Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A spokesman for the Housing Department (HD) said today (October 6) that two public rental housing (PRH) residents in two cases were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for contravening the Housing Ordinance by falsely declaring in a statement that they did not own any property.
The PRH residents involved, living in Choi Hung Estate and Kwong Tin Estate respectively, declared in the 2025 Income and Assets Declaration Forms that they did not own any domestic property in Hong Kong. Upon thorough investigations by the HD, it was revealed that the two PRH tenants, in Case 1, each owned residential properties in Sai Kung, with one holding two properties and the other holding one, while one PRH resident in Case 2 owned a domestic property in Tseung Kwan O.
The Kwun Tong Magistrates Courts yesterday (October 5) sentenced the PRH resident holding two properties in Case 1 to an immediate two-week imprisonment, while the hearing for the other PRH resident in the same case was adjourned to November 30. The HD will also proceed to recover the subject PRH flat. For Case 2, the PRH resident was sentenced to a four-week imprisonment and granted bail pending appeal.
The HD reminded that, PRH residents and subsidised housing applicants must honestly declare their income, assets, and properties, and accurately complete their Income and Assets Declaration Forms. PRH residents must also read the content and completion guidelines of the Declaration Forms carefully and compute their income and assets in accordance with the methods specified for accurately providing the relevant information.
The HD will continue its dedicated efforts to adopt a multipronged approach to combat the abuse of PRH in a comprehensive manner.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
The fire danger situation today (October 7) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year’s imprisonment.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Projects jointly funded by Guangdong-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong under 2026/27 Mainland-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme open for application2. Projects jointly funded by Guangdong and Hong Kong (jointly solicited with the Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province); and 3. Projects jointly funded by Shenzhen and Hong Kong (jointly solicited with the Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality).Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, attended the Global Precious Metals Conference 2026 organised by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) in Sorrento, Italy, on October 6 (Sorrento time). He articulated to delegates from the worldwide precious metals industry Hong Kong’s master plan in building a gold-trading ecosystem that is supported with government-led infrastructure, market-informed governance and commercially driven activities.
At a panel discussion session, Mr Hui was joined by a representative from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to discuss “The Next Chapter in Gold – How Hong Kong and Singapore are Reshaping Market Dynamics”. Mr Hui said that Hong Kong, uniquely positioned in terms of its strategic location, international financial centre status and common law legal system, has been working at full steam to build a gold-trading ecosystem that would connect existing gold markets and add usable liquidity to the international market.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ2: Safety risks of non-plastic disposable tableware Question:
Studies have pointed out that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of highly persistent synthetic chemicals which are difficult to decompose, and chronic exposure may increase health risks such as cancer and endocrine disruption. Other studies have found that PFAS are widely present in non-plastic tableware alternatives (alternatives) such as paper straws, leading to PFAS intake by users through such alternatives. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that paper straws are widely used in local eateries at present, whether the Centre for Food Safety or relevant departments have, since the implementation of the first phase regulation on disposable plastic products on April 22, 2024, conducted sample tests and safety risk assessments on paper and bamboo disposable straws and tableware supplied in Hong Kong for harmful chemical substances (particularly PFAS); whether the authorities have assessed the chemical leaching rates and potential health risks of paper tableware soaked in acidic and high-temperature environments for prolonged periods; if so, of the detailed assessment outcome; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as there are views that the Mainland, Europe and the United States have begun to tighten or prohibit the use of fluorine-containing grease-proofing agents in food packaging, while the Green Tableware Platform currently set up by the Environmental Protection Department does not mandatorily require suppliers to submit testing reports on PFAS, which may pose food safety risks in the alternatives; whether the authorities have proactively conducted random sample tests on alternatives available on the market to assess the potential risks of PFAS exposure by Hong Kong citizens through takeaway meals; of the measures to be taken by the authorities in the future to support the catering industry in procuring safer green tableware; and
(3) given that Hong Kong currently includes biodegradable plastics under regulation, and it is learnt that the Mainland has widely used biodegradable plastics that can decompose in the natural environment (e.g. PHA) in disposable tableware including straws, whether the authorities will keep abreast of the times to review and adjust the current regulation on the use of biodegradable plastics, so as to protect public health while taking into account environmental benefits and life experience?
