Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Police announced today (October 3) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and in the New Territories from October 5 to 7 to facilitate the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Hong Kong Island
————————
Tai Hang
————
To facilitate the holding of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, the following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from October 5 to 7.

A. Road closure

The following roads will be closed from 2pm to 11.59pm daily:

– Lai Yin Lane;
– Lin Fa Kung Street East;
– Lin Fa Kung Street West;
– Lily Street;
– Wun Sha Street;
– Ormsby Street;
– Brown Street;
– Warren Street;
– Jones Street;
– Lai Yin Street;
– School Street;
– King Street;
– Shepherd Street;
– Sun Chun Street; and
– Second Lane Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Moreton Terrace will be closed from 5pm to 11.59pm daily.

B. Traffic diversions

The following traffic diversions will be implemented daily from 5pm to 11.59pm:

– Traffic along westbound King’s Road cannot turn left to Tung Lo Wan Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Tung Lo Wan Road must turn left to Tung Lo Wan Drive; and
– Traffic along southbound Tung Lo Wan Drive must turn right to Moreton Terrace.

C. Suspension of parking spaces

All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on the above closed roads will be suspended daily from noon to 11.59pm.

Causeway Bay
——————–
A. Pedestrianisation

The following roads will be closed for implementation of a part-time pedestrian scheme from noon to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 4pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day:

– Lockhart Road east of Cannon Street;
– East Point Road; and
– Great George Street west of Paterson Street.

B. Road closure

(I) Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads may be closed from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day:

– Sugar Street;
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Great George Street;
– Gloucester Road between Victoria Park Road flyover and Causeway Road, except for traffic from Tai Hang Road flyover heading to northbound Gloucester Road;
– Westbound Kingston Street between Gloucester Road and Paterson Street;
– Great George Street east of Paterson Street; and
– Hing Fat Street will be closed intermittently, except for franchised buses and green minibuses.

(II) If necessary, the following roads may be closed:

– Cleveland Street between Gloucester Road and Kingston Road;
– Eastbound Kingston Street between Paterson Street and Gloucester Road; and
– Paterson Street between Kingston Street and Gloucester Road.

C. Traffic diversions

Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following traffic diversions may be implemented from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day:

– Traffic from Victoria Park Road flyover heading for southbound Gloucester Road must turn right to westbound Gloucester Road;
– Traffic along southbound Paterson Street must turn left to eastbound Kingston Street;
– Traffic along Cleveland Street cannot turn right to westbound Kingston Street; and
– Traffic along northbound Gloucester Road and northbound Tai Hang Road flyover cannot turn left to westbound Kingston Street.

D. Suspension of car parks and parking spaces

– All parking spaces at Hing Fat Street Public Car Park will be suspended from 5pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day, and from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 7, except for disabled parking spaces;
– Access to car parks at Great George Street will be restricted from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day; and
– Disabled parking spaces along northbound Gloucester Road near Sugar Street will be suspended from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day.

E. Suspension of public transport interchange

The Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day.

F. Prohibition for learner drivers

The following roads will be prohibited to all learner drivers from 7pm to 11.59pm on October 5 and 7, and from 7pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day:

– Eastbound Leighton Road;
– Tin Lok Lane;
– Tung Lo Wan Road;
– Hing Fat Street;
– Electric Road between Wing Hing Street and Yacht Street;
– Northbound Morrison Hill Road;
– Hennessy Road east of Marsh Road;
– Tin Hau Temple Road between Fortress Hill Road and Causeway Road; and
– Causeway Road.

Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam
————————————
To facilitate the holding of the Fire Dragon Dance, the following road closure will be implemented on October 6:

(I) The offside lane of Nam Ning Street between its southern junction with Chengtu Road and outside the Nam Ning Street Sitting-out Area will be closed from 6pm to 10.30pm.

(II) Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 10pm:

– Tung Sing Road;
– Wu Nam Street;
– Lok Yeung Street;
– Aberdeen Main Road;
– Aberdeen Old Main Street;
– Sai On Street;
– Chengtu Road; and
– Nam Ning Street.

