Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Women’s Commission announced
Dr Eliza Chan Ching-har has been reappointed as the Chairperson of the WoC. Dr Chan took up the chairmanship of the WoC from January 2024. Under her leadership, the WoC has continued its dedicated efforts in advancing the development of women in Hong Kong and maintained close ties with women’s groups and relevant stakeholders in promoting the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong.
The five other reappointed members are Ms Ching Ngon-lai, Miss Juanita Mok Uen-ying, Dr So Wing-yee, Mr Adrian Tam Kin and Ms Vivian Tsui Sau-yin. The three new members are Ms Kou Kuen, Dr Anthony Lu Xiaofeng and Professor Helen Meng Mei-ling.
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointments and reappointments. She said, “The newly appointed and reappointed members come from diverse backgrounds and have rich experience in their professions and community services. I trust that they will give valuable advice to the Government on women’s development in Hong Kong.”
Miss Mak also thanked the three outgoing members, Professor Lui Yu-hon, Ms Winnie Ng Wing-mui and Dr Kitty Wu Kit-ying, for their contributions to the WoC over the years.
Since its establishment in 2001, the WoC has been committed to promoting the well-being and interests of women in Hong Kong and advising the Government on policies and initiatives on women’s affairs.
The membership of the WoC for the new term is as follows:
Non-official members
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Dr Eliza Chan Ching-har (Chairperson)
Ms Diana Cesar
Mrs Jennifer Cheng Yu Ngar-wing
Ms Ching Ngon-laiMs Rita Gurung
Miss Hotchandani Mamta Chandiram
Ms Jin Ling
Ms Kou Kuen
Ms Maisy Kung Mei-chi
Ms Lam Wai-ling
Ms Helen Lu Hai
Dr Anthony Lu Xiaofeng
Professor Helen Meng Mei-ling
Miss Juanita Mok Uen-ying
Mrs Katherine Ngan Ng Yu-ying
Ms Cindy Pun Siu-fung
Professor Sham Mai-har
Miss Siu Hoi-yan
Dr So Wing-yee
Mr Adrian Tam Kin
Ms Vivian Tsui Sau-yin
Ms Wong Hau-yan
Ms Vivian Wong Man-lei
Miss Waverly Yeung Yuk-mui—————————
Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs or representative (Vice-Chairperson)
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative
Issued at HKT 15:00
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FarmFest 2026 opens at Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FarmFest 2026 runs for three consecutive days from today (January 9) to January 11 at Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok to showcase a variety of local agricultural and fisheries products and other goods.
Jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Vegetable Marketing Organization and the Fish Marketing Organization (FMO), FarmFest is the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Hong Kong, where local producers can directly sell their products to consumers. Marking its 20th anniversary this year, FarmFest houses over 430 stalls, among which over 220 are selling local agricultural and fisheries products. There are also stalls selling local delicacies, organic and healthy food, and household goods.
LRC issues report on Cyber-Dependent Crimes and Jurisdictional Issues (with photo/video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission:
The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong (LRC) today (January 9) published a report on Cyber-Dependent Crimes and Jurisdictional Issues, recommending the introduction of a new piece of bespoke legislation on cybercrime to cover five types of cyber-dependent crimes, i.e. crimes that can be committed only through the use of information and communications technology devices, where such devices are both the tool for committing the crimes and the target of the crimes. The report represents the first part of the LRC’s study on cybercrime on which the LRC’s Cybercrime Sub-committee issued a consultation paper in July 2022.
Some of the main final recommendations in the report are:
(i) Unauthorised access to program or data without lawful authority should be a summary offence (Access Offence). The defendant’s knowledge that the access is unauthorised is one of the key mental elements of this offence. An aggravated form of the offence arises if the unauthorised access is accompanied by an intent to carry out further criminal activity. Apart from a general defence of reasonable excuse, specific defences are recommended to permit unauthorised access made for a range of specific purposes, including cybersecurity purposes, the protection of the interests of vulnerable persons (i.e. children under 16 and mentally incapacitated persons), as well as genuine educational, scientific and research purposes.
