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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A local man and an incoming female passenger were sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and 14 weeks’ imprisonment respectively at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (August 29) for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old local man who was pulling a batch of cargo with a pallet truck for inspection at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok on February 24. A total of 329 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a market value of about $1.3 million and a duty potential of about $1.1 million, were seized from 33 carton boxes of the consignment. He was subsequently arrested. The man was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 52-year-old incoming female passenger at the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point on August 12 and seized 1 981 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a market value of about $8,900 and a duty potential of about $6,500, from the thermal bags in her possession. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to 14 weeks’ imprisonment for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes today.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (August 29) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized over 30 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $7 million. Two men were arrested.

The cases involved two male passengers, aged 51 and 36, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found over 20kg and 10kg of suspected cannabis buds in their check-in suitcases respectively. The two batches of suspected cannabis buds were concealed by vacuum-sealed bags. The two men were subsequently arrested.

After an investigation, the two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and the cases will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 30).

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. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Macao (Preparatory Office in Macao) today (August 29) jointly held a press conference themed “Forge ahead in 100 days, pursue dreams in the GBA” in Guangzhou to welcome the 100-day countdown to the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.
           
     Deputy Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Vice Chairperson of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Chen Xuejun; the Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung; the Head of the Preparatory Office in Macao, Mr Pun Weng-kun; and deputy head of the technology task force of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Xia Qifeng, addressed the conference, providing updates on the  preparation progress in their respective competition regions. The uniforms, medals, sports pictograms and icons, etc, of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG were also showcased at the press conference.
           
     With tomorrow (August 30) marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Chen said that 9,735 athletes with disabilities and coaches have confirmed their participation, making this the largest-ever edition of the NGD and NSOG. The co-hosting of the events by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao pioneers new pathways for cross-regional collaboration in supporting persons with disabilities. He added that 13 test events have already been organised for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with 22 more to be held and the official theme song to be released later.
           
     Mr Pun said that to ensure thorough preparations, the Macao competition region completed the operational test for the badminton event of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in mid-August in accordance with the standards of the official event, providing valuable experience for the official event. Macao will also conduct comprehensive accessibility inspections to ensure all preliminary preparations are in place.
           
     Speaking at the press conference, Mr Yeung said that to streamline various preparatory work, the Hong Kong competition region, in collaboration with relevant sports associations and organisations, conducted pre-event drills between March and June this year for events to be held in Hong Kong. These drills covered competition operational flows, functional zoning, barrier-free facilities, medical services, volunteer arrangements, etc. He also mentioned that Hong Kong will host the para dance sport (mass participation event) for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG on September 6 and 7, with around 100 athletes expected to participate.
           
     Mr Yeung added that the HKSAR Government has considerably increased the resources for the development of disability sports in recent years, enhancing the athlete training ladder and support measures to attract more persons with disabilities to pursue careers as athletes. Hong Kong’s athletes with disabilities have achieved outstanding results in international competitions in recent years, garnering attention from various sectors of society and businesses, which has further promoted the allocation of resources for the development of sports for persons with disabilities.
           
     Tickets for the three events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG to be held in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis (TT11 class), are planned for sale in batches in early October, in accordance with the competition schedules. For the mass participation event of para dance sport, and Special Olympics table tennis, free admission will be offered through prior real-name registration. The para dance sport competition will take place from September 6 and 7 at Ma On Shan Sports Centre. Interested spectators may register online through real-name registration for free tickets starting today. For details, please visit the website: h5.ctshk.com/ticketDetail?id=3300001499&channelId=-1&poiId=16613353.
           
     For more information on the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Belt and Road Office (BRO) and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (August 29) to enhance information exchange in relation to the fields of infrastructure and construction, and for MISA to provide support to related professional services in Hong Kong to access the Saudi Arabian market.

     Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, the MOU was signed by the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, and the Assistant Deputy for Services Sectors of the MISA, Mr Fahad M Alhashem.

