The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned and opposed baseless slanders and smears against Hong Kong by Western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians regarding yesterday’s court verdict on the “Hong Kong Alliance” incitement to subversion case.
The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that the constitution forms the foundation of Hong Kong’s constitutional order. Under the Preamble to the Constitution, the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
No country allows citizens to subvert its constitutionally established order. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the court’s verdict clearly emphasised that the defendants were tried based strictly on law and evidence, not for their political views.
The court noted that the defendants remained hostile toward the CPC and the central government. Following the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), they refused to back down and pursued the Alliance’s resistance line. The defendants ignored the fact that their actions exceeded lawful boundaries of free speech.
The courts earlier clarified the boundaries of exercising freedoms and rights.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment in another case affirmed that criticising the Government, the administration of justice including judgments of courts, or engaging in debates about or raising objections to government policies or decisions, however strong, vigorous or critical that may be, does not constitute a seditious intention. The crucial issue is whether there is intent to incite hatred or subversion.
In this case, the defendants intended to undermine the fundamental system of the PRC by stirring up hostility against the CPC and causing division. The conspiracy was clear and required judicial action.
The Hong Kong SAR Government added that many rights and freedoms are not absolute. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights allows legal restrictions on free speech to protect national security, public safety and public order. The public must distinguish between this subversion case and the lawful exercise of the freedoms of association, assembly and speech.
Hong Kong is a society ruled by law. The HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance guarantee the principle of the rule of law. Defendants receive a fair trial by an independent judiciary, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
The court’s well-reasoned verdict meticulously detailed the legal principles and evidence supporting the conviction.
The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that safeguarding national sovereignty, unity and the territorial integrity of the PRC is the common duty of all Chinese citizens, including Hong Kong compatriots. Hong Kong residents must clearly recognise that incitement to subversion is a severe offence, and the Government will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (August 21) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as possessing poison included in Part I of the Poisons List in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (PPO).
Customs officers intercepted a 24-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on June 24 and seized 41 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $209,000 and a duty potential of about $138,000, as well as two pieces of pharmaceutical injections containing Part I poisons, with an estimated market value of about $5,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
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.
Under the PPO, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two 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.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en/).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur (HKETO Kuala Lumpur), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund (FDF) jointly supported the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Kuala Lumpur organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy. The film gala opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (August 21), showcasing six acclaimed Hong Kong films alongside a dedicated cinematic exhibition.
Speaking at the gala opening ceremony, the Director of the HKETO Kuala Lumpur, Mr Owin Fung, emphasised the importance of cinema in strengthening regional and cultural connectivity. “Our collaboration leverages the unique soft power of Hong Kong cinema to strengthen people-to-people ties across Malaysia and the broader ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) community. This event goes beyond screenings. It serves as a premier platform for filmmakers and producers from both places to exchange concepts and cultivate robust co-production opportunities,” Mr Fung said.
The Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, also attended the opening ceremony. She said that this is the fifth consecutive year that the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation has been organised in Kuala Lumpur. Over the years, the Presentation has become a signature film event for the CCIDA in Malaysia, reflecting the growing popularity of Hong Kong films among audiences from Malaysia and other member states of ASEAN. She added that the line-up this year features an array of Hong Kong films of different genres in the hope of maximising the viewing experience of the audiences, including some that were supported by the FDF under the CCIDA, and have achieved both box office success and international acclaim.
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation 2026 opened with the compelling drama “Afterpiece”. Over the subsequent days, the event will screen five other notable films, including “Wakesurf Lovers”, “Unidentified Murder”, “Bird of Paradise”, “Palimpsest: The story of a name”, and “Dog Day Evening”.
More than 150 guests attended the event, including filmmakers, actors, and cinema representatives from Hong Kong and Malaysia.
In tandem with the screenings, an immersive exhibition titled “Prisms Pulse: Hong Kong Cinema in Full Color” is being held at Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, showcasing the visual aesthetics and dynamic energy of contemporary Hong Kong cinema. Admission is free.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August
District
District During the rainy season, the FEHD continues to carry out a series of mosquito prevention and elimination measures, including: During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at two construction sites, four public housing estates, a private housing estate and a private premises in Eastern District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District and Wong Tai Sin District, the FEHD has issued a total of 10 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. Meanwhile, the FEHD has initiated a prosecution against a relevant construction site contractor following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site in Kowloon City District.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The Gravidtrap and Density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 18:38
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) announced an imported case of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and reminded the public to maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent intestinal infections.
