Special traffic and transport arrangements for No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 27) said that, due to the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in the vicinity. Members of the public are urged to stay alert to the latest traffic news before travelling, plan ahead their journeys and reserve sufficient travelling time.

     A number of road sections in the affected area remained closed and motorists should opt for other roads. The TD anticipates that the traffic on Tai Po Road, Tolo Highway, Fanling Highway and roads in Tai Po town centre may be busier. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected area.

     As for public transport, 39 daytime franchised bus routes travelling the closed road sections will be affected and diverted. The public should refer to the bus companies’ website or mobile application for the latest information on the routes, and use railway services as far as possible.

     Franchised bus operators will deploy staff to major bus stops to assist affected passengers and maintain the on-site order. Standby vehicles and manpower have been reserved to meet passenger demand. MTR will enhance the frequency of the East Rail Line trains during the morning peak hours and deploy additional manpower to assist passengers at stations.

     A spokesman for the TD said that, under the co-ordination of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, the TD has been working in concert with departments concerned to closely monitor the fire’s impact on traffic and transport. The TD has been steering operators to gear up for response and service arrangements, with a view to minimising the impact to passengers’ commute.

     The operation of the TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre has been escalated and it will continue to operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic and public transport conditions in the district. The Area Traffic Control Centre will adjust the timing of on-street traffic signals as needed to alleviate traffic congestion.

     The public should heed the latest traffic news through radio and TV broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) and the HKeMobility mobile application before their journeys.

FS to shorten visit to Italy and return to Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, who is currently visiting Milan, Italy, will shorten his overseas trip and return to Hong Kong earlier than scheduled in light of the No. 5 alarm fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

Mr Chan arrived in Milan yesterday (Milan time, November 26) evening after concluding his visit to London, the United Kingdom. He was originally scheduled to attend the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium and the “Hong Kong Dinner” organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council today (Milan time, November 27), where he would meet with local business leaders and corporate representatives. He was due to return to Hong Kong tomorrow (November 28). Mr Chan will now depart Milan this morning after attending the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium, and is expected to arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning.

Before arriving in Milan, Mr Chan continued his official programme in London yesterday (London time, November 26). In the morning, he met with UK-based fund managers and senior executives of financial institutions participating in “London Tech Week: AI in Finance”.

He later attended a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association, during which he delivered a keynote speech outlining how Hong Kong is leveraging innovation and technology to drive economic transformation and build sustainable long-term growth momentum.

Two co-owners fined nearly $120,000 for not complying with removal order

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two co-owners were convicted and fined $118,200 in total, of which $112,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (November 26) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved three roller shutters at the front/rear doors and the removal of the protected lobby and wall separating the premises from the carpark of an industrial building at Shing Wan Road, Sha Tin. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owners were prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (November 27), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

SWD announces support measures related to No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) expressed deep sorrow and sadness over the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po yesterday (November 26). The department is making all-out efforts in manpower deployment and resources allocation to provide appropriate support to residents of the district.
 
An SWD spokesman said that the department had deployed social workers, clinical psychologists and professional support teams to all temporary shelters and interdepartmental help desk at hospitals to provide assistance based on the welfare needs of the affected residents. Medical social workers of public hospitals are also providing emotional support to the injured and related families. Residents in need in the district are appealed to seek assistance from social workers or professionals at the temporary shelters.

As affected by the fire and obstructed traffic, multiple secondary schools and primary schools in Tai Po suspended classes today (November 27). The SWD had already requested all Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres and Youth Centre in Tai Po to open and operate the whole day for provision of sufficient care services to parents who are not able to take care of their children. Relevant information of the service centres is listed at the annex.

​The SWD will continue to liaise with other government departments to provide all appropriate assistance for the affected residents.

ExCo Non-official Members express profound sadness over No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

     The Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) expressed profound sadness at the multiple deaths and injuries, including the passing of a fireman on duty, caused by the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po yesterday (November 26). They extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed their hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. The ExCo Non-official Members fully support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s work in emergency relief, supporting those affected and following up on the incident, and understand that various government departments and units are striving to alleviate the impact of the fire. They also expressed gratitude towards President Xi Jinping for his care about this incident.

