MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (December 1), the CHP has recorded one new local case of chikungunya fever (CF).

Latest case information
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     The case involves a 59-year-old female living in Tung Chung. A preliminary investigation revealed that she developed a fever and joint pain on November 28. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital yesterday (November 30) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. She is currently in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. 

     The preliminary investigation also revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case is classified as local. She is a staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) who participated in a mosquito control operation near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 24 (within her incubation period). She reported being bitten by mosquitoes during the operation. Other than that, the CHP found no overlap between her activities during the incubation period and the locations visited by earlier confirmed cases. The CHP considered that the patient most likely contracted the infection through mosquito bites while working near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on that day, and that there is an epidemiological linkage between this case and the two recent local cases in Tsing Yi.

The patient participated in the mosquito control operation with approximately 40 staff near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 24. She has three household contacts. Currently, all individuals are asymptomatic. The CHP will provide them with medical surveillance and health advice. Laboratory testing will be arranged if necessary.

Hong Kong has recorded a total of 75 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, seven were local cases, and the rest were imported cases. 

Government’s comprehensive follow-up actions
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Regarding the recent imported and local cases residing in Tsing Yi, the CHP initiated immediate epidemiological investigations upon notification and notified the FEHD of the patients’ activity locations for mosquito control operations. As some confirmed cases have reportedly been bitten by mosquitoes while hiking along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails, the CHP considers the trails to be a higher-risk area. As a precautionary measure, since November 23, the CHP has urged individuals who have recently visited the Tsing Yi North area or hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the CHP’s enquiry hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates daily from 9am to 8pm. The CHP received enquiries from two individuals with mild symptoms and has arranged blood tests for them. Both blood samples tested negative for the chikungunya virus.
 
Last week, the CHP also informed approximately 130 primary care doctors in Kwai Tsing District through the Primary Healthcare Commission, urging them to closely monitor whether their patients present with compatible symptoms and arrange blood tests for those concerned. The CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing services. All relevant government departments have strengthened mosquito vector control measures for all imported cases and conducted active case tracing in the district. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
 
Specifically targeting confirmed cases who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the FEHD has been conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the hiking trails. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could bring stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. Pamphlets have been also distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations. The FEHD has earlier requested the relevant departments to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. The FEHD also held meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to coordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.

Furthermore, the FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     â€‹The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In view of the relocation of more residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po to the emergency accommodation for residents by the Government in the youth hostels/camps or hotel rooms through the co-ordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, as well as the transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or units of the Hong Kong Housing Society, the Tai Po District Office today (December 1) announced that the operation of temporary shelter had been further adjusted.

The Tai Po District Office will continue to operate a temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre and open for residents in need.

While for the other temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, it will no longer accept new users, but will remain in operation until the existing users at this shelter have relocated to the arranged emergency accommodation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government today (December 1) begins to provide tokens of solidarity of $200,000 and funeral grants of $50,000 to the families of the deceased from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The first batch involves 18 cases of the deceased. At the same time, the Government is gradually providing a living allowance of $50,000 to each of the 20 cases in the first batch.

     A Government spokesman said that in addition to the aforementioned tokens of solidarity, funeral grants, living allowances, and the previously disbursed emergency cash subsidy of $10,000, the Government will provide the following special subsidies:

 (1) Injury grant
An injury grant will be provided to all injured persons from the fire, since the injured may lose part of their income during hospitalisation and have immediate living needs after discharge. Calculated from the date of admission, $100,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for seven days or more, and $50,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for six days or less. It will be disbursed through the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” mechanism.

(2) Student grant
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be granted to students living at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po for them to repurchase textbooks, stationery, computers, and other learning tools, or for transportation expenses between temporary accommodations and schools. The subsidy covers those studying in day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools and kindergartens, as well as those studying full-time in locally accredited courses at post-secondary institutions. The subsidy will be distributed to the students through the day schools.

(3) Subsidy for workers
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be offered to construction workers, cleaning workers, and security guards working at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to cover their loss of income due to employment stoppage or their need to repurchase business equipment. It will be followed up by the Labour Department.