Reply:
President,
The core reason for regulating disposable plastic tableware lies in the profound harm that plastic waste causes to the environment and human health, as well as the imminent need for waste reduction at source. Plastic is difficult to decompose and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When plastic waste breaks down, it forms microplastics. If these microplastics enter the ocean, they can be ingested by marine organisms and enter the food chain, posing a threat to human and animal health. Therefore, reducing the use of disposable plastic products has become an international consensus.
Regulating disposable plastic tableware is a key component of the Government’s “plastic-free” strategy, aiming to reduce its use at source through legislation. The Environmental Protection Department has clearly stated that non-plastic tableware should only be used when unavoidable, with the goal of encouraging the public to bring their own reusable tableware.
Since the regulation took effect on April 22, 2024, some chain restaurants reported that over 80 per cent of customers do not require cutlery when ordering takeaway. It is estimated that this can reduce the disposal of more than 60 million sets of disposable cutlery in landfills every year.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho, the reply is as follows: An overseas university research team previously conducted an analysis of PFAS level in straws made from different materials. The study found that PFAS was detected in paper, bamboo, plastic and glass straws available on the market. However, data from the study report showed that under normal conditions of use, the total amount of chemicals released by these utensils is extremely low, far below the threshold for health risks, and poses no threat to public health.
The Green Tableware Platform (the Platform) provides the catering industry with information on alternatives that meet the requirements for non-plastic materials, assisting the industry in transiting to more environmentally-friendly non-plastic tableware as soon as possible. Under the Platform’s current mechanism, suppliers are required to submit material testing reports or certificates issued by accredited laboratories or inspection bodies for their registered products to prove that the products comply with non-plastic material requirements. Since 2024, the Platform Secretariat (i.e. Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency) has proactively invited suppliers to provide additional proof regarding their products’ performance and quality (including PFAS). The Government will remain open-minded, closely monitoring the latest international developments in scientific research, evolving standards, and practical application outcomes regarding various types of biodegradable plastics, including PHA, and assessing their overall impact on health and the environment. While balancing public health, environmental benefits, and user experience, the Government will review and adjust relevant regulatory strategies as necessary. Issued at HKT 11:13
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ20: Replacement of old public transport and commercial vehicles Question:
The Government promulgated the Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis in December 2024 to promote the green transformation of public buses and taxis, including subsidising the taxi trade for the purchase of 3 000 electric taxis (e-taxis). However, as at the end of July this year, only about 1 065 taxis had been granted the subsidies and licensed. The Government indicated in May this year its target to introduce 3 000 e-taxis by the end of 2027. In addition, the Government has also drawn up arrangements for phasing out Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of newly registered electric buses (e-buses), e-taxis and electric public light buses in each year from 2023 to 2025 and this year to date; the current respective numbers and proportions of electric vehicles among various types of vehicles;
(2) of the respective numbers of taxis for which the invited taxi owners no longer received subsidy quotas or were not granted subsidies under the e-Taxi Subsidy Scheme because they replied not to participate in the scheme, or failed to reply, place purchase orders or have the e-taxis licensed within the deadline; whether the authorities know the respective major reasons for the aforesaid situations;
(3) of the respective numbers of Euro IV diesel non-franchised buses and light buses which had yet to be phased out as at August 2026;