(III)  Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4pm to 11.59pm:

– Pok Fu Lam Road near Pok Fu Lam Village, except for the fast lane;
– Chi Fu Road near Pok Fu Lam Village;
– Chi Fu Road flyover;
– Wah Fu Road; and
– Waterfall Bay Road.

Repulse Bay
—————–
A. Traffic arrangements

Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following arrangements may be implemented on October 6 and 7:

– South Bay Road south of South Bay Path may be closed if the car parks on South Bay Road are full, except for residents’ vehicles and public transports;
– Traffic on Beach Road may be diverted to northbound South Bay Road to leave the area if the car parks on South Bay Road are full, except for residents’ vehicles;
– Traffic along eastbound Repulse Bay Road cannot make a U-turn at the junction with South Bay Road; and
– Vehicles may not be permitted to wait along Repulse Bay Road outside the car park if it is full.

B. Suspension of parking spaces

The following parking spaces will be suspended from 4pm on October 6 to 6am of the following day:

– All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Island Road, except disabled parking spaces; and
– All metered and motorcycle parking spaces on Beach Road.

Shek O
———
A. Road closure

Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads may be closed on October 6 and 7, except for residents’ vehicles, public transport services and vehicles with permit:

– Shek O Headland Road; and
– The access roads to the car parks in Shek O and Big Wave Bay (if the car parks are full).

B. Suspension of parking spaces

Sixteen parking spaces at the Shek O Beach Public Car Park will be suspended from noon on October 6 to 8pm of the following day.

New Territories
——————–
Tuen Mun
————-
The following roads will be intermittently closed daily from 5pm to 5am of the following day on October 6 and 7, except for authorised vehicles:

– Golden Beach Path;
– The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Cafeteria Old Beach;
– Tsing Yan Street between Castle Peak Road and the entrance of the public car park at Kadoorie Beach; and
– The unnamed access road leading to the public car park at Butterfly Beach.

Tsuen Wan
—————
A. Road closure

The following roads will be closed from 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on October 6 and 7:

– Tai Mo Shan Road east of its junction with Route Twisk, except for residents’ vehicles; and
– Shing Mun Road between Pineapple Dam and the Main Dam.

B. Suspension of car park and parking spaces

From 5pm to 3am of the following day daily on October 6 and 7, Tai Mo Shan Country Park Car Park will be closed. Twenty-three metered parking spaces and other parking spaces at the car park will also be suspended.

Ma On Shan
—————–
Depending on the crowd and traffic conditions, the following roads will be intermittently closed from 4.30pm on October 6 to 3am of the following day, except for residents’ vehicles:

– Ma On Shan Tsuen Road south of the turnaround;
– Yiu Sha Road north of its junction with Wu Kai Sha Road roundabout; and
– Yiu Sha Road from its junction with the unnamed road towards To Tau Wan Village.

The Police will implement appropriate arrangements subject to the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience, and take heed of instructions of police officers on site.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The nomination period for the 2025 Legislative Council General Election will run from October 24 (Friday) to November 6 (Thursday).

     The Legislative Council General Election will be held on December 7. A total of 90 members, with 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies and 40 from the Election Committee constituency, will be returned. The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) issued relevant gazette notices and uploaded relevant information to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk) today (October 3).

     “To run for a seat in a geographical constituency, a functional constituency or the Election Committee constituency, a nominated person must be a registered geographical constituency elector aged 21 or above. He or she must also have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for three years immediately preceding the date of his or her nomination, and must be a Chinese citizen who is a Hong Kong permanent resident with no right of abode in a foreign country,” a spokesman for the REO said.

     However, candidature in 12 functional constituencies is open to Hong Kong permanent residents who are not Chinese citizens or who have the right of abode in a foreign country. These constituencies are legal; accountancy; engineering; architectural, surveying, planning and landscape; real estate and construction; tourism; commercial (first); industrial (first); finance; financial services; import and export; and insurance.

     “A nominated person for the functional constituency election must be a registered elector for, or have a substantial connection with, the relevant functional constituency. For the Election Committee constituency election, a nominated person needs not be a member of the Election Committee,” the spokesman said.

