Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ9: Staffing establishment and operational status of Hongkong Post
Grade In the past three financial years, adjustments to the establishment of various grades of the HKP have reflected the number of posts reduced due to various cost-saving measures, including the five-day mail delivery and the consolidation of delivery beats etc. The HKP will continue to optimise manpower allocation in accordance with the changes in mail volume and operational situations, and flexibly deploy staff to ensure effective use of resources.
Additionally, from 2023-24 to 2026-27 (up to the end-May 2026), 6 705 applicants applied and 113 of them were appointed to the Postman grade, 5 599 applicants applied and 37 of them were appointed to the Postal Officer grade, and 6 530 applicants applied and 20 of them were appointed to the Controller of Posts grade of the HKP. As the HKP has all along adjusted its manpower plan as needed, it does not set annual recruitment target for each grade.
(figure as of March 31, 2024)(figure as of March 31, 2025)(figure as of March 31, 2026)(figure as of May 31, 2026)(4) Since 2006, the HKP has started adjusting its internal staffing arrangements and, without affecting operations, arranged for staff posted to the headquarters and backend staff providing support services to adopt the work arrangement of five-day week. In 2022, the work arrangement of five-day week was extended to some frontline teams. Currently, about 70 per cent of the staff members are working under the work arrangement of five-day week. To ensure that the standard and efficiency of public services are not affected and to maintain essential postal services on Saturdays, such as counter services and hotline inquiries etc, 30 per cent of the staff members still maintain a non-five-day week arrangement. The HKP has been actively optimising staffing arrangements, including planning to further implement the work arrangement of five-day week to mainly cover some of the posts involving clerical tasks in the frontline teams. The HKP will also continue to explore the feasibility of extending the work arrangement of five-day week taking into account the needs of public postal services and operations.
(5) The information on private properties rented by the HKP for use as office premises (Note 5) from 2023-24 to 2026-27 (up to the end-May 2026) are tabulated as follows:
(as of May 31, 2026)($ million)($/square feet)(6) Due to the rapid changes in the global economic environment in recent years, the continuous escalation of geopolitical situation, the rise of protectionism, and the intense competition in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) logistics industry, the HKP’s revenue from e-commerce business in the past three years is lower than originally expected by more than 30 per cent. The actual/anticipated revenue and mail volume from the HKP’s e-commerce business in the past three financial years and the current year are tabulated as follows:
(Actual)(Actual)(Subject to audit)(Anticipated)($ million)(million items) In terms of operating costs, apart from the related conveyance costs and terminal dues, the existing manpower and facilities of the HKP have been deployed to handle e-commerce mail in additional to the universal postal services. Hence, it is difficult to quantify the operating cost of e-commerce business separately.
(7) The average utilisation rates of all iPostal Stations from 2023-24 to 2026-27 (up to the end-May 2026) are tabulated as follows:
Average utilisation rate(up to May 31, 2026) The HKP has been closely monitoring the usage of iPostal Stations as well as conducting timely promotional activities and adjusting related operational arrangements. In the past three financial years, arrangements were made to relocate three iPostal Stations and adjust the number of locker columns of 12 iPostal Stations having regard to the usage.
(8) The number of mail items not collected by recipients within the prescribed time limit at iPostal Stations from 2023 to 2026 (up to the end-May 2026) are tabulated as follows:
Year According to past statistics, about 98 per cent of the mail items were collected within the 48-hour time limit, and the proportion of overdue uncollected mail items was very low, indicating that the current collection time limit basically meets public demand. At present, the HKP has no plan to impose additional charges on recipients who collect items from iPostal Stations beyond the time limit.