 (4) Subsidy for foreign domestic helpers
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be provided to foreign domestic helpers employed at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. They may not have support from family or relatives in Hong Kong, and their personal belongings may already be completely destroyed by the blaze, or their employers may have tragically passed away. It will be followed up by the Labour Department.

     For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po established by the Government, the donations received have reached $1.3 billion. In addition to the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund’s total has reached around $1.6 billion. The fund will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today began to provide tokens of solidarity of $200,000 and funeral grants of $50,000 to the families of the deceased from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with the first batch involving 18 cases, and is concurrently providing a $50,000 living allowance to each of the 20 cases in the first batch.

In addition to the tokens of solidarity, funeral grants, living allowances, and the previously disbursed emergency cash subsidy of $10,000, the Government will provide four categories of special subsidies as follows.

An injury grant will be provided to all the injured from the fire, since they may lose part of their income during hospitalisation and have immediate living needs after discharge.

Calculated from the date of admission, $100,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for seven days or more, and $50,000 to those who stay in hospital for six days or less. It will be disbursed via the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” mechanism.

Secondly, a special subsidy of $20,000 will be granted to students living at Wang Fuk Court to repurchase textbooks, stationery, computers and other learning tools or for transportation expenses between temporary accommodations and schools.

The subsidy covers those studying in day schools, including secondary and primary schools, special schools and kindergartens, as well as those studying full-time in locally accredited courses at post-secondary institutions. It will be distributed through the day schools.

Thirdly, a $20,000 subsidy will be offered to construction workers, cleaning workers, and security guards working at Wang Fuk Court to cover their loss of income due to employment stoppage or their need to repurchase business equipment. The subsidy will be followed up by the Labour Department.

Finally, a $20,000 subsidy will be provided to foreign domestic helpers employed at Wang Fuk Court, to be followed up by the Labour Department. They may not have support from family or relatives in Hong Kong, and their personal belongings may have been completely destroyed by the blaze or their employers tragically passed away.

For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po established by the Government, the donations received have reached $1.3 billion.

In addition to the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund’s total has reached around $1.6 billion. It will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In view of the relocation of more residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po to the emergency accommodation for residents by the Government, the Tai Po District Office today announced the operation of a temporary shelter has been further adjusted.

The office will continue to operate a temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre and open for residents in need.

The other temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall will no longer accept new users, but will remain in operation until the existing users at this shelter have relocated to the arranged emergency accommodation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong Legal Week 2025 commenced today, attracting representatives from international organisations and the legal industry, renowned experts, government officials and academics from around the world to participate in person and online.

Themed “Linking Laws, Bridging Worlds”, the event provides an opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as the integration of lawtech and Artificial Intelligence, the development of international law and alternative dispute resolution, as well as collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Before the start of the Legal Week activities, all participants observed a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the Tai Po fire.

The 6th UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit – Judicial Conference was held as the opening event of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week, with around 50 judges from over 25 jurisdictions attending in person, and judges from other jurisdictions participating online.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has a strong legal foundation and international connectivity and is dedicated to serving as a “super connector” and a capacity building hub to facilitate the legal and economic collaboration across the region and beyond.

This year’s summit coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

The Department of Justice has specially released the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy Anniversary Booklet 2024-2025, reviewing the achievements and milestones of the academy in promoting international legal exchange and capacity building over the past year. 

Click here for details of the event.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau announced today that medical fee waivers and various support measures will be provided to residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

All individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services, including drugs and medical devices, throughout the entire process of their treatment and rehabilitation.

Additionally, all residents – foreign domestic helpers included – of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, including Wang Chi House which was not directly affected by the fire incident, will be eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31, 2026. 

The waivers cover in-patient services, family medicine and specialist out-patient clinics (SOPCs) services including psychiatry SOPCs, accident and emergency services, day hospitals, day procedures, community services and Chinese Medicine Clinics and Training & Research Centres under the authority.

Residents should provide basic personal information, including name, identity card number and residential address, to identify themselves as Wang Fuk Court residents during consultations to facilitate the processing of relevant arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health will put in place similar fee waiver arrangements to give comprehensive support for the medical needs of residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department said today that according to a preliminary investigation, five construction workers, including three men and two women, of a contractor, passed away in the recent No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po.