The case involves a 24-year-old male with good past health. He developed abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, blood and mucus in stool and headache since August 6. He attended a private hospital on August 9 and was admitted for treatment. His condition improved after treatment and was discharged on August 13. Throughout the hospitalisation period, his condition remained stable without any complications. His stool sample tested positive for STEC by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
According to information provided by the patient, he travelled to Malaysia between August 1 and 8, part of which fell within the incubation period. During the trip, he had consumed high-risk food and beverages, including drinking unboiled tap water, and consuming pre-cut fruits and street foods. The CHP classified the case as an imported case. One of his five travel collaterals also developed diarrhoea. The CHP advised the travel collateral to seek medical attention as soon as possible with arrangement to test stool sample to confirm if there is any infection. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Over the past five years (2021 to 2025), the CHP has recorded one to six cases of STEC infection annually. The above case is the fourth case of STEC infection recorded in Hong Kong this year.
The incubation period of STEC infection generally ranges from three to four days. In general, STEC infections are mostly associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur. Waterborne transmissions have been reported, both from contaminated drinking water and from recreational waters. The public is advised to observe good personal and food hygiene.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s webpage for more information about STEC.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, on verdict of conviction in incitement to subversion case of “Hong Kong Alliance” at a media session today (August 21):
Secretary for Security: The Court of First Instance delivered the verdict in the case concerning the “Hong Kong Alliance” (the Alliance), Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who were charged with “incitement to subversion of State power”, contrary to Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).
The Alliance, Lee and Chow were convicted after trial, while Ho pleaded guilty earlier.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) considers that today’s guilty verdict has enabled justice to be done.
The Alliance, since its establishment, has adopted so-called fundamental agendas and objectives to end the leadership of the Communist Party of China (the CPC) and overthrow the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China (the PRC) established by the Constitution.
We must all acknowledge that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the State.
Its Preamble makes it clear that the CPC leadership is the core and foundation of the constitutional order of the PRC.
The CPC and the PRC are an inalienable whole; no one shall attempt to overthrow the leadership of the CPC or undermine the fundamental system of the State. For the HKSAR, the Constitution is the most important component of our constitutional order, and is of paramount importance to “one country, two systems”.
Article 22 of the HKNSL explicitly prohibits the overthrowing or undermining of PRC’s fundamental system, or overthrowing PRC central power.
In this case, even after the HKNSL took effect, the defendants continued with various acts, including attempting to hold unauthorised assemblies, inciting the public through slogans and so-called resistance, publishing content, giving media interviews and speaking publicly, attempting to incite others to subvert State power, as well as overthrow or undermine the CPC leadership status by unlawful means, constituting the offence as stipulated in the HKNSL.
The court’s reasons for verdict clearly state that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. Neither did the charge involve any issue relating to democracy or criticism against the Central Government.
The court would only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
The Court stated that, amongst others, the Constitution and the Basic Law together establish the constitutional order of the HKSAR, including –
“Leadership by the Communist Party of China” is the core of the fundamental and basic system established by the Constitution (Article 1 of the Constitution); and
Chinese citizens must fulfil the obligations prescribed by the Constitution and the law (Article 33 of the Constitution).
It is beyond dispute that according to the Preamble and Article 1 of the Constitution, “the socialist system is the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China”.
“Leadership by the Communist Party of China”, being the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics, is an integral element of the fundamental system of the country.
Under the Constitution, “overthrowing” or “undermining” the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to “overthrowing” or “undermining” the fundamental and basic system established by the Constitution to which HKNSL 22 refers.
With reference to the “35+ subversion case”, “other unlawful means” of “subversion” may include an act in breach of the provisions of the Constitution with a view to overthrowing or undermining the fundamental and basic system of the country whether or not such act involves violence or the threat of violence or other criminal acts.
When ordinary reasonable persons received the messages of the Alliance and other defendants, they must have understood that the aim of the agendas was to end the leadership by the CPC, and that other people were being encouraged to put the agendas into action.
The court also pointed out that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the CPC and the Central Government under its leadership, and adhered to the course of resisting the Central Government and refusing to make any compromise.
After the implementation of the HKNSL, even though the defendants knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, they paid no regard to it. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the PRC.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that regarding any attempt to endanger national security, we will act in strict accordance with the principle of the rule of law, and never show leniency.
Thank you.
Reporter: There will be another major drill tomorrow at the Hong Kong Port Area of the new Huanggang Port. How is it different from previous drills, and what is the aim? Thank you.
Secretary for Security: For the drill at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area tomorrow, first of all, the number of participants will be 10 000, which doubles what we had last time. Also, this is the first time we will try to test the e-Channel regarding the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance”. So this is the first time we are trying to do with some of the e-Channel machines. Also, for the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes, we will try to test the running of the system. Although we may not be able to use the machine, we will test the procedure as to how it runs. I think that’s the major difference.
Reporter: What is the message for Hong Kong people with today’s verdict?
Secretary for Security: I think the message has been clearly spelled out by the court during the delivery of the judgment. First of all, the court’s Reasons for Verdict clearly states that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political wills or beliefs. A lot of people try to make an excuse that they are not doing any illegal act, but they just try to express their will. I think the first point made by the court makes it very clear that it has nothing to do with their political wills and beliefs. It’s all because of evidence and law.