(9) EC-GET is an affordable and economical local mailing solution designed to provide diversified services. The HKP launched a pilot programme for the EC-GET door-to-door pickup service in August 2024 and subsequently completed the assessment on the pilot programme. After carefully balancing cost-effectiveness, market demand, and public resource utilisation etc, the HKP currently has no plan to regularise the door-to-door pickup service for EC-GET.(1) The Postman grade includes Senior Postman and Postman. (2) The Postal Officer grade includes Superintendent of Posts, Senior Postal Officer and Postal Officer. (3) The Controller of Posts grade includes Postmaster General, Deputy Postmaster General, Assistant Postmaster General, Chief Controller of Posts, Senior Controller of Posts, Controller of Posts, Assistant Controller of Posts I, and Assistant Controller of Posts II. (4) The HKP would adjust the number of NCSC positions regularly and decide whether to renew contracts with individual NCSC staff according to operational requirements. (5) The office premises rented from private properties are mainly post offices as well as a few delivery offices, mail processing centre and office. (6) A sharp decline in mail volume recorded in 2024-25 was mainly due to external factors such as geopolitical situation and the tightening of inbound mail regulations in different places arising from the rise of protectionism. Issued at HKT 16:11
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 8):
Question:
With the ageing population in Hong Kong, the home safety of and emergency support for singleton elderly persons have drawn considerable social attention. There are views pointing out that some advanced cities around the world have been actively making use of big data analytics from smart infrastructures (such as smart water meters or electricity meters) to monitor the daily routines of singleton elderly persons, so as to prevent cases of solitary death. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: Regarding existing buildings, as of May 2026, the WSD has replaced smart water meters for about 15 000 domestic and non-domestic consumers. About 7 000 of these are installed in private buildings, and about 8 000 are installed in three public housing estates. Subject to resource availability, the WSD plans to further replace smart water meters for another about 800 000 existing consumers from now until 2032. The WSD will consider giving priority to high water consumption users or those in remote areas to optimise water conservation and reduce manual meter-reading costs respectively. (3) & (4) The Housing Bureau stated that the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has been actively promoting smart estate management by applying technologies such as IoT sensors, AI image analysis, mobile device applications and smart access control systems, for enhancing estate management efficiency, strengthening security and optimising service quality, and creating a safer and more liveable living environment for elderly tenants in public rental housing (PRH) estates. The HA is pleased to explore with the relevant departments the feasibility of data sharing and technical interfacing, and to study the use of smart methods using abnormal data as a supplementary indicator to better identify high-risk situations concerning home safety of elderly households, subject to privacy constraints and consent of the elderly tenants. The HA will, as always, continue to pay heed to the views of the community and make good use of technology to enhance elderly services and home safety in the PRH estates. The WSD stands ready to collaborate with the HA to explore how smart water meter data can support the HA’s smart estate management, thereby assisting estate offices in following up on elderly care cases.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from July 23 to 27 A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 220 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve an Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of email and complete the follow-up procedures, including: (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:00
On the afternoon of July 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked Senator Duckworth for introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, demonstrating the deep friendship between Taiwan and the US. The president pointed out that Taiwan and the US are key strategic and economic partners. Noting that Taiwan aims to become an Asian hub for global drone development, he expressed his belief that cooperation in the drone industry can advance the defense capabilities and the economic development of both Taiwan and the US, while also bolstering democratic and technological resilience, allowing both sides to contribute even more to global peace and prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It is a great pleasure to receive our dear friend Senator Duckworth and her delegation in Taiwan once again. I remember last year, when we met at the Presidential Office, I invited Senator Duckworth to visit Taiwan every year. And as we meet again today, I would like to express a warm welcome and deepest thanks to all of our guests, as well as my hope that this tradition will continue.
Your visit falls on a meaningful occasion. Just a few days ago, the US celebrated the 250th anniversary of its founding. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I offer my sincerest congratulations. I also thank Senator Duckworth for introducing a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. This demonstrated that Taiwan and the US share the values of freedom and democracy and enjoy a deep friendship. Senator Duckworth’s tireless efforts to put forth pro-Taiwan bills over the years and to facilitate vaccine donations to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the high regard the US Congress and government have for Taiwan, and that support in the US for Taiwan is strong and bipartisan. For this, I express sincere gratitude on behalf of the people of Taiwan.
Senator Duckworth pays close attention to the situation across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan has always worked to maintain regional peace and stability. That is why we will continue to bolster our self-defense capabilities. Our defense spending, as defined by NATO, surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, and we expect it to reach 5 percent by 2030.