     Details on the eligibility to be nominated as a candidate and disqualification from being nominated as a candidate and from being elected as a Member, as well as the requirements to be complied with by persons nominated as candidates, are set out in sections 37, 39 and 40 respectively of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542).

     For the geographical constituency election, each nominated person needs to be subscribed by at least 100 but not more than 200 registered electors of the constituency concerned, and an elector may subscribe only one nomination of the geographical constituency in the capacity as an elector in respect of his/her own geographical constituency. Each nominated person for the geographical constituency election must also be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the geographical constituency election in his/her capacity as a member of the Election Committee.

     Each nominated person for the functional constituency election must be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 registered electors of the constituency concerned and an elector may subscribe any number of nomination forms up to the number of seats in his/her functional constituency. Each nominated person for the functional constituency election must also be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the functional constituency election in his/her capacity as a member of the Election Committee.

     For the Election Committee constituency election, each nominated person must be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the Election Committee constituency election.
 
     The Electoral Affairs Commission has appointed Returning Officers for the 10 geographical constituencies, 28 functional constituencies and the Election Committee constituency to receive nomination forms and to handle other electoral matters. Notices for the election and the appointment of Returning Officers, with their office addresses, were also gazetted today and uploaded to the election website.

     The nomination forms may be obtained during ordinary business hours from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 9am to noon on Saturdays (except public holidays) beginning today at the two offices of the REO (8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, and Unit 2301-03, 23/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon), or at the offices of the Returning Officers of the relevant constituencies. The nomination forms may also be obtained from any of the District Offices during their operation hours, or downloaded from the election website.

     A nominated person must submit the completed nomination form and an election deposit in person to the respective Returning Officer during the abovementioned ordinary business hours (except public holidays) within the nomination period. A deposit of $50,000 needs to be paid by each nominated person for the geographical constituency election. Each nominated person for the functional constituency election or the Election Committee constituency election has to pay an election deposit of $25,000. The spokesman reminded those nominated persons that they may consider lodging the election deposit by Faster Payment System (FPS) newly introduced this year (but attention should be paid to the transfer limit setting of the relevant account), or by cash and cashier orders to avoid any complications arising from a cheque not being honoured.

     “The nominated persons are advised to submit their nomination forms as early as possible to allow time to correct mistakes, if any, in the forms before the nomination deadline,” the spokesman added.

     Separately, the nominated persons must, in accordance with the requirements of the Candidate Eligibility Review Committee (CERC), complete and return the Eligibility Review Supplementary Information Form (SIF). The SIF is distributed together with the nomination forms and can be downloaded from the election website. Nominated persons should put the completed SIF in a separate and sealed envelope and hand it in person together with the nomination form to the office of the Returning Officer within the nomination period for onward transmission to the CERC Secretariat. Nominated persons can also submit the completed SIF to the CERC Secretariat directly as soon as possible but no later than 5pm on November 6 through any of the following means:

1. email to cerc_secretariat@cerc.gov.hk;
2. fax to 2505 0673; or
3. return to the drop-in box of the CERC Secretariat at the entrance on 2/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.

     Copies of the nomination forms are available for public inspection at the offices of the Returning Officers during ordinary business hours after the start of the nomination period. Members of the public may also inspect copies of all nomination forms of the functional constituency elections and the Election Committee constituency election at the REO office in Kwun Tong.

     For enquiries, please call the election hotline on 2891 1001.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department (TD) today (October 3) reminded members of the public that in anticipation of a large number of grave sweepers heading to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan before and after the Chung Yeung Festival, the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented there to facilitate their visits to the cemeteries.

A. Special traffic arrangements
 

• Temporary prohibited zone

The section of Cape Collinson Road to the east of Lin Shing Road (i.e. the left-turning movement from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the Chinese Permanent Cemetery) will be temporarily designated as private car and light goods vehicle prohibited zone from 7am to 3pm daily from October 11 to November 16. All private cars and light goods vehicles, except those with permits, will be prohibited from entering the prohibited zone.
 

• Road closures

In connection with the implementation of road closures at Cape Collinson Road and its vicinity by the Police, except for the exempted vehicles, Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7am to 5pm on the specified dates.
 

