Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Incorporated Owners of Kingsfield Garden was fined $149,000 at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (October 5) for violating the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on July 22, 2025, at a car park of a residential building in North Point. A worker, while performing tree pruning, fell about 1.2 metres from the top of a parapet wall at the car park of the building to the floor, and sustained a head injury. He was sent to hospital in a conscious state and passed away two weeks later.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Land Registry today (October 5) released its statistics for September 2026.
Land registration
* The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in September was 6 438 (+11.6 per cent compared with August 2026 but -6.3 per cent compared with September 2025)
* The 12-month moving average for September was 7 682 (0.5 per cent below the 12-month moving average for August 2026 but 20.6 per cent above that for September 2025)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in September was $53.5 billion (+20.1 per cent compared with August 2026 and +0.01 per cent compared with September 2025)
* Among the sale and purchase agreements, 4 761 were for residential units (+18.5 per cent compared with August 2026 but -15.6 per cent compared with September 2025)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $46.8 billion (+29.3 per cent compared with August 2026 but -0.9 per cent compared with September 2025)
Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.
Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.
As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
Land search
* The number of searches of land registers made by the public in September was 463 031 (-73.5 per cent compared with August 2026 but +15.4 per cent compared with September 2025)
The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau today (October 5) announced the inaugural list of selected enterprises under the New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme (the Scheme). A total of eight enterprises have been selected as the inaugural “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises”.
Echoing the direction set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address to accelerate the development of a new industrialisation system, the Scheme aims to nurture leading enterprises in emerging and future industries for Hong Kong. It is also an important initiative in advancing the integrated development of education, technology, talent and industry. Selected enterprises are awarded the honorary title of “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprise”, which enables them to more effectively access market resources and forces through the Scheme platform, and hence enhance their market visibility and recognition.
The Scheme received over 100 nominations. The nominated enterprises span a wide range of business sectors, including life and health technology; AI and robotics; semiconductors and smart devices; digitalisation, upgrading and transformation; as well as future and sustainable development. They also include enterprises from industries with traditional strengths that leverage innovation and technology for upgrading and transformation, fully demonstrating the diverse vitality and thriving ecosystem of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation development.
The assessment was based on three core selection criteria, namely the enterprises’ research and development capabilities, growth potential, and local contribution and ecosystem impact. Following thorough discussion and careful assessment by the assessment committee, eight enterprises have been selected as the inaugural “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises”. The list of selected enterprises is set out in the Annex.
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to the nurturing and development of local innovation and technology enterprises. The New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises Nurturing Scheme aims to focus on supporting and nurturing a group of high-growth enterprises developing in Hong Kong. Through the Scheme, the Government hopes to enhance the market recognition and visibility for the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ enterprise brand, thereby supporting the future development of enterprises.”
The inaugural award presentation ceremony for the “New Industrialisation Elite Enterprises” is expected to be held within this year.
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.
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.