I want to thank Senator Duckworth for facilitating Taiwan-US drone industry cooperation. We hope that with the support of Senator Duckworth, the US Congress, and government, Taiwan can become an Asian hub for global drone development. The government has allocated resources for a drone industry development project and has proposed a draft special act and special budget for the procurement of drones and unmanned surface vehicles. This will allow us to remain abreast of developments. Our goals are to strengthen national defense, maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and propel Taiwan’s economic and industrial development.
Taiwan and the US are key strategic and economic partners. We hope that Taiwan-US security cooperation will evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production. I believe that exchanges and cooperation in the drone industry can advance the defense capabilities and the economic development of both Taiwan and the US, while also bolstering democratic and technological resilience. This will allow us to contribute even more to global peace and prosperity.
Last year, Taiwan became the fourth largest trading partner of the US. And in the first quarter of this year, the US became Taiwan’s largest trading partner. Looking ahead, we will encourage more bilateral investment and industrial exchanges and cooperation, and we will continue deepening economic ties to make our cooperation more fruitful.
In closing, I once again welcome Senator Duckworth and the members of the delegation. I am confident that with your support, Taiwan-US cooperation across all sectors will continue steadily forward, growing stronger with time.
Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, stating that she is proud to be the first US senator to visit Taiwan after the Trump-Xi summit to deliver a very strong message: Regardless of president or party, Congress’s commitment to Taiwan is steadfast; and that is not just talk. She asserted that Congress’s role matters to this relationship, giving the example of when, in 2021, she traveled to Taipei in the middle of the night with her colleagues, Senators Chris Coons and Dan Sullivan, to announce the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines in a bipartisan message of steadfast support for Taiwan.
Senator Duckworth said that she was back in Taiwan in the same spirit of hope and commitment. She pointed out that Congress’s bipartisan commitment to Taiwan spans economics, security cooperation, and humanitarian and security assistance. Since she joined Congress, she said, she has been a leader in ensuring continued US assistance to Taiwan, including critical defense capabilities.
In this moment when some voices may try to question the commitment of the US to supporting Taiwan, Senator Duckworth reiterated that she and her bipartisan colleagues in Congress will continue to push for continued support for Taiwan and to uphold decades of US policy in support of Taiwan’s security. This, she explained, is because they know that Taiwan’s security matters for US security and the security of the rest of the world. She further pointed out that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait would cost the global economy as much as US$10 trillion and put over 7 percent of the US GDP at risk, which is greater than the impact of the global financial crisis or the COVID pandemic.
Senator Duckworth stated that just as the commitment to our friendship is strong across parties in the US, she looks forward to continuing the strength of that friendship across the parties in Taiwan as well, emphasizing that our security depends on it.
The delegation also included Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and State Senator Paul Faraci and was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.
On the afternoon of July 7, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the 2026 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF). In remarks, President Lai stated that in the face of maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, deepening transnational cooperation and jointly enhancing maritime resilience mark the direction all countries must work toward together. The president said that Taiwan will continue to share experiences with other countries and establish closer and more efficient mechanisms for cooperation in areas such as maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and the protection of undersea infrastructure to jointly safeguard free, open, and secure oceans.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
The 2026 TIOF will be held tomorrow and the day after. Today, I am delighted to welcome our distinguished guests to the Presidential Office. I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who traveled from afar to conduct exchanges addressing maritime issues together.
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region is now facing unprecedented challenges, including the increasing frequency of gray-zone aggression, the rising number of maritime law enforcement conflicts, and the risk of damage to critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. All of these challenges indicate that maritime security is no longer just an issue for coastal states, but a critical issue closely related to global peace and prosperity. Taiwan sincerely thanks the Group of Seven for reiterating last month the importance of establishing a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on the rule of law, and opposing any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait by force or coercion.
To maintain regional peace and stability, and in line with this year’s theme of “Maritime Resilience,” we firmly believe that the direction all countries must work toward is deepening transnational cooperation and jointly enhancing resilience to respond to new types of threats. Taiwan will also actively strengthen various response measures. Last month, our Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee conducted a tabletop exercise at the Presidential Office focused on gray-zone aggression and high-intensity maritime coercion to verify the emergency response capabilities of the government and the private sector. In the future, Taiwan will continue to share experiences with other countries, and work together to establish closer and more efficient mechanisms for cooperation in areas such as maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, and the protection of undersea infrastructure.