B. Public transport services
 

• The following special bus services will be operated on the specified dates and the bus services will be strengthened depending on the passenger demand and traffic conditions.

• CTB routes 8X, 9 and 780 and cross harbour routes 106, 118 and 606, and GMB route 18M will be strengthened subject to passenger demand.

Before and after the Chung Yeung Festival, adjustments to the extent of road closures, traffic control measures and public transport diversions will be made by the Police depending on the actual traffic conditions in the areas.

Grave sweepers are advised to plan their journey early and allow more travelling time. If they would like to go to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan outside the above-mentioned road closure periods, they should use public transport services as far as possible. They can take GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X or 18M at Chai Wan MTR Station to Cape Collinson Road, or take CTB route 9 at Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to Shek O Road near Cape Collinson Road. Grave sweepers heading to the Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium may also make use of the escalators and pedestrian access route connecting San Ha Street at Chai Wan (near Chai Wan MTR Station Exit A) and the said columbarium.

Before and after the Chung Yeung Festival, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Cape Collinson Road, Lin Shing Road and Wan Tsui Road in Chai Wan will be busy. Motorists are advised not to drive to the congested and affected areas, and should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion and observe the instruction given by the Police.

Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television. They may also visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or use the mobile application “HKeMobility” for the latest traffic and public transport information.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

September 2025 was marked by the successive strikes of tropical cyclones Tapah, Mitag and Ragasa. The ferocious strike of Super Typhoon Ragasa necessitated the issuance of the Hurricane Signal No. 10 on September 24 once again after Typhoon Wipha, tying the record of issuing the No. 10 Signal twice in the same year since 1964. Despite the succession of tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong, September 2025 was hotter than usual in Hong Kong, mainly attributed to the warmer than normal sea surface temperature and stronger than usual southerly flow in the lower atmosphere over the northern part of the South China Sea. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.3 was 1.2 degrees above the normal and one of the second-highest on record for September. The monthly mean maximum temperature of 32.2 degrees and mean temperature of 29.3 degrees were respectively 1.7 degrees and 1.4 degrees above their corresponding normals and both the third highest on record for September. There were in total 13 hot nights, breaking the previous record set in September 2021. The 15 very hot days in the month was also one of the highest records for September. Mainly due to the passage of tropical cyclones, the monthly rainfall was 528.7 millimetres, about 64 per cent above the normal of 321.4 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall this year up to September was 2 514.0 millimetres, about 12 per cent above the normal of 2 242.8 millimetres for the same period.

Under the influence of an anticyclonic aloft, apart from isolated thunderstorms on September 2 and 3, the local weather was generally fine with prolonged heat on the first six days of the month. The maximum temperature at the Observatory rose to 35.3 degrees on the afternoon of September 5, the highest of the month. Moreover, the Tropical depression Tapah formed near Luzon on September 5. It tracked west-northwestwards across the central and northern parts of the South China Sea and intensified into a tropical storm on September 6. Tapah turned north-northwestwards towards the western coast of Guangdong on September 7 and further intensified into a severe tropical storm that night. Tapah made landfall near Taishan of Guangdong and then moved into inland Guangxi the next day. Locally, the weather was mainly cloudy with occasional squally showers and thunderstorms on September 7. The strike of Tapah necessitated the issuance of the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal that night. Gale force winds prevailed over many places, with winds reaching storm force offshore and on high ground at first on September 8. The rainbands of Tapah also brought heavy squally showers to the territory. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places on September 8.

An active southerly airstream brought occasional showers and isolated thunderstorms to Hong Kong on September 9. More than 30 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over New Territories West. Under the influence of the subtropical ridge, apart from a few showers on September 10, local weather was generally fine and very hot from September 10 to 14. 

Affected by an upper-air disturbance, while it remained very hot from September 15 to 17, it was mainly cloudy with a few showers and thunderstorms. Showers were heavier on the morning of September 17 with more than 30 millimetres of rainfall recorded over Hong Kong Island and Tseung Kwan O. Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, apart from a few showers and isolated thunderstorms, it was very hot with sunny periods on September 18. 