(vi) As the severity of the harm caused by cybercrime has a wide range, each of the five proposed cyber-dependent offences has two maximum sentences in general, one applicable to summary convictions (two years’ imprisonment) and the other to convictions on indictment (14 years’ imprisonment). An exception is the aggravated form of the Interference Offences involving a danger to life (e.g. interference with a railway signal system). The proposed maximum penalty for it is life imprisonment, which is consistent with that of the aggravated offence of criminal damage already prescribed under the current CO.
Reappointments to Deposit Protection Appeals Tribunal announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Reappointments to Deposit Protection Appeals Tribunal announced
Panel Members
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Ms Alice Yip Ka-ming
Mr Brian Chau
A Government spokesman said, “We have full confidence that, with their expertise and experience in the accounting and legal sectors, the appointees will continue to contribute to the effective operation of the Tribunal.”
The Tribunal is established under the Deposit Protection Scheme Ordinance to hear appeals from depositors or member banks of the Deposit Protection Scheme who are aggrieved by certain decisions made by the Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board or the Monetary Authority in relation to the Scheme.
The above appointments were gazetted today (January 9).
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Rates and Government rent due January 30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Demands for rates and/or Government rent for the quarter from January to March 2026 have been issued, and payment should be made by January 30, 2026.
Payment can be made:
(1) by using autopay, the Faster Payment System (FPS), PPS, Internet banking or bank automated teller machines (ATMs);
(2) by uploading an e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order via the Pay e-Cheque portal (www.payecheque.gov.hk);
(3) by sending a crossed cheque to the Treasury, PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong (mail with insufficient postage will be rejected); or
(4) in person at any post office or designated convenience store in Hong Kong (i.e. 7-Eleven, Circle K or U select). For the addresses and opening hours of post offices, please call the Hongkong Post enquiry hotline on 2921 2222 or visit its website (www.hongkongpost.hk).
If payers have not received the demands, they may obtain replacement demands or enquire as to the amount payable by (i) visiting the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD)’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk); (ii) calling 2152 0111; (iii) faxing 2152 0113; or (iv) visiting the RVD, 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
There will be no rates concession for this quarter. The total amount due is shown on the demand. Non-receipt or late receipt of the demand does not alter the requirement that the total amount due must be paid by January 30, 2026. A surcharge of 5 per cent will be imposed for late payment. A further surcharge of 10 per cent will be levied on the amount (including the 5 per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the last day for payment.
For payment by autopay, the rates and/or Government rent will be debited from payers’ bank accounts on January 30, 2026. Payers should ensure that there are sufficient funds in their bank accounts to meet the payments on that date until settlement.
To support environmental protection, payers are encouraged to utilise the RVD’s free eRVD Bill service to receive e-bills and make payments, and to settle bills by autopay or other means of e-payment (e.g. FPS, PPS, Internet banking, e-Cheque/e-Cashier Order or ATMs) to save queuing time. Application forms for autopay can be obtained by downloading from the RVD’s website, visiting the RVD, District Offices and banks or by calling 2152 0111.
EMSD announces test results of LPG quality in December 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
EMSD announces test results of LPG quality in December 2025
The detailed test results are available on the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/gas_safety/lpg_vehicle_scheme/publications/general/results_of_lpg_sample_analysis/index.html
In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.
Issued at HKT 10:40
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Regulations on concession for government fees and charges gazetted
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Regulations on concession for government fees and charges gazetted
A Government spokesman said, “These measures will be valid for one year, taking effect from January 15, 2026. The regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council on January 14, 2026 for negative vetting.”
The Government earlier through administrative means also waived fees for the first issue or renewal of licences and permits for hawkers and food businesses for a period of one year.
Details of all concession measures, including the estimated number of beneficiaries and the revenue forgone, are summarised in the Annex.
Issued at HKT 9:00
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CEDD commended by Ombudsman on slope safety work
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CEDD commended by Ombudsman on slope safety work
On preparedness, applying a risk-based approach under the LPMitP, the CEDD systematically selects government man-made slopes for upgrading works and natural hillside catchments for mitigation measures annually. Starting from 2025, the CEDD has been progressively increasing the annual targets under the LPMitP and optimising the slope selection mechanism to strengthen resilience of slopes to heavy rain. The CEDD will review the LPMitP’s targets and effectiveness in response to environmental changes, ensuring the LPMitP’s continued efficacy.