Taiwan is an indispensable partner in promoting global ocean sustainability. Regarding the Our Ocean Conference held last month, Taiwan was unable to participate due to unreasonable political interference. I want to emphasize that the ocean knows no borders, and ocean governance should not be constrained by political factors. Taiwan’s determination to engage with the world will not change, and we will continue to contribute our efforts toward promoting cooperation on ocean affairs.
The TIOF is an important link between Taiwan and the world. This year, participants from 15 countries, including over 100 experts from the industrial, government, academic, and research sectors, along with international legislators, will be in attendance. This visit by our distinguished guests represents firm support for Taiwan. In addition to wishing this forum great success, I also hope that we will continue to move forward side by side with other nations, jointly safeguarding free, open, and secure oceans and promoting global peace, prosperity, and development.
Member of the Dutch House of Representatives Jan Paternotte then delivered remarks, saying that he represents not only the Netherlands, but also over 300 Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) legislators from 45 IPAC countries who, like him, are concerned with Taiwan’s security and prosperity. He indicated that this month marks 10 years since the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, and it is therefore proper and fitting that Taiwan is the host of this week’s forum, as the Taiwan Strait is where freedom of navigation has to be reasserted continuously.
Mr. Paternotte then stated that this year, the world has experienced why freedom of navigation has not just been established as a legal right for all nations for over 100 years, but why it is pivotal to preserve that freedom for the world’s prosperity and energy security. Upholding Taiwan’s status quo, security, and freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait is a priority issue for IPAC, he said, and the delegation is pleased to discuss practical steps during the next day’s forum in line with IPAC’s Operation MIST and Initiative 2758, stressing the importance of strengthening Taiwan’s resilience through international cooperation, including that in maritime security.
Mr. Paternotte said that he is aware that for some of his colleagues, standing here in the Presidential Office carries a cost. He explained that in 2021, APT31, a hacking group associated with Chinese state security, targeted the email accounts of every European Union IPAC member. In addition, he said that Chinese diplomats have pressured legislators not to attend IPAC summits, and that delegations to Taiwan have drawn protests, threats, and sanctions. But they are here anyway, he said, and that is precisely the point.
Noting that President Lai has said that Taiwan stands on the frontlines of the democratic world and is determined to defend democracy, Mr. Paternotte added that the president has also spoken of a democratic umbrella held up together by partners who share this commitment. Mr. Paternotte said that the delegation is here because they hold that umbrella with President Lai and the people of Taiwan.
The Government has welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026, which sets out rules for the calculation and payment in Renminbi (RMB) of stamp duty arising from dual-counter stock transactions conducted at the RMB counter.
The measure, passed today, will allow investors to settle both their trades and the associated stamp duty, in RMB, at the same RMB counter. It is expected to increase the RMB counter’s turnover and liquidity, strengthening the RMB’s role as an international investment currency.
The legislation will be published in the Government Gazette on July 17.
To facilitate system preparations by the Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, the industry and relevant government departments, the new arrangements will commence on a day to be announced separately by the Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury by way of a notice published in the Gazette.
8 Jul 2026 – The Traffic Police (TP), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) conducted a multi-agency enforcement operation against errant motorcyclists along Admiralty Road West on 29 June 2026.
2 During the enforcement operation, about 280 motorcyclists were stopped for checks. A total of 15 persons, aged between 24 and 59, were found to be riding without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960. NEA issued 20 summonses for offences involving excessive vehicular noise. LTA detected 16 offences including the display of improper licence plates, expired road tax and using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960. One foreign registered motorcycle was impounded by LTA for entering Singapore without a valid vehicle entry permit.
3 Please refer to Annex A for the penalties of the traffic offences and Annex B for photographs from the enforcement operation.
4 All motorists entering Singapore, including those driving and riding foreign-registered vehicles, must comply with Singapore’s traffic laws and vehicle
regulations. Non-compliant motorists may face penalties and foreign-registered vehicles may be denied entry into Singapore.
