Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
A 31-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags, and the duty-not-paid cigarettes in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.
After an investigation, the arrested man has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 17).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:35
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DH’s organised and subvented Chinese medicine acupuncture for smoking cessation techniques wins national award and training workshop makes relevant techniques accessible to more people
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH’s organised and subvented Chinese medicine acupuncture for smoking cessation techniques wins national award and training workshop makes relevant techniques accessible to more people
The CM smoking cessation service, organised and subvented by the DH and operated by Pok Oi Hospital, participated in a research project titled Research and Application of Acupuncture Intervention Techniques for Tobacco Dependence. This project recently won the second prize in the 2025 Science and Technology Award of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on the Chinese Mainland. The award not only recognises the efforts of Pok Oi Hospital and relevant medical institutions in researching, promoting and applying acupuncture techniques to address tobacco dependence, but also validates the efficacy of Hong Kong’s CM smoking cessation techniques.
Since being designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in 2012, the DH has served as a regional hub for supporting training in smoking cessation treatment and services. It regularly provides such training to tobacco control professionals in Hong Kong, on the Chinese Mainland and across the Western Pacific region.
The workshop today attracted about 80 CM practitioners from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and Macao. The training workshop covers smoking cessation counselling, the mechanism and treatment plans of CM smoking cessation (including acupuncture and ear-point treatment). It is designed to help CM practitioners enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering cessation treatments. Studies show that combining acupuncture with ear-point treatment and professional counselling can effectively alleviate withdrawal symptoms and relieve discomforts during the initial stages of smoking cessation, thereby achieving significant therapeutic effects and increasing the success rate.
Since last year, the number of CM smoking cessation service providers subvented by the DH has increased from one to four, namely Pok Oi Hospital, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service and the School of Chinese Medicine of the University of Hong Kong. The smoking cessation clinics primarily offer counselling and acupuncture, and the number of service users has doubled. Currently, there are over 200 service points across Hong Kong (including CM mobile clinics and fixed clinics) offering CM smoking cessation services, providing convenient access for those seeking to quit smoking.
Apart from organising CM smoking cessation training workshops, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH also organises the Annual Training Programme on Tobacco Control for tobacco control workers in the Western Pacific region, and conducts smoking cessation treatment training courses for healthcare professionals from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. These training workshops have attracted a cumulative total of over 1 000 participants to date.
Furthermore, the DH has prepared a variety of resources for healthcare professionals, including patient pamphlets, referral forms to cessation clinics, “Very Brief Advice” and “Brief Intervention on Smoking Cessation” delivery toolkits, online training courses, and a Practical Handbook for Smoking Cessation Treatments. These resources are designed to support healthcare professionals in helping smokers quit through various channels. Relevant information has been uploaded to TACO’s website
Members of the public can call 1833 183 or visit the smoking cessation thematic websiteIssued at HKT 15:30
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32 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, “Puncture”, “Silver Wing”, a joint operation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department codenamed “Flabbergast”, joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Labour Department codenamed “Powerplayer” and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” and “Windsand” from April 10 to yesterday (April 16).
During the anti-illegal worker operations, investigators raided multiple target locations including warehouses, retail stores and commercial buildings, etc. Twenty-one suspected illegal workers and 11 suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised nine men and 12 women, aged 32 to 63. Among them, two women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Seven men and four women, aged 30 to 58, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Moreover, after entry into the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, an imported worker admitted on an employment condition must remain under the direct employment of the same employer for the specified job and in the specific workplace(s) as stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract, and cannot be employed by other companies or subcontractors. Change of the employer, post or place of work (unless stipulated in the Standard Employment Contract) is not permitted. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged identity card or an identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.
HKETO Kuala Lumpur promotes cultural and creative industry exchanges in Malaysia
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKETO Kuala Lumpur promotes cultural and creative industry exchanges in Malaysia
Organised by the Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance and co-organised by the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, and the Sunwah Media Group, the event received full support from the Guangdong Economic and Trade Office in Southeast Asia (Kuala Lumpur) and the Malaysia-China Business Council. Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the initiative aims to deepen collaboration between the cultural and creative industries of Hong Kong and Malaysia and to promote the integrated development of Chinese and ASEAN cultures.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, said that the global cultural and creative industries generate annual revenues of almost US$ 2.3 trillion, which not only contributes to economic growth, but also showcases and bridges cultures and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Mr Fung also introduced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s measures to support Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries. These include encouraging the industries to participate in overseas cultural exchanges and promotion, as well as fostering intellectual property co-operation with different regions to stimulate innovation and creativity, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Other officiating guests included Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia Mr Samuel Lee; the Minister Counsellor (Commercial Affairs) of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Mr Sun Shuqiang; and member of the Standing Committee, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman of the Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance, and Chairman of the Sunwah Group, Dr Jonathan Choi.
At the launch ceremony, the Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area Entrepreneurs Alliance also signed Memoranda of Understanding with technology enterprises, film and television production companies, and trade associations from Southeast Asian countries to jointly promote the synergistic development of the regional cultural and entertainment industries, and to explore various co-operation models such as joint productions, copyright exchanges, and talent development.