As well, tropical depression Mitag tracked northwestwards across the northeastern part of the South China Sea on September 17 and intensified into a tropical storm the next day. It further intensified into a severe tropical storm on September 19 and made landfall near Shanwei of Guangdong that afternoon. Under the influence of the northeast monsoon, Mitag then gradually turned to move westwards across the northern part of the Pearl River Estuary and weakened into an area of low pressure over inland Guangdong on September 20. Locally, it was mainly cloudy with a few squally showers on September 19. Mitag and its remnant brought heavy showers and squally thunderstorms to Hong Kong on the following two days. More than 250 millimetres were recorded over Hong Kong Island and the eastern part of the New Territories, and rainfall even exceeded 300 millimetres over Lantau Island on these two days. 

Furthermore, tropical cyclone Ragasa formed over the western North Pacific to the east of the Philippines on September 18. It moved west-northwestwards on the next three days and intensified progressively into a super typhoon. Ragasa moved across Luzon Strait on September 22 and continued to track west-northwestwards across the northern part of the South China Sea the next day, edging closer to the coast of Guangdong. Ragasa skirted about 120 kilometers south of Hong Kong with super typhoon intensity on the morning of September 24. It made landfall over Yangjiang of Guangdong that afternoon and weakened. Ragasa then moved across the coast of Guangxi and the vicinity of the northern part of Vietnam the next day, and dissipated gradually at night. Locally, under the influence of Ragasa’s outer subsiding air, it was very hot with sunny periods on September 22. As Ragasa came closer to Hong Kong, winds strengthened progressively the next day and squally showers set in later in the afternoon. Under the influence of Ragasa’s extensive circulation with fierce winds, storm to hurricane force winds affected many places in Hong Kong on September 24. The maximum 60-minute mean wind speeds recorded at Waglan Island and Cheung Chau were 133 km/h and 114 km/h respectively. There were also frequent heavy squally showers and more than 200 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory on that day. As the approach of Ragasa coincided with the astronomical high tide, storm surge induced by Ragasa resulted in unusually high water level in many parts of the territory. The sea level at Quarry Bay rose to a maximum of 3.4 metres above chart datum, close to the level when Super Typhoon Hato hit Hong Kong in 2017. The fierce winds of Ragasa also triggered overtopping waves, causing flooding in many parts of the coastal areas of Hong Kong. According to preliminary reports, at least 101 people were injured during the passage of Ragasa. A woman and her son were swept away by swells at the waterfront of Chai Wan and were later rescued. There were at least 1 224 reports of fallen trees, 22 reports of flooding and four reports of landslides. Under the influence of the outer rainbands associated with Ragasa, there were still a few showers and isolated thunderstorms on September 25. 

Under the influence of a northeast monsoon and the subsequent anticyclone aloft, apart from a few showers, local weather was generally fine and hot on the last five days of the month. 

Six tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in September 2025.

Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for September are tabulated in Table 2.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Land Registry today (October 3) released its statistics for September 2025.

Land registration
——————-

*   The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in September was 6 870 (+6.3 per cent compared with August 2025 and +78.8 per cent compared with September 2024)

*   The 12-month moving average for September was 6 371 (4.1 per cent above the 12-month moving average for August 2025 and 29.2 per cent above that for September 2024)

*   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in September was $53.5 billion (+11.9 per cent compared with August 2025 and +93.4 per cent compared with September 2024)

*   Among the sale and purchase agreements, 5 643 were for residential units (+6.7 per cent compared with August 2025 and +98.1 per cent compared with September 2024)

*   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $47.2 billion (+11.9 per cent compared with August 2025 and +126.6 per cent compared with September 2024)

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 401 196 (+3.2 per cent compared with August 2025 and +13.0 per cent compared with September 2024)

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 Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 3) that Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District, temporarily closed earlier due to Super Typhoon Ragasa, will reopen tomorrow (October 4).