And also, I think the judgment states very clearly that it is beyond dispute that according to the Preamble and Article 1 of the Constitution, the socialist system is the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China, and leadership by the CPC, being the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics, is an integral element of the fundamental system of the country. The court also points out very clearly that the defendants had all along been hostile towards the CPC and the Central Government under its leadership and adhered to the cause of resisting the Central Government and refusing to make any compromise.
After the implementation of the HKNSL, even though the defendants knew what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, they paid no regard to it. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the PRC. You can see how evil the defendants are in trying to undermine our Constitution and trying to undermine our Central Government.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Further to the Development Bureau’s announcement of the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme to expedite urban redevelopment on August 19, the Town Planning Board (TPB) today (August 21) promulgated revised guidelines to relax the existing Transfer of Plot Ratio (TPR) scheme to allow cross-district TPR with added flexibility to further facilitate the private market and the Urban Renewal Authority to make use of the TPR tool to take forward urban redevelopment projects.
The TPB spokesman said, “The pace of building ageing is much faster than that of urban redevelopment and the number of financially viable redevelopment projects is limited these days, hence there is a need to take more innovative and bolder policy measures to expedite urban redevelopment, including making good use of the new land available in the Northern Metropolis to support redevelopment of old urban districts.”
Under the existing TPR mechanism implemented as a pilot in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei since 2023, transfer of permissible gross floor area (GFA) from an unlimited number of “sending sites” (SSs) to, at most, two “receiving sites” (RSs) within the same Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) is allowed. The transfer could be done through a section 16 planning application under the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) (TPO) to TPB. Transfer of up to 30 per cent of the maximum GFA (the 30 per cent cap) of an RS is permitted, and subject to land premium payment (if any). In order to incentivise the market to use the TPR tool for urban redevelopment, the application criteria are now relaxed with key features as follows:
(a) expanding the scheme to allow cross-district transfers to inject more flexibility in pairing up SS(s) and RS(s). RS(s) can be covered by OZPs different from that/those of SS(s) and in different districts such as the Northern Metropolis or other new development areas that have larger infrastructural capacity to take on additional developments;
(b) extending coverage of SSs to the remaining five designated areas with more pressing redevelopment needs under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance (Cap. 545) (Note) in addition to Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei; and
(c) relaxing requirements for RSs, such as removing the limit of two RSs per application; reducing site area requirement from 1 000 square metres to 700 sq m, taking into account market feedback on difficulties in site amalgamation; extending the coverage to the whole territory including the Northern Metropolis; and allowing minor exceedance of the 30 per cent cap.
To provide added incentive, subject to the TPB’s approval on a case-by-case basis, cases fulfilling specified circumstances which would benefit the local community could be provided with certain premium-free GFA within the SS as bonus GFA after the TPR, in order to support the on-going management and maintenance (M&M) of the SS. The specified circumstances cover:
(a) for SS suitable for conversion into public space for public enjoyment, bonus GFA equivalent to plot ratio 0.4 of the SS or 200 sq m, whichever is the less, will be provided to support commercial uses such as retail or eating places to help fund the on-going M&M costs of the public space at the SS;
(b) for conservation of graded historic building at the SS, provided that members of the public can gain reasonable access to part/whole of the building, after transferring the GFA of the existing graded historic building to the RS, GFA equivalent to the GFA of the existing graded historic building can be provided as bonus at the SS with the support of the Commissioner for Heritage; and
(c) for government, institution or community or socially beneficial facilities of the applicant’s choice at the SS with the support of relevant government bureaux or departments, the GFA of the facilities concerned may be provided as bonus at the SS.
The TPB notes that the Government will also relax the land premium assessment arrangement for TPR cases to allow the land premium assessment for the SS(s) and RS(s) to be combined even when they are covered by separate land transactions.
If a redevelopment site, be it an SS or an RS, under the TPR scheme can also meet the eligibility criteria under the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme, the applicant may concurrently apply for the bonus PR under the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme, subject to the 30 per cent cap in the revised TPR guidelines, as well as observing other requirements under both schemes.
The TPB spokesman added, “Each TPR application shall continue to be made under section 16 of the TPO covering both SS(s) and RS(s). Applicants shall demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed schemes, and the TPB will consider applications on a case-by-case basis according to the individual merits of the proposal.”
Recognising the need for a new policy mindset to tackle urban decay, the Chief Executive announced in his 2025 Policy Address various innovative measures to make use of newly developed land to enhance the market incentives for redevelopment, which include the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme and the cross-district TPR scheme.
The revised Guidelines (TPB PG-No. 43A) are now available at the Secretariat of the TPB at 15/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong (tel: 2231 4810 or 2231 4835) and the TPB’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).