HKMA and banking industry fully assist residents affected by fire in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) express profound grief over the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po yesterday (November 26) and extend the deepest condolences to the deceased, injured and the families affected. The HKMA and the HKAB are maintaining close communication to ensure that the banking industry can provide as much support as possible to those impacted by the incident.
 
     The HKMA and the HKAB have called on the banking industry to exercise discretion and provide flexibility to assist those affected – for example, by helping them access liquid funds, prioritising and expediting the process of banking document replacement, offering repayment grace periods and waivers of penalties and service charges, and increasing manpower in Tai Po branches to ensure timely support for the affected residents in the district.
 
     The HKMA and the HKAB will continue to closely monitor the development of the situation and co-ordinate with the industry to address the affected families’ needs for urgent banking services and liquidity.

Tender for re-opening of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on December 3

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (November 27) that a tender of 15-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 15-year Government Bond issue 15GB3912001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
 
An additional amount of HK$0.5 billion of the outstanding 15-year Bonds (issue no. 15GB3912001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on December 5, 2039, and will carry interest at the rate of 3.75 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on November 27, 2025, are 105.73 with an annualised yield of 3.265 per cent.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number : 15GB3912001
Stock Code : 4287 (HKGB 3.75 3912)
Tender Date and Time : Wednesday, December 3, 2025
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, December 4, 2025
Amount on Offer : HK$0.5 billion
Maturity : 15 years
Remaining maturity : Approximately 14.01 years
Maturity Date : Monday, December 5, 2039
Interest Rate : 3.75 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates : 5 June and 5 December in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender : Competitive tender
Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (December 4, 2025) for the tender amount is HK$934.93 per minimum denomination of HK$50,000.

(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HK$50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HK$50,000 due to rounding). 

Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited
: The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 15GB3912001 (Stock code: 4287) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on December 3

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (November 27) that a tender of 5-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 5-year Government Bond issue 05GB3005002 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
 
An additional amount of HK$2.0 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB3005002) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on May 15, 2030 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.70 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on November 27, 2025 are 101.36 with an annualised yield of 2.392 per cent.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.
 
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number : 05GB3005002
Stock Code : 4293 (HKGB 2.70 3005)
Tender Date and Time : Wednesday, December 3, 2025
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, December 4, 2025
Amount on Offer : HK$2.0 billion
Maturity : 5 years
Remaining maturity : Approximately 4.45 years
Maturity Date : Wednesday, May 15, 2030
Interest Rate : 2.70 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates : May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender : Competitive tender
Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (December 4, 2025) for the tender amount is HK$62.88 per minimum denomination of HK$50,000.

(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HK$50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HK$50,000 due to rounding). 

Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited
: The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 05GB3005002 (Stock code: 4293) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

Primary Healthcare Commission sets up medical stations at temporary shelters to support residents affected by fire incident in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) announced today (November 27) that medical stations have been set up at all temporary shelters opened in response to the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to provide immediate medical and pharmaceutical support to residents in need.
 
     The PHC Commission has set up medical stations at all temporary shelters by 9am today. Residents with medical needs may seek assistance from healthcare personnel at the medical stations. The medical stations provide appropriate medical assistance for residents in need from 8am to 8pm daily, including basic medical assessment and referral service, treatment of mild injuries, prescribing drugs (including necessary medication refills based on medical history), and psychological support, with a view to assisting in managing non-emergency medical needs.
 
     The 24-hour “18111 – Mental Health Support Hotline” also stepped up its manpower immediately yesterday (November 26) to assist members of the public who may need emotional support due to the incident.
 
     To promptly respond to the needs of the residents at temporary shelters, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority have deployed multiple medical support teams to temporary shelters in the early hours today to provide on-site preliminary medical assessment and support for residents. To continuously provide medical care for affected residents, the PHC Commission co-ordinated professionals from the public and private medical sectors, including over 250 doctors and over 250 other healthcare professionals from the private sector, to participate in setting up the medical stations.
 
     The PHC Commission expressed gratitude to District Health Centres, the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, the Faculty of Medicine and the Medical Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians, the Hong Kong Medical Association, the Jockey Club PHARM+ Community Medication Service Network, private hospitals and the private medical sector for their efforts in providing support to affected residents.