     Together with the 26 gazetted beaches that have reopened, all gazetted beaches with lifesaving services (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/common/documents/annex.pdf) will be open from tomorrow onwards.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will extend the opening hours or make special arrangements at the following venues during the Mid-Autumn Festival period:
 
Aldrich Bay Park (Eastern District)
– Water Feature and Fisherman Hut Pavilion
October 6: 6.30am to 11pm (extended by half an hour)
 
Jordan Valley Park (Kwun Tong District)
October 6: 5am to midnight (extended by one hour)
 
Ngau Chi Wan Park (Wong Tai Sin District)
October 6: 6.30am to midnight (extended by one hour)
 
Central Lawn of Victoria Park (Wan Chai District)
October 7: Temporarily closed from 2am to 5am for cleaning operations
 
     The LCSD appeals to members of the public to keep places clean and tidy, not to burn wax or fly sky lanterns when celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.
  
     “To ensure the enjoyment of the festivity in a good environment, we are appealing to members of the public not to burn or melt wax, and not to sprinkle or pour liquids onto hot wax. Candles should be placed in metal or non-flammable containers for collecting the melted wax and disposing of it in litter bins after the containers have cooled,” a spokesman for the LCSD said.
 
     “Moreover, members of the public should not throw glow sticks or other objects onto trees, as doing so may cause damage to the trees and affect the cleanliness of venues. Do not fly sky lanterns, which may cause injury to yourself or others, or damage to property and facilities.”
  
     The spokesman said that the LCSD will deploy staff to step up patrols at its venues (including parks, public beaches and barbecue sites) on October 6, and to take enforcement actions against littering, wax burning, throwing objects onto trees and flying sky lanterns.
 
     Members of the public may call the LCSD hotline on 2414 5555 to report any wax burning or sky lantern flying, or other non-compliance found at LCSD venues.
  
     Under the Pleasure Grounds Regulation, no person shall, in any pleasure ground, melt or burn any wax, sprinkle or pour any liquid onto any hot wax, damage any part of any tree, shrub or plant, or fly kites, model aircraft, balloons or other devices (including sky lanterns). Under the Bathing Beaches Regulation, no person shall, on any bathing beach, do any act which is likely to endanger or obstruct any other person using the beach, or damage, deface or pollute the beach or anything situated thereon. Any convicted person is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and 14 days’ imprisonment.
  
     The LCSD will issue to littering offenders a fixed penalty notice with a fine of $3,000. Persons who burn wax, throw objects onto trees or fly sky lanterns may be prosecuted.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government announced today (October 3) that the Chief Executive has reappointed Ms Carolin Fong Suet-yuen as the Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) for another term of three years with effect from today.
 
     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said, “Ms Fong possesses professional knowledge and extensive experience. In the past three years, she has made invaluable contributions to advancing building rehabilitation initiatives in the URA and has played a pivotal role in the ongoing review of the URA’s financing and operating model. We look forward to continuing to work closely with her to advance the important cause of urban renewal.”
 
     Ms Fong was appointed Executive Director of the URA and took up the post of Executive Director (Operations) in October 2022. Ms Fong supports the URA Managing Director in formulating and implementing policies and initiatives on building rehabilitation, acquisition and clearance, works and contracts, and legal matters.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Inland Revenue Department announced today (October 3) that starting from October 6, 2025, the new annual rate of interest payable on Tax Reserve Certificates will be 0.2583 per cent against the current rate of 0.3417 per cent, i.e. the new rate will be $0.0215 per month per $100.
 
Tax Reserve Certificates bear simple interest, and interest is calculated monthly (including part of a month) from the date of purchase to the date of payment of tax. Interest is only credited when certificates are used to pay tax, and no interest is due where the principal value of a certificate is repaid to its holder.
 
The rate of interest payable on Tax Reserve Certificates is reviewed every month based on the average prevailing interest rate for the 12-month time deposit for $100,000 to $499,999 offered by the three note-issuing banks.
 
The new rate will apply to all certificates purchased on or after October 6, 2025. Certificates purchased before October 6, 2025, will continue to earn interest at the rates prevailing on their respective purchase dates. Below is a summary of the interest rates for the past periods:
 

Interest will cease to accrue after 36 months.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3