Any enquiries on the Guidelines may be addressed to the Secretariat of the TPB at the above address or by email (tpbpd@pland.gov.hk), or to the Planning Enquiry Counters of the Planning Department (hotline: 2231 5000, email: enquire@pland.gov.hk) at 17/F, North Point Government Offices, and 14/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin.
Note: Apart from Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, the other five designated areas under the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance are Cheung Sha Wan (the same OZP covering also Sham Shui Po), Ma Tau Kok (covering Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan), Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan (covered by the same OZP), Tsuen Wan, and Wan Chai.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (August 21) urged the public not to consume a batch of cheese originated from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.
The product details are as follows:
Product name: Brie Mon Sire 1KG
Place of origin: France
Lot number: CZDI2
Use-by date: November 10, 2026
Importer: Classic Fine Foods (Hong Kong) Limited
“The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product was possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batch of the product and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Enquiries can be made to the importer’s hotline at 3145 7819 during office hours.
“Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman added.
“In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”
The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected product and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the product concerned.
The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.
The Town Planning Board (TPB) today published revised guidelines relaxing the current Transfer of Plot Ratio (TPR) scheme to allow cross-district TPR.
The relaxation aims to add flexibility to further facilitate the private market and the Urban Renewal Authority in using the TPR tool to take forward urban redevelopment projects.
The existing TPR mechanism has been implemented as a pilot in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei since 2023. The transfer can be done through a Section 16 planning application under the Town Planning Ordinance to the TPB.
The mechanism allows the transfer of permissible gross floor area (GFA) from an unlimited number of “sending sites” (SSs) to, at most, two “receiving sites” (RSs) within the same Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). A transfer of up to 30% of the maximum GFA of an RS is permitted, and subject to land premium payment, if any.
The application criteria have now been relaxed. Key features include expanding the scheme to allow cross-district transfers to inject more flexibility in pairing up SS(s) and RS(s).
This means that RS(s) can be covered by OZPs different from those of the SS(s), and in different districts, such as the Northern Metropolis, or other new development areas that have larger infrastructural capacity to take on additional developments.
Apart from Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, the scope of SSs will be expanded to cover Cheung Sha Wan, Ma Tau Kok, Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan, Tsuen Wan, and Wan Chai as well.
The requirements for RSs will also be relaxed by removing the limit of two RSs per application; reducing site area requirement from 1,000 sq m to 700 sq m; extending coverage to the whole territory, including the Northern Metropolis; and allowing minor exceedance of the 30% cap.
The TPB refers to the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme announced by the Development Bureau on August 19 and said that, if a redevelopment site – whether an SS or an RS – under the TPR scheme can also meet the eligibility criteria under the DEVB’s pilot scheme, the applicant may concurrently apply for the bonus PR under the bureau’s scheme. However, this is subject to observing other requirements under both schemes.
The revised guidelines are now available at the TPB Secretariat at 15/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong.
Enquiries can be addressed or emailed to the Secretariat’s office. Alternatively, call the Planning Department’s enquiry counter at 2231 5000 or send them an email.
The Government has pressed ahead with inter-departmental drills at the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, testing operational readiness across cross-boundary passenger clearance and vehicle inspection procedures.
Multiple departments, including the Police Force, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Department of Health and the Government Property Agency took part in the exercises to ensure full preparedness ahead of the port’s commissioning.
During passenger clearance simulations at the departure hall, the Immigration Department tested contingency measures for a “Collaborative Inspection & Joint Clearance” automated channels breakdown that triggered heavy queuing.
In response, frontline staff redirected travellers to manual counters and co-ordinated with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection to set up temporary manual counters. Officers also deployed handheld devices to perform departure clearance for eligible Hong Kong residents, rapidly clearing the backup.
In separate passenger scenarios, immigration officers escorted a traveller who failed to pass through the automated channel to the duty room for identification document verification.
Similarly, at the arrival hall, officers guided a visitor denied entry into Hong Kong to the duty room for examination, before co-ordinating Customs inspection and escorting her back to Shenzhen.
Vehicle inspection drills at the vehicle departure hall involved the Customs & Excise Department, the Police Force, the Immigration Department, and other departments testing responses to multiple operational scenarios.
In one mock situation at the “Customs front kiosk”, a vehicle was scanned for its licence plate, and officers found that it lacked a valid Closed Road Permit. In another, a vehicle was stopped after passengers failed to disembark for Customs inspection, prompting Customs officers to direct the vehicle to an inspection area for follow-up.
Meanwhile, at the vehicle arrival hall, the Immigration Department simulated a system failure across the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes. Officers smoothly transitioned to manual checks of identification documents and licence plates. Concurrently, the Department of Health deployed to the kiosk to execute manual temperature screening using handheld infrared scanners.