(4) in order to allow the trade more time and a wider choice of vehicle models, (i) whether the Government will extend by two years the relevant deadlines for placing purchase orders and licensing under the e-Taxi Subsidy Scheme, and whether it will allow taxi owners who lost their subsidy quotas or were not granted subsidies due to late replies, late placement of orders or late licensing to re-participate in the scheme; (ii) whether the Government will extend by two years the relevant deadlines for franchised bus operators to place purchase orders for, complete delivery of, and register e-buses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) whether the Government will extend by two years the current application deadlines for the ex-gratia payment for Euro IV diesel non-franchised buses and light buses, so as to allow the trade more time to identify and procure suitable replacement models; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In order to achieve zero vehicular emissions before 2050, in line with Hong Kong’s commitment to strive for carbon neutrality in the same timeframe, the Government has been actively promoting the popularisation of electric vehicles (EVs). Measures to promote the green transformation of public buses and taxis were set out in the Government’s Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis announced in 2024. The Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles announced in February this year set out a number of schemes and initiatives to continue promoting the development of EVs. The technology for electric commercial vehicles (e-CVs) (such as medium and heavy goods vehicles and non-franchised buses) is still evolving. These e-CV types in the local market are not yet ready for large scale application at this stage due to various reasons, such as purchase costs that are significantly higher than those of diesel vehicles, limited driving range, lower load-carrying capacity, and longer charging time, etc. The Government is pragmatically promoting and has established a working group to first explore the introduction of applicable models for public light buses (PLB).
Having consulted the Transport Department, my response to the question raised by Dr Hon Chan is as follows:
Vehicle Type(as at end-August)Number of EVs
Vehicle Type(proportion of EVs)(27.5%)(1.1%)(8.9%)(1.5%)(0.5%)(1.6%)(5.5%)(20.0%) The subsidy scheme requires taxi owners who have accepted subsidy quotas to procure e-taxis within six months from the issuance date of the invitation letters by the Government, as well as to license the e-taxis within 12 months from the date in the e-taxi procurement documents. If, due to special circumstances, a taxi owner is unable to fulfill the aforementioned requirements within the specified deadlines, they may submit a written application to the Government requesting an extension of the relevant period. We will exercise flexibility depending on individual circumstances. We anticipate that some taxi owners who have accepted the quota may ultimately decide not to use it for various reasons; therefore, we will continuously monitor the status of applications and license completions, and adjust the opening of applications as appropriate to make good use of the quotas.
According to information gathered from the taxi trade, the reason why some invited taxi owners decided not to join the subsidy scheme, or failed to respond, purchase new e-taxis, or license the e-taxis within the deadlines, was partly the changes in the economic environment in recent years, causing taxi owners to adopt a more prudent approach when investing in the replacement of their taxis, and was unrelated to the procurement or licensing deadlines, or the choice of vehicle models.
Regarding the provision of charging facilities, we have maintained close communication with the taxi trade and charge point operators (CPOs). Currently, those interested in switching to e-taxis are predominately taxi fleets, which have already partnered with CPOs in the market to arrange dedicated charging services for their e-taxis. E-taxis can also charge at the public charging network that the Government is promoting, with fast chargers as the backbone, including fast chargers under the $300 million Fast Charger Incentive Scheme, fast charging stations converted from petrol filling stations, fast chargers retrofitted at existing petrol filling stations, bus depot charging facilities opened up by franchised bus operators (FBOs), and dedicated fast chargers for e-taxis, etc. In addition to traditional modes of charging, CPOs in the market also offer diverse charging solutions such as “Megawatt Flash Charge”, mobile charging robots, battery swapping or battery energy storage systems, etc. These solutions are particularly helpful for the rapid energy replenishment of e-taxis. We are actively promoting the adoption of these diverse charging solutions in Hong Kong, and are providing policy support and co-ordination for CPOs wishing to establish a presence here.