     “I led a high-level Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to Saudi Arabia in 2023, strengthening the foundation for the long-term development of Hong Kong businesses in the Middle East region. This MOU marks another significant milestone in the collaboration between the two sides under the Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), especially as it is the first of its kind signed between Hong Kong and an overseas economy in this area of co-operation. As a leading international hub for finance, shipping and trade that is fast-rising as an international innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Our professional services, ranging from finance, technology and architecture to engineering and legal services, could contribute significantly to the development of signature projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond. I am confident that this MOU will further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two economies,” Mr Lee said.

     Under the MOU, the MISA would provide information on infrastructure and construction projects to Hong Kong and seek to overcome obstacles that Hong Kong companies may face in accessing the Saudi Arabian market, while BRO would share information on Hong Kong’s professional services with the MISA, with a view to utilising each other’s platform for investment promotion, tendering and fundraising.

     Apart from signing the MOU, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which aims to protect, enhance and open investment and helps strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows for boosting closer economic relations between the two places.

 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mr Kesson Lee, and member of the Action Committee Against Narcotics Dr Rizwan Ullah visited Masjid Ismail in Tung Chung today (August 29) to promote and share anti-drug information with the Muslim community.  

During the visit, Mr Lee and Dr Ullah met with the Director of United Welfare Union Hong Kong, Mr Mohammad Ilyas. Mr Lee briefed Mr Ilyas on the latest drug situation and the Government’s efforts in legislation, enforcement and publicity against drugs. To promote anti-drug messages, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CROSS Centre also set up an information booth and distributed anti-drug souvenirs and leaflets to worshippers at Masjid Ismail. The Centre is one of 11 Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers in Hong Kong that provide treatment and rehabilitation services to drug abusers as well as anti-drug information to the community.

Mr Lee said, “The Government attaches great importance to combating drugs. With the ever-changing drug scene such as the rise of etomidate, the Government needs to devise targeted publicity campaigns, as well as stepping up enforcement. To make this happen, we need the participation of local residents from different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. We are grateful that the Muslim community has always been supportive. In this regard, the sharing of experience by Mr Ilyas today has been most insightful and valuable.”  

Dr Ullah said, “The non-Chinese speaking communities are eager to take part in anti-drug promotion and reach out to young people to educate them about the harms of drugs. The visit today shows that the Government has always embraced opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds in enhancing community awareness of drug abuse.”

The Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau will continue to work closely with different communities and ethnic groups to strengthen the public’s resolve against drugs. Selected publicity materials are available in six languages commonly used by ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, and interested parties may obtain them from the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/ethnic_minority.html) to display for free.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The 31st Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme Award Presentation Ceremony, co-organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC), was held today (August 29) to commend construction contractors, site supervising teams, project leaders, frontline supervisors and workers with outstanding safety performances. Over 400 public and private construction sites participated in the Scheme this year.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, reiterated the three virtues of “wisdom, humanity, and courage” from the Analects of Confucius, which had previously been illustrated by the Secretary for Development, to promote site safety by embracing technology, demonstrating care, and being willing to take on responsibilities. He also stressed the clear and firm stance of the Government regarding site safety, giving it top priority as it is a shared responsibility for everyone. He called on the industry to cultivate a good site safety culture and to enhance awareness that all site staff should fulfil their responsibilities and play their roles. He said that the industry should adopt innovative technologies alongside traditional safety management measures to address the current challenges of site safety.
 
Also officiating at the ceremony, the Chairman of the CIC, Professor Thomas Ho, said that the construction industry shoulders the crucial mission of promoting the “spirit of craftsmanship”. He encouraged the industry to promote the culture of considerate construction sites and a culture of care, where workers support and look out for one another. Practitioners should also uphold professional ethics, pursue excellence in quality of work, develop good working practices and fulfil their safety responsibilities.
 
Awards were presented to a total of 66 construction sites this year and the list of awardees of the Scheme is available on the website of Construction Safety Week (www.safetyweek.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau held a joint press conference in Guangzhou today ahead of the beginning of a 100-day countdown tomorrow to the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG).

The press conference also provided updates on the progress of preparations in respective competition regions, besides showcasing the uniforms, medals, sports pictograms and icons of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG and Vice Chairperson of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG Chen Xuejun said 9,735 individuals, comprising athletes with disabilities and coaches, have confirmed their participation, making this the largest ever edition of the NGD and NSOG.

