Category: MIL-OSI

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TWC : 1910 Provides 24/7 Customer Support

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Taiwan Water Corporation Customer Service Hotline 1910 is still on 24/7 while TWC offices will be closed during the Lunar New Year. TWC will remain on duty throughout the holiday period, maintaining round-the-clock support for water services, so that the public can enjoy a safe and worry-free Lunar New Year.

TWC provides a variety of convenient payment methods. Users can easily pay through the following methods during the Lunar New Year.
1.Taiwan Water Corporation official website.
2.Taiwan Water Corporation APP.
3.Mobile payment :JKOPay, iPASS MONEY, TCPASS, GAMAPAY, PiAPP, icash Pay, ezPay, beePay, TaiwanPay, Easy Wallet, PXPay and PlusPAY.
4.At convenience stores : Pay water bill at 7-11, Family Mart, Hi-Life, OK and Simple Mart. Users without water bills, can print them with KIOSK Machines, like ibon, OKGo, Fami Port, Life-ET.

Before returning to hometown for reunions, please check the water equipment at home, TWC offices will be open on February 23th,2026.

Ministry of Economic Affairs Taiwan Water Company
Spokesman : Vice President Wu, Jing-Wen
Contact Number : 04-22244191 Ext.205 Mobile Phone : 0934-262835
Email : jingwen@mail.water.gov.tw

Business Contact : Director, Dept. of Business Lin,Meng-Zhu
Contact Number : 04-22244191 Ext.400 Mobile Phone : 0952-402749
Email , moju @mail.water.gov.tw

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Tai chi aids control tactics

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong International Correctional Services Response Tactics Training Academy opened last month, with its first batch of 29 trainees hailing from the Mainland, Macau, Brunei, Fiji, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

The academy offers a Certificate in Safe & Effective Control Tactics course. Pitched at Level 3 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, it teaches frontline law enforcement officers to apply self-defence and control techniques that minimise harm.

Designed by the Correctional Services Department, the course incorporates various martial arts styles, including a set of drills known as the Tai Chi Safe Defensive Techniques.

Progressive methods

The department believes that tai chi techniques, known for their gentleness, can effectively reduce the risk of injury to both law enforcement personnel and individuals being restrained.

In order to make learning tai chi moves easier for those without prior experience, the instructors break them down into small steps and adopt a progressive teaching method.

Participants in last month’s course gave enthusiastic feedback. Kim Yoon-gwan, a trainee from the Republic of Korea, found the tai chi element both challenging and interesting, while Von Angelo D Gripal, a trainee from the Philippines, described it as “a wonderful addition to our knowledge” and said he would take what he had learnt home to his colleagues.  

The course also gave participants the chance to apply their learning to various scenarios. For example, during one tactical session, they teamed up to control an uncooperative person in custody.

Immersive training

Located at the former Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, the academy offers a wide range of training facilities and an authentic correctional environment that enables an immersive training experience.

Instructors for the academy are selected from the department’s Regional Response Team. All have undergone overseas training, while some hold internationally recognised certifications.

The department has established an advisory group that includes experts from various professions such as sports medicine and science, Chinese medicine, and physiotherapy. They offer opinions and suggestions to improve course content and enhance the overall effectiveness and safety of the tactical training delivered.

The academy also plans to introduce instructor courses in the future, enabling graduates to provide relevant training to other personnel after returning to their respective organisations.

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Parties ordered to pay $0.58 million in fines and demolition costs for unlawful occupation of government land in Tuen Mun Villa Cornwall case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Parties ordered to pay $0.58 million in fines and demolition costs for unlawful occupation of government land in Tuen Mun Villa Cornwall case      
     The convicted parties in this case unlawfully occupied a piece of government land of approximately 1 450 square metres adjoining a detached house in Tuen Mun named “Villa Cornwall” and erected illegal structures on the land. In November 2023, the LandsD issued a statutory notice under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance to the parties concerned, requiring them to cease occupying the government land and demolish the illegal structures thereon. As the parties failed to comply with the statutory notice before the required date, the LandsD took possession of and fenced off the government land in February 2024. Upon the completion of its investigation, the LandsD instituted prosecution against the offenders in August of the same year.
      
     The spokesperson said, “Unauthorised erection of structures on unleased government land and failure to comply with the statutory notice to cease occupation of government land are both criminal offences. Members of the public should not defy the law. The LandsD will continue to take enforcement action against cases of unlawful occupation of government land, including prosecuting offenders.”
      
