, taking each as an opportunity to enable our nation to stand taller, see farther, and become more resilient. Taiwan’s most beautiful scenery is found not just in our mountains and seas, but also in the silhouettes of all the people who stand by one another through adversity.
We have seen rescue teams and superhero volunteers coming from all over to provide aid to disaster areas; we have also seen the engineers braving bad weather to repair roads and water, electric, and communications facilities. Most of all, we will remember the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the disaster response and the brave citizens who risked all to protect strangers. All of this has deeply moved us and filled us with gratitude. There are also the countless unsung heroes, the micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that hold up half of our economy; these unsung heroes are the people in all sectors and professions in Taiwan working and living earnestly with their feet firmly on the ground. It is their hard work that contributes bit by bit to our strongest power.
In the year ahead, I will lead my administration to continue our hard work without breaking stride.
We must continue to strengthen our national defense capabilities and public security efforts to safeguard national security and maintain social stability.
Even more importantly, we must steadily advance our economic development initiatives, ensuring that Taiwan maintains its leading edge among the global competition in technology and industry.
We must lend a helping hand to our industries as they expand their global presence, and provide more tangible, robust support to MSMEs to create more opportunities for Taiwanese businesses.
At the same time, we must boost development across central and southern Taiwan to achieve our goal of a balanced nation.
Furthermore, we must continue to advance social investment and welfare programs to support disadvantaged groups. Starting this past January, total maternity benefits and birth subsidies have been increased to NT$100,000 per newborn. Low-income households will receive an additional NT$1,000 per person per month, while medium-low-income households will receive an additional NT$750 per person per month.
The Executive Yuan has also approved raising the welfare allowance for elderly farmers from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000 per month, while national old-age pension benefits will rise from NT$4,049 to NT$5,000 per month. These increases will take effect once they are deliberated and passed by the Legislative Yuan.
The government must not only protect people’s livelihoods, but also provide a stage for the driven and hope for the diligent. It must also ensure that those without family support and people with disabilities are cared for.
My dear fellow citizens, in the new year, I pray for our nation’s peace and prosperity. I wish you all a happy Lunar New Year – may everyone stay safe and every family find happiness and joy with the arrival of spring. Let us move forward together, hand in hand, to greet an even better year ahead!