The Government has also launched a scheme to subsidise FBOs in purchasing e-buses, so as to promote the green transformation of franchised buses. All FBOs confirmed their participation in the scheme in August 2025 and commenced preparations for the tendering exercises to procure about 600 e-buses by end-2027 and complete vehicle delivery and registration by end-2029. The first batch of e-buses is expected to be registered in 2027 and gradually be put into service. The implementation details and relevant deadlines of the scheme have been confirmed by all FBOs, and there is currently no intention to change. The Scheme does not require participating vehicle owners to purchase a new vehicle after retiring their old vehicles. Upon its launch, the application deadlines for the ex-gratia payment were clearly stipulated based on the vehicle’s first registration date, allowing owners ample time to make corresponding arrangements. To date, the Scheme has successfully phased out over 33 700 eligible vehicles, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of the total, and overall implementation is progressing well. Based on the above considerations, and given that phasing out Euro IV DCVs on schedule helps improve roadside air quality (Note 2), in order to safeguard public health and implement the binding indicator under the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) for the average concentration of PM2.5 in the ambient air to be below 14 µg/m³ by 2030, the Government has no plan to extend the application deadlines for the remaining vehicles.
Note 2: Compared with Euro IV models, the nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulates emissions of Euro VI diesel heavy vehicles are reduced by approximately 89% and 50% respectively; while the nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulates emissions of Euro VI diesel light vehicles can also be reduced by approximately 68% and 82% respectively. Issued at HKT 11:42
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Cho-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 7):
Question:
It has been reported that the facilities in a number of public toilets located at tourist hotspots and in city centres are dilapidated, and their hygiene condition is poor. There are views that modern public toilet planning should emphasise hygiene, epidemic prevention and privacy protection, and that the design of traditional public toilets fails to meet the public’s requirements for hygiene and barrier-free facilities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lothair Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (October 7):
Question:
The Government’s two-month Diesel Subsidy Scheme, the reduction in tunnel tolls for commercial vehicles and the fuel subsidy for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which were introduced to alleviate pressure on public transport and the logistics sector caused by rising fuel prices, expired on June 29, July 16 and July 30, respectively. However, it has been reported that tensions on the international stage persist. Crude oil and refined oil product prices remain persistently high and are increasing. Consequently, the land and maritime public transport sectors, local passenger transport and commercial vehicles and the transport industry are suffering greatly. These sectors are subject to fare regulation and contractual obligations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CA launches public consultation on renewal of sound broadcasting licences The Communications Authority (CA) announced today (October 7) the commencement of a two-month public consultation on the renewal of sound broadcasting licences.
The sound broadcasting licences of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited (CRHK) and Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited (Metro) are due to expire on August 25, 2028. CRHK and Metro have submitted their licence renewal applications to the CA. In accordance with the requirements under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) (TO) and the established procedures, the CA will carry out an assessment of the licensees’ past performance and collect public views through various means, including carrying out a two-month public consultation, an opinion survey, an online public hearing (OPH) and focus group discussions. The CA will take into account the licensees’ performances and renewal proposals, views of the sector and public, the latest industry developments, etc, and make recommendations on the licence renewal applications to the Chief Executive in Council by May 2027.
Healthy persons: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), reduce strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour. Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24-hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour. Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If 24-hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Normal (Band 1), normal activities. If 1-hr PM2.5 is Elevated (Band 2), avoid strenuous outdoor activity for the next hour.
Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Singapore, 07 October 2026 – It was fair over Singapore today. As at 6pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 71 – 136 µg/m3, in (Band 2, Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 105 – 140, in the Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
2. Moderate to dense smoke plumes from southern Sumatra were observed to drift towards Singapore. Moderate to dense smoke haze was also observed from hotspots detected in Kalimantan.
3. Dry conditions are expected to continue over the central and southern parts of Sumatra, as well as over many parts of Kalimantan. Under the prevailing southeasterly to southerly winds, smoke haze from these areas may continue to drift towards Singapore. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the Unhealthy range.
Activity Guidelines
4. The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
5. For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery. The full extent of the hotspot and smoke haze situation could not be determined due to extensive cloud cover.