The department is deeply saddened by the passing of the workers and extends its condolences to their families. It also wishes the injured workers a speedy recovery.

At the same time, the department is highly concerned about the fire incident and is conducting a joint investigation with other departments.

It stressed that all contractors in Hong Kong must pay attention to fire risks on construction sites. Specifically, they must particularly enhance the fire safety of scaffolding, ensuring that relevant materials comply with fire safety standards, and that safety measures such as clearing up debris from scaffolding and strictly prohibiting any person from smoking on the sites are strengthened.

If an employee unfortunately sustains an injury or dies at work, the employer will be liable to pay compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.

The department has been proactively reaching out to the employers concerned, injured employees and family members of the deceased employees to provide assistance, and is closely following up on the cases. It will also assist the family members in applying for emergency relief funds and refer them to the Social Welfare Department for support services.

For enquiries on employees’ compensation, call 2150 6364 (for injury cases) or 2852 3994 (for fatality cases).

Source: Government of Western Samoa

By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

{TAFUNA, AM. SAMOA. 28th November 2025]- Star Kist’s Samoa canneries initiative to build two new housing facilities to provide accommodations’ for Samoa’s guests workers working at the cannery is applauded and highly commended by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Star Kist Samoa, is the single highest employer in the territory with 2,400 workers on her payroll. And 70% are Samoa citizens citizens hired as Guest Workers for the canneries in a government initiative to accommodate the cannery’s high manpower demands.

The guest worker program is exclusive for Samoan citizens only.

In American Samoa this week as guests of honor attrending the dedication of the new Legislative Building, the 2 new modern home for the territory’s Legislative Assembly, Star Kist President Injoo Ha and senior executives paid a courtesy call on Samoa’s leader and his delegation this morning.

In commending Star Kist, the Prime Minister acknowledged the valuable contribution by Star Kist to provide employment opportunities which is one of the highest remittances source injected into Samoa’s economy.

And as leader of the new Government, he assures President Ha that he is committed to strengthening the partnership but with the same token ensure that the rights of Samoan citizens hired as guest workers are respected and not abused.

He said lodging and accommodation for Samoan guests workers with families and relatives is a social issue which has impacted the program and he wants Government to play a leading role.

To that end, he has invited Star Kist President for a more detail meeting next January with himself and a Minister of his Cabinet to be named to brainstorm on ideas, suggestions on a way forward.

At the upcoming meeting, the Prime Minister is asking Star Kist to submit a report on their challenges, weakness and how the Samoa Government can facilitate to ensure that Star Kist Samoa’s business interest are dealt with to their benefit of both the company and the Government of Samoa.

“As the leader of the new Government, I can assure you that we are open-minded, open to negotiate and we want to be part of the solution not the problem,” he added.

For Government, the planned new Consulate Office In American Samoa, said the Prime Minister is the beginning of a new chapter in the two Samoas history. From there, Government will join Star Kist initiative to provide housing for guest workers in the territory by building more accommodations’ for the Samoan guest workers.

Government has a one acre-property in Tafuna where the new Consulate Office will be headquartered.

“Government is willing to listen and our Consular Fata Brian Kaio living here is available for further discussions before our meeting in January,” the Prime Minister concluded.

December 1, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Health Bureau announced today (December 1) that medical fee waivers and various support measures will be provided to residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

     All individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) will receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services (including drugs and medical devices) through the entire process of their treatment and rehabilitation.

     In addition, all residents (including foreign domestic helpers) of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including Wang Chi House which was not directly affected by the fire incident) will be eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31, 2026. The waivers cover in-patient services, family medicine and specialist out-patient clinics (SOPCs) services (including psychiatry SOPCs), accident and emergency services, day hospitals, day procedures, community services and Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres under the HA. They may identify themselves as Wang Fuk Court residents to the HA during consultations and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) to facilitate the processing of relevant arrangements.

     The Department of Health will also put in place similar fee waiver arrangements, with a view to more comprehensively supporting the medical needs of residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court.

     The Government will continue to spare no effort in providing treatment and care for the injured.