The three-day event is being held from April 17 to 19 at Sunway Velocity Mall in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together outstanding local Hong Kong productions and premium short dramas from the Chinese Mainland to showcase the cultural charm of Chinese Mainland and the HKSAR to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.
Issued at HKT 16:30
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FEHD cracks down on illegal slaughtering activities in Yuen Long District
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the illegal slaughtering of food animals and the sale of prohibited food. The FEHD conducted a blitz operation with the Police yesterday (April 16) and successfully cracked down on illegal goat slaughtering activities and the sale of prohibited food in a goat farm in Kam Tin, Yuen Long District. A man was arrested.
During the operation, FEHD officers seized and immediately destroyed approximately 7.4 kilograms of suspected illegally slaughtered goat meat and offal at the location. Meanwhile, a set of slaughtering tools was seized.
A 67-year-old Chinese man was arrested on suspicion of operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals and selling prohibited food. The man has been charged with the relevant offences.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Under the Slaughterhouses Regulation (Cap. 132BU), any person operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals or selling prohibited food commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months’ imprisonment. The FEHD will actively handle complaints received and proactively investigate suspected violations from time to time. If any abnormal circumstances are found, the FEHD will immediately conduct investigations and take surprise inspections and enforcement actions. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecution will be instituted.”
The spokesman emphasised the FEHD’s deep concern and strong commitment to combating the illegal slaughtering of food animals and the sale of prohibited food through stringent enforcement actions against violations.
The spokesman reminded the public that uninspected meat may carry risks such as viruses and parasites, posing a serious threat to health. Members of the public are urged not to purchase meat of unknown origin. Anyone who discovers suspected illegal slaughtering activities or has doubts about the origin of meat being sold by retailers can report it by calling 1823.
Invest Hong Kong hosts advanced therapy products forum to champion biomedical innovation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (April 17) hosted the “Advanced Therapy Products Opportunities in Hong Kong and Beyond” forum, gathering over 170 leading scientists, industry leaders, and regulatory authorities from around the world. The event served as a definitive platform to showcase Hong Kong’s ascending status as a world-class hub for biomedical commercialisation, specifically within the revolutionary fields of cell and gene therapy (CGT).
Delivering her welcome remarks, the Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “The Government is pressing ahead with the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation and the implementation of ‘primary evaluation’ for new drug registration – a move that will shorten time-to-market for innovative drugs and devices. InvestHK, as the investment promotion agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, stands ready to provide bespoke, end-to-end support for global pioneers looking to scale their operations across Asia from this strategic base.”
Appeal for information on missing girl in Tai Po
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appeal for information on missing girl in Tai Po
She is about 1.68 metres tall and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion, long blonde hair and a tattoo on her right forearm. She was last seen wearing a khaki jacket, black pants and pink slippers.Issued at HKT 14:35
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Report on “Navigating the Green Shift: Opportunities and the Evolving Landscape of Transition Finance”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Report on “Navigating the Green Shift: Opportunities and the Evolving Landscape of Transition Finance”
The report reviews the global transition finance landscape, examining the importance of multistakeholder collaborations and international best practices in preventing greenwashing and maintaining transparency. Based on a survey and in-depth interviews commissioned by the HKIMR, the study captures insights from a diverse range of global stakeholders – including financial institutions and multilateral organisations – offering a detailed analysis of the current state, emerging trends, and future trajectory of the international transition finance ecosystem.
The study reveals a clear momentum in transition finance, with 60 per cent of survey respondents already either active in or exploring transition finance developments. Among a diverse range of financial instruments, equity and fund investments as well as debt instruments were the most commonly used tools to channel capital towards transition projects. As the ecosystem progressively matures, a gradual shift towards more specialised instruments is anticipated. Respondents further observed that collaborative models, including blended finance approaches, can draw in private capital by enhancing the risk-return profiles of investments in transition projects.
The study also indicates that market outlook is cautiously optimistic, with 74 per cent of respondents anticipating a stable or growing global transition finance market over the next three years. Positive sentiment is most pronounced in the Asia-Pacific region, where 91 per cent of respondents expected stability or growth. Finally, the study outlines several considerations, including maintaining a high level of regulatory and policy clarity, and deepening regional collaborations, to support the development of a vibrant transition finance ecosystem in Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive Officer of the AoF and Executive Director of the HKIMR, Mr Enoch Fung, said, “By facilitating informed dialogues, cross-boundary collaborations, and continued innovation, Hong Kong can further reinforce its role as a leading sustainable finance hub and contribute to the long-term goals of climate resilience and sustainable economic development. This report offers actionable insights in consolidating Hong Kong’s existing strengths in green and sustainable development.”
The report
About the AoF
About the HKIMRIssued at HKT 14:00
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Tenders invited for contract for Management of Sediment Disposal Facility to West of Lamma Island
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tenders invited for contract for Management of Sediment Disposal Facility to West of Lamma Island The works are scheduled to commence in August 2026 and will take about 60 months to complete.
Interested contractors can download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). Tenderers must submit tenders in electronic format via the e-TS.Issued at HKT 14:32
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Draft Clear Water Bay Peninsula North Outline Zoning Plan approved
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Draft Clear Water Bay Peninsula North Outline Zoning Plan approved
Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed on the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00
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