5 TP takes a serious view towards errant road users who flout traffic laws and endanger the safety of other road users. Motorcyclists should adopt safe riding habits as they and their pillion riders are more vulnerable on the roads. TP urges all motorcyclists to ride responsibly, and reminds all motorists to be vigilant and look out for motorcyclists on the roads. The authorities will continue our enforcement efforts against errant motorists.
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Annex A
Penalties of Traffic Offences
TP
The offence of driving without a valid driving licence under Section 35(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 carries a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to three years, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $20,000, a jail term of up to six years or both. The vehicle may also be forfeited.
The offence of using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage under Sec 3(1) of the Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 carries a fine of up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to three months, or both.
NEA
The offence of using a motor vehicle with excessive vehicular emission and excessive vehicular noise under the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, carries a fine of up to $2,000 for the first conviction, and a fine of up to $5,000 for a second or subsequent conviction.
LTA
The offence of displaying improper licence plates carries a fine up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to 3 months, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to 6 months, or both.
The offence of using or keeping on any road any vehicle without a valid road tax carries a fine up to $2,000 or a fine of an amount equal to 3 times the tax payable if it has been proven that the offender had the intention to evade payment of any tax chargeable under the Road Traffic Act 1961.
The offence of non-payment of vehicle entry permit carries a fine up to $1,000, or a jail term of up to 3 months, or both. Repeat offenders are liable to a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to 6 months, or both.
Annex B
Photographs from enforcement operation along Admiralty Road West on 29 June 2026
TP officers conducting checks on motorcyclists
TP and LTA officers conducting checks on motorcyclists
MOFA response to false article by Swaziland News concerning ROC (Taiwan) ambassador to Eswatini
April 16, 2026 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly refutes a Swaziland News report that falsely accused ROC (Taiwan) Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy H. S. Liang of engaging in multiple cases of corruption. The baseless report, which has recently been circulating on certain online platforms, provides no concrete evidence and is a typical example of disinformation and news manipulation.
Since assuming his position, Ambassador Liang has actively deepened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, advanced bilateral relations, and maintained cordial interactions with the royal family and the Eswatini government. His achievements are well documented. Unfortunately, this has made him a target of ill-intentioned individuals.
Swaziland News is a media outlet headquartered in South Africa and funded by China to promote politically biased reporting. It has long criticized the royal family and Eswatini government policies and frequently disseminated false information on the international stage to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and harm Taiwan-Eswatini ties.
In the past, there have been similar instances of foreign entities systematically engaging in disinformation with the aim of sabotaging Taiwan’s diplomatic relations. For instance, during a visit by then¬¬–Vice President Lai Ching-te to Paraguay in 2023, certain individuals deliberately spread false reports to mislead the Taiwanese public and damage the government’s diplomatic efforts.
MOFA urges the Taiwanese public to be vigilant and to not trust or share any disinformation that seeks to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic relations and the efforts of frontline diplomatic personnel. MOFA will also compile details about relevant disinformation online and report them to the police so as to defend the reputation of MOFA and frontline diplomats. MOFA hopes that all sectors of society can work together to safeguard Taiwan’s foreign relations and national interests.
Busan, Korea’s No. 2 city, from July 19-29, 2026, will host the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Known as the “Olympics of cultural diplomacy” for discussing heritage of universal value that humanity must protect and nurture, the conference will mark Korea’s chairmanship of the event since the country’s signing of the World Heritage Convention in 1988.
A place in the low-lying plains of Suncheon, Jeollanam-do Province, is where time seems to have stopped. Naganeupseong Walled Town has preserved the landscape of a village from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) while still housing residents to this day.
Busan from July 19-29 wll host the annual session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The head of the Korea Heritage Service says the country’s first hosting of the event will feature world-class Korean efforts to protect World Heritage, as well as the expanding role of artificial intelligence in the sector. Click here for more
Four domestic tidal flats are expected to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list next month. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, the global advisory body for natural heritage, has recommended the inscription of the four to the World Heritage Committee. Click here for more
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (July 7) detected a dangerous drug case and seized about 1 kilogram of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $0.8 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
A 21-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine in the shoes worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.
After investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 8).
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 to 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.
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.
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.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002) .