Mr Chen added that 13 test events have already been organised for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with 22 more to be held and the official theme song also yet to be released.

Head of the Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, 12th NGD & 9th NSOG in Macao Pun Weng-kun revealed that the Macau competition region had completed an operational test for the badminton event in mid-August, in accordance with official event standards.

Mr Pun said Macau will also conduct comprehensive accessibility inspections to ensure all preliminary preparations are in place.

National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Head Yeung Tak-keung reported that the Hong Kong competition region, in collaboration with relevant sports associations and organisations, conducted pre-event drills between March and June this year for events to be held in Hong Kong.

These drills covered operational flows, functional zoning, barrier-free facilities, medical services and volunteer arrangements.

Tickets for the three events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG due to be held in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis (TT11 class), are planned for sale in batches in early October, in accordance with the competition schedules.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih today witnessed the Belt & Road Office (BRO) and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Belt & Road collaboration.

The MoU was signed by Commissioner for Belt & Road Nicholas Ho and Assistant Deputy for Services Sectors of the MISA Fahad M Alhashem.

Under the agreement, the MISA will provide information to Hong Kong regarding infrastructure and construction projects and seek to overcome obstacles that Hong Kong companies may face in accessing the Saudi Arabian market.

Meanwhile, the BRO will share information on Hong Kong’s professional services with the MISA, with a view to both sides utilising each other’s platforms for investment promotion, tendering and fundraising.

Mr Lee said the MoU marks another significant milestone in collaboration between the two sides under the Belt & Road Initiative, especially as it is the first of its kind signed between Hong Kong and an overseas economy in this area of co-operation.

“As a leading international hub for finance, shipping and trade that is fast rising as an international innovation and technology centre, Hong Kong is well positioned to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

“Our professional services, ranging from finance, technology and architecture to engineering and legal services, could contribute significantly to the development of signature projects in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Mr Lee added that he is confident that the MoU will further strengthen bilateral ties between the two economies.

Besides signing the MoU, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are negotiating an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, which aims to protect, enhance and open investment, strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows between the two places.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today visited three veterans in Hong Kong to offer their respects, with this year marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Mr Chan was joined by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) Liu Guangyuan, while LOCPG Secretary General Wang Songmiao accompanied Miss Mak.

Mr Chan said the veterans had shown unwavering determination during the war, sparing no effort, fighting as one against the enemy and dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to defending the country. He added that they demonstrated to the world a profound patriotic sentiment, and that their heroic deeds and patriotism command the highest respect, with their stories serving as vivid lessons in patriotic education.

He also highlighted that in order to deepen and broaden the public’s understanding of the historical significance of victory in the war, and to strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been organising various forms of commemorative and educational activities, and co-ordinating local organisations in doing the same.

The Chief Secreatary called for support from members of the public, in particular young people, in terms of participating in the activities, in order to remember history, honour martyrs, cherish peace, create a great future and pay tribute to the veterans.

Miss Mak said the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau will continue to work alongside district organisations to hold commemorative activities, allowing the public and young people to have a thorough understanding of the War of Resistance, learn from history, cherish peace and foster their sense of patriotism.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department today announced that it has imposed an administrative sanction on a catering company for displacing local workers with imported workers, thereby violating the requirements of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme.

With effect from August 27, the department has withdrawn approvals-in-principle for the importation of workers granted to Top One Dance Club & Chinese Cuisine O/B Top One Dance Club under the scheme.

In addition, the department will not process any applications to import workers submitted by the company for a period of two years.

At a media session today, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the sanction is a combination of two measures to ensure that the Government sends a very strong signal to employers that they must comply with the scheme’s rules and requirements.

After receiving a complaint about the company, the Labour Department conducted an investigation and heard the employer’s explanation. It has come to the view that the complaint is substantiated by facts.

Mr Sun added that the Government will look into suggestions as to the exact terms of initiative sanctions in its coming review, including whether or not the maximum ban should be kept at two years, or lengthened to maintain its power in enforcing the requirements.