     Under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, any person who without reasonable excuse does not cease to occupy government land as required by the statutory notice is liable to prosecution. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months on the first occasion, and to a maximum further fine of $50,000 for each day during which the offence continues. The offender, if convicted on each subsequent occasion, is liable to a fine of up to $1,000,000 and imprisonment for six months, and to a maximum further fine of $100,000 for each day during which the offence continues. Moreover, any person who is engaged in any way in the erection of a structure on unleased government land, or who arranges or directs the erection of a structure on unleased government land, is also liable to prosecution. The offender, on the first conviction for a gainful purpose, is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $2,500,000 and imprisonment for one year; and on each subsequent occasion of conviction, a maximum fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for one year. If convicted for other purposes (i.e. other than a gainful purpose), the offender is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for six months on the first occasion, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for six months on each subsequent occasion of conviction.
Issued at HKT 23:10

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FEHD continues to actively follow up on food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters and instructs trade to suspend importing and selling of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (processing plant) from Spain

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD continues to actively follow up on food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters and instructs trade to suspend importing and selling of raw oysters produced by Mariscos Escacha, S.L. (processing plant) from SpainIssued at HKT 23:22

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Bridge arrangements announced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary, said today that according to notification from the Zhuhai authority, the temporary link bridge connecting Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Zhuhai Port and Qinglu South Road will be closed to all traffic from midnight on February 15.

Bridge users travelling to Zhuhai are advised to use public transport services as far as possible, plan their trips early and allow sufficient travelling time.

Following the closure of the temporary link bridge, motorists can only travel to and from HZMB Zhuhai Port via the G94 Pearl River Delta Ring Expressway.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government anticipates that a large number of people and cross-boundary vehicles will travel to and from Zhuhai and Macau via the HZMB during the Mainland’s Chinese New Year Golden Week. The closure arrangements may affect traffic at Zhuhai Port and surrounding roads.

The Transport Department has instructed the HZMB shuttle bus operator to strengthen its services for cross-boundary travel convenience.

The department has drawn the attention of applicants with travel bookings under the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme to the arrangements. In case of traffic congestion, they are urged to remain patient and follow the instructions of on-site law enforcement officers.

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CE, officials begin community visits

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, Chief Executive John Lee and principal officials today began four consecutive days of visits to all 18 districts in Hong Kong to call on different families.

 

The Chief Executive, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun visited two elderly families living in Prosperous Garden to chat about their daily lives and present them with Lunar New Year gift bags.

 

Mr Lee, Miss Mak and Mr Sun, together with a District Council (DC) member, an Area Committee member and a representative from the District Services and Community Care Team of Yau Tsim Mong District, also visited the Salvation Army’s Yaumatei Multi-service Centre for Senior Citizens. There, they exchanged seasonal greetings with members of the public and bade them a healthy and happy Year of the Horse.

 

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, together with DC members and representatives from the care team of Kwun Tong District, visited an elderly couple and an ethnic minority family living in Shun Lee Estate to get a sense of their daily lives and needs, and to convey seasonal good wishes to them.

 

Meanwhile, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, together with DC members and representatives from the care team of Wan Chai District, visited a young person and an elderly couple living in Lai Tak Tsuen.

 

Additionally, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung, together with DC members and representatives from the care team of Sham Shui Po District, visited a young family and an elderly couple living in Sham Shui Po.

 

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, together with a DC member and a representative from the care team of Sai Kung District, visited an elderly resident and a family living in Tseung Kwan O.

 

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, together with DC members and representatives from the care team of North District, visited a young family and an elderly couple living in Queen’s Hill Estate.

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Passenger traffic hits record high

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Director of Immigration Benson Kwok said today that around 335 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points in 2025, representing an increase of about 12% over 2024 and marking a new record high that  surpasses the 300 million figure recorded in 2019. 

Mr Kwok hosted a press conference to review the work of the Immigration Department over the past year and to look ahead to the future. 

He revealed that the total number of visitor arrivals last year was around 49.89 million, a 12% increase year on year.

In 2025, the department won the Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time in the World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agency for the air transport industry. 

On law enforcement, the department conducted a total of 19,980 operations against illegal employment activities, up 12% compared to 2024. 

It also conducted a total of 13,853 counter-terrorism related inspection operations at various immigration control points, with 22,207 passengers being intercepted for enquiries. 