The CEDD plans to fully roll out the Smart Slope Catalogue this year, integrating records of mitigation works, maintenance, rainfall endured, and landslides to expand comprehensive monitoring and data management related to slopes. By applying artificial intelligence for big data analysis, the catalogue will improve the functionality and efficiency of slope safety management, thereby better preparing for extreme weather.
On early warning, the CEDD will fully commission the AI Landslip Warning System in the wet season of this year. The system integrates Hong Kong’s rainfall data and information in the Smart Slope Catalogue, and applies machine learning and big data analytics, to boost the accuracy of the predicted number of landslides during heavy rain, thereby enhancing the capability for landslide risk assessment and improving the reliability of the issuance of Landslip Warning.
On emergency response and recovery, the CEDD will stay abreast of the technological advancements in slope safety, and developing and introducing innovative technologies. This includes piloting applications of a smart unmanned drone management system on slope monitoring and emergency management to expand data collection and analytics capabilities. The CEDD will also continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant departments, such as sharing on common maintenance issues and assessment of the impact of heavy rain on slopes, with a view to enhancing slope safety and reducing landslide risk.
The Office noted that the landslide incident rate for government slopes is relatively higher and that there are cases of repeated occurrences. In fact, this is mainly related to the categorisation of slopes and their potential impact, reflecting the government’s risk-based approach to slope management. The man-made slopes maintained by the government are distributed over an extensive area, possess diversified nature, and have different levels of risks. These include slopes with relatively high, medium, and relatively low potential impacts, categorised mainly by the risk of loss of life in the event of a landslide. To ensure public safety, the government will prioritise landslide prevention works on slopes that pose a higher potential impact. Some of the government slopes that fall into medium or relatively low potential impact categories may not be accorded priority because of their relatively remote locations or a lower risk of loss of life. As such, those government slopes with medium and relatively low potential impacts may also experience landslides under a risk-controlled condition. On the contrary, private man-made slopes are more similar in nature. Most of them are close to private residences and would pose greater impact on the residents in the event of a landslide. They are generally categorised as having relatively high potential impact and receive a higher level of attention. This explains why the overall landslide incident rate for government slopes appears higher, and why landslides may occur repeatedly on some individual slopes with medium or relatively low potential impacts.
In fact, between 2020 and 2024, the annual landslide incident rates for both government and private man-made slopes remained below one per cent (ranging from 0.1 per cent to 0.6 per cent for government slopes and 0.03 per cent to 0.3 per cent for private slopes), which is a very low level. Overall, an average of about 214 incidents were recorded annually over the past decade (2015 to 2024), representing a decrease of nearly one-third compared to the average of about 300 incidents between 1989 and 2014. This reflects the notable results achieved through the ongoing prevention and mitigation efforts.
In response to the landslide incidents triggered by the extreme rainstorm in September 2023, the CEDD has completed a systematic review and study, putting forward a number of recommendations to optimise the LPMitP. New measures include expediting the progress of LPMitP and prioritising, under a risk-based approach, the risk management of man-made slopes located along sole vehicular accesses and those with a greater potential impact on the public’s daily lives. The CEDD thanks the Ombudsman for recognising in its report the department’s timely review and adjustment of the direction of the LPMitP, acknowledging that such an approach is proactive and effective in adapting to changing circumstances.
The CEDD will continue to closely monitor slope safety in Hong Kong and remains committed to enhancing slope safety management through collaboration, driving Hong Kong’s development as a resilient and livable world-class city.
Issued at HKT 23:22
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DH urges public to stay vigilant as summer influenza season concludes while winter influenza season approaches
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (January 8) announced that the summer influenza season has concluded. Seasonal influenza activity has continued to decline in the past few weeks and dropped below the baseline levels during the most recent week. However, influenza activity may rise again as the weather gradually turns colder. With the winter influenza season approaching, the CHP strongly urged those who have not yet received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), particularly high-risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, children and those with chronic illnesses. These groups should receive their SIV promptly to reduce the risk of severe illness and death from infection.