Mr Kwok also mentioned that the department determined over 2,500 non-refoulement claims in 2025. As at the end of 2025, there were about 650 claims pending screening.

Looking ahead, Mr Kwok revealed that the department will establish Hong Kong’s first contactless clearance pilot checkpoint at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.

It will enable identity verification through facial recognition technology, allowing for unimpeded immigration clearance.

The contactless clearance pilot scheme is anticipated for launch in the second quarter of this year.

In addition, starting from the current quarter, a total of 26 new additional e-Channels will be installed gradually at the airport’s arrival hall, while the existing 26 e-Channels will be replaced in stages. 

Meanwhile, the applicable age of the Flight Token e-Channel service will be extended to 7 years old or above from the second quarter of this year onwards to benefit more departing eligible Hong Kong residents and visitors.

The department is also working with the Marine Department on a proposal to conduct preliminary vetting of the information of the crew and passengers of visiting yachts by using the Marine Department’s electronic business system, thereby shortening the time for immigration clearance. 

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Hong Kong Customs detects suspected food smuggling case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected food smuggling case       
     Hong Kong Customs, based on intelligence analysis, speculated that some persons would illegally import frozen meat into Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland side of Chung Ying Street in Sha Tou Kok. Customs officers on that day took action and intercepted a male suspected of illegally importing frozen meat into Hong Kong and two suspicious vehicles, and searched a warehouse. The batch of suspected smuggled food, including 1 200kg of frozen meat and 3 600kg of other food items, was seized during the operation.

     During the operation, Hong Kong Customs arrested a male suspected of illegally importing frozen meat into Hong Kong, two male truck drivers and a female warehouse manager, aged between 38 and 61. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
      
     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.
      
     Under the Import and Export (General) Regulations, it is an offence to import frozen or chilled meat into Hong Kong without an import licence issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). An offender shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     According to the Imported Game, Meat, Poultry and Eggs Regulations (Cap. 132AK), it is an offence to bring any game, meat, poultry or eggs into Hong Kong without a health certificate issued by an issuing entity of the place of origin and/or without prior written permission granted by the FEHD. An offender shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months.
      
     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.hkIssued at HKT 18:30

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Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes       
     Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming female passenger and her accompanying child at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on February 5 and seized 2 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes on her and from the backpack carried by the child, with an estimated market value of about $9,800 and a duty potential of about $7,900. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.
      
     Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
      
     Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:38

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Principal Officials of HKSAR Government commence year-end household visits across 18 districts

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Principal Officials of HKSAR Government commence year-end household visits across 18 districts  
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, accompanied by the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To, and the District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong), Mr Eric Lee, visited two elderly families living in Prosperous Garden today to understand their daily lives and present them with Chinese New Year blessing bags. Mr Lee, Miss Mak and Mr Sun, together with a District Council (DC) member, an Area Committee member and a representative from the District Services and Community Care Team (Care Team) of Yau Tsim Mong District, also visited the Salvation Army Yaumatei Multi-service Centre for Senior Citizens to send seasonal greetings to members of the public and wish them a healthy and happy Year of the Horse.
 
     Accompanied by the District Officer (Kwun Tong), Mr Denny Ho, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Patrick Li, together with DC members and representatives from the Care Team of Kwun Tong District, visited elderly doubletons and an ethnic minority family living in Shun Lee Estate to understand their daily lives and needs, and convey care and seasonal greetings to them.
 
     Accompanied by the District Officer (Wan Chai), Ms Fanny Cheung, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, together with DC members and representatives from the Care Team of Wan Chai District, visited a young person and elderly doubletons living in Lai Tak Tsuen to engage them in warm conversations and send them greetings.
 
     In addition, accompanied by the District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Mr Oscar Wong, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, together with DC members and representatives from the Care Team of Sham Shui Po District, visited a young family and elderly doubletons living in Sham Shui Po. Accompanied by the District Officer (Sai Kung), Miss Kathy Ma, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, together with a DC member and a representative from the Care Team of Sai Kung District, visited an elderly singleton and a family living in Tseung Kwan O. Accompanied by the District Officer (North), Ms Winkie Chick, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, together with DC members and representatives from the Care Team of North District, visited a young family and an elderly doubletons household living in Queen’s Hill Estate.
 
     The POs of the HKSAR Government will continue to pay household visits in various districts in the coming three days to express care to members of the public through face to face interactions, convey positive messages and well wishes, and join the community in celebrating the New Year.
Issued at HKT 19:10

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