Summer influenza season concludes and winter influenza season approaches
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“Hong Kong entered the summer influenza season in early September last year. Seasonal influenza activity peaked in mid-to-late October last year and has since been gradually declining. The latest surveillance data shows that the percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses during the most recent week (December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026) was 4.08 per cent, while the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.23 cases per 10 000 population. As both indicators have dropped below the baseline levels (i.e. 4.94 per cent and 0.27 cases per 10 000 population respectively), the CHP confirmed that the summer influenza season has ended. Hong Kong entered the summer influenza season in September last year and it has lasted about four months. The summer influenza season started later than usual,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
“This summer influenza season has ended, meaning there was no overlap between the summer and winter influenza seasons. However, influenza activity may rise again as the weather gradually turns colder in the first quarter of this year and it cannot be ruled out that the circulating virus strains may change as the winter influenza season approaches. Therefore, I once again urge all individuals aged 6 months or older, except those with known contraindications, to act promptly if they have not yet received an SIV. This includes those who contracted influenza during the summer influenza season in order to guard against other circulating virus strains that may emerge during the upcoming winter influenza season. Furthermore, although there are some antigenic differences between the currently circulating influenza A (H3) virus strain and the virus strain contained in the vaccine, an SIV can still offer protection against the variant strain of subclade K, as well as the influenza A (H1) and influenza B strains included in the vaccine,” Dr Tsui said.
2025/26 SIV Programmes
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“Although the influenza activity has declined to below the baseline level at the moment, sporadic outbreaks caused by influenza viruses are still possible in schools and residential care homes. For children who did not join the SIV School Outreach Programme, parents should promptly bring their children to private doctors
Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu Express
New requirements for mandatory fitting and wearing of seat belts and placing of mobile telecommunications devices while driving to be implemented from January 25 (with photos/videos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government today (January 8) reminded members of the public that, starting from January 25, all public transport and commercial vehicles’ seated passengers must wear seat belts, and all drivers must not place more than two mobile telecommunications devices (MTDs) in front of them during driving, further enhancing road, passenger and driving safety.
All passenger’s seats in public and private buses, rear passenger’s seats in private light buses and goods vehicles (GVs), and driver’s seats and all passenger’s seats of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) must be equipped with seat belts in these vehicles first registered on or after January 25. Drivers and passengers occupying the seats of these vehicles (whether newly registered or not), where seat belts are fitted, are required to wear them. Studies show that wearing seat belts will reduce the risk of death and serious injury of drivers and passengers in head-on collisions by about 40 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.
Offending vehicle owners, drivers or passengers will be liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for up to three months. All passengers occupying seats shall be responsible for wearing seat belts. Among them, any driver who still drives with a passenger aged under 15 seated in the rear seat of a GV or the passenger’s seat of an SPV without wearing a seat belt will be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000.
The Government noted that the transport trades are ready for the new requirements. In franchised buses, all seats in newly procured buses have been equipped with seat belts. Together with existing double-deck buses retrofitted with seat belts on the upper-deck seats by operators under government subsidy, to date, around 3 500 buses are now equipped with seat belts, representing about 60 per cent of the entire fleet in Hong Kong.
In addition, from the same day onwards, any driver must not place more than two MTDs (i.e. mobile phones, tablet computers or laptop computers) in front of them during driving. The diagonal length of each screen must not exceed 19 centimetres. The MTDs must not obstruct the driver’s view of the road and traffic, as well as any mirror, device or camera-monitor fitted for viewing the roads. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000.
The Government has stepped up publicity and public education since November 2025. The Transport Department (TD) has strengthened collaboration with the Police, the Education Bureau, the Information Services Department, the Road Safety Council and the transport trades including public transport operators to introduce the legal requirements through websites, videos, media, social media, the “e-Bulletin for Parents” and publicity posters on traffic signal controllers across various districts. Franchised bus operators have also strengthened publicity and broadcast inside compartments and at bus stops to alert passengers to the new requirement of wearing seat belts.
Members of the public may refer to the TD’s webpage on the new requirements on seat belts (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/sb) and placing MTDs during driving (www.td.gov.hk/en/road_safety/mtd) or the Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline 2804 2600 for details.