News and public affairs from across Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's Immigration Department and Tourism Industry Regulator arrested two people for providing illegal tour guide and photography services via social media. One defendant was jailed for 54 days. Authorities warned employers against hiring illegal workers, with penalties up to HK$500,000 and 10
Hong Kong's commerce chief outlined plans to boost trade, attract 1,200 firms by 2027, launch patent valuation support, and set up a textile task force. The moves aim to strengthen the city's role as a global trade and intellectual property hub amid geopolitical challenges.
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department have conducted joint raids across the city, seizing about 12,000 litres of untaxed petrol and 14,000 litres of diesel. Seven illegal fuel storage sites and five illegal petrol stations were busted, with nine people arrested.
Hong Kong's communications authority has upheld 10 complaints against a TVB Plus programme, issuing a strong advisory over inaccurate and potentially harmful health advice given by a doctor guest.
The Hong Kong Observatory said the typhoon season is expected to end this month with low risk of a direct hit, as sea temperatures drop and atmospheric conditions suppress storm formation. While 34 tropical cyclones have affected the region this year, well above average, local activity has been limi
Hong Kong's foreign currency reserves fell by US$9.8 billion in September, totalling US$433.0 billion, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The reserves now cover over five times the currency in circulation and about 35 per cent of Hong Kong dollar M3.
Four owners of units illegally converted into mini-storage in a Kwun Tin industrial building were fined a total of over HK$1.18 million for failing to comply with demolition and repair orders. The Buildings Department warned it will continue strict enforcement against those who ignore statutory orde
Hong Kong's Lands Department approved nine pre-sale consent applications for residential projects in the third quarter of 2026, including eight phased developments. One assignment consent was also granted for a Tai Po project involving 727 units. As of end-September, 34 pre-sale applications for 15,
Hong Kong police have seized a record 25kg of suspected etomidate powder, worth over HK$31 million, in a raid on a warehouse disguised as a logistics office. Two men were arrested. Authorities suspect the drugs were stockpiled for Halloween entertainment venues.
Hong Kong's government revealed a sharp rise in child suicide rates, with 15 deaths among those 15 or under in 2025, up from 0.9 to 2.9 per 100,000. Officials detailed cross-departmental efforts including a three-tier school emergency mechanism, curriculum reviews, and parental training to address y
Hong Kong's government outlined progress on its primary healthcare reform, reporting over 50% growth in registered GPs and 550% growth in dentists on the Primary Care Directory since 2022. Plans include expanding chronic disease schemes, integrating maternal services, and a pilot community pharmacy
Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will hold a public auction for 27 stalls at the 2027 Fong Ma Po New Year market on 21 October 2026. Dry-goods stalls carry a reserve price of HK$780, wet-goods stalls HK$770, and bidders must be Hong Kong residents aged 18 or over.
The new Huanggang Port has established a public transport buffer zone near the port for backup buses and minibuses to clear crowds during peak hours, the Transport Department announced. The redeveloped port will offer 24-hour services including seven franchised bus routes, six green minibus routes a
Hong Kong Finance Secretary Paul Chan said the economy grew 5.1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, the strongest half-year performance in five years. He expressed confidence in achieving the revised full-year growth forecast of 3.5% to 4.5%, citing strong exports and tourism.
Hong Kong Ombudsman Jack Chan presented commendation letters to six government departments for cross-departmental collaboration that cleared illegally built structures on government land in Woshan Hill, Sham Shui Po. The operation ended a decade-long problem involving unauthorised buildings and safe
National 15th Five-Year Plan targets rural revitalisation. Hong Kong business leaders say city can help develop rural industries and export to overseas markets.
The Hong Kong Wine and Food Festival will be held from 29 October to 1 November at the Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park. Organiser the Hong Kong Tourism Board expects 168,000 visitors across four days, with over 340 booths, 10 per cent more than last year.
The Hong Kong government told lawmakers it has no plan to review the New Territories small house (ding) policy, citing a 2021 Court of Final Appeal ruling. As of June 2026, 41,453 completion certificates had been issued, and 15,612 applications to lift resale restrictions were approved.
A construction worker in his 30s died after falling from height at a site in Tung Chung on Wednesday. Police received the report at 1.42pm. He was found unconscious on a second-floor platform and later died at North Lantau Hospital.
A 15-member slate from Hong Kong's sports, performing arts, culture and publication sector filed nominations for the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections, including newcomers Anna Chan and Lisa Hui. The team aims to boost cross-sector collaboration and deepen Greater Bay Area links.
Hong Kong's government outlines progress on Greater Bay Area Chinese medicine standards, including a second batch published in August 2026. Officials detail efforts to align local standards with national and international benchmarks, and address calls for professional registration of Chinese medicin
Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) saw a 6.2% return in the first three quarters of 2026, with the average member earning HK$20,287, according to consultant GUM. Asian equity funds led with 24.3% returns, while Hong Kong equity funds posted a 3.8% loss.
A school bus crashed into a concrete barrier in Tai Po on Wednesday, injuring nine children from Tai Po Baptist Public School. The accident happened at 8.27am on On Po Road. All injured students were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Hong Kong's telecom regulator has strengthened rules against phone scams, leading to a 50% drop in suspended numbers. Measures include AI monitoring, mandatory caller ID, and a new offence for SIM card misuse.
Hong Kong Observatory says an anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the South China Sea since late September will likely suppress deep convection, making direct tropical cyclone strikes on the city unlikely for the rest of October.
Hong Kong's Tourism Industry Regulatory Authority has conducted over 10,000 shop inspections, revoked three travel agent licences and four tour guide licences for forced shopping since 2022. It has also coordinated with mainland authorities to remove 15 low-price tour adverts and plans to expand spe
Hong Kong's electric taxi subsidy scheme has drawn 3,578 owners to accept grants by August, with 1,152 taxis licensed. However, 3,527 declined or did not respond, with Environment Secretary Tse Chin-wan attributing caution to economic shifts.
Hong Kong government proposes lowering the age for mandatory medical checks for commercial drivers from 70 to 65, with shorter licence validity for older drivers. The plan includes new assessment guidelines, use of eHealth system, and free health checks for those aged 65 and above. About 55,000 driv
Hong Kong's Housing Authority has installed electric vehicle charging facilities at over 170 car parks, covering about 80% of its car parks. A pilot scheme to introduce private operators for charging services is underway, with contracts expected this year. The authority plans to add more than 3,500
Hong Kong's anti-graft agency said it has launched education and publicity initiatives for the Election Committee by-election, and will work with other government departments to ensure a fair, open and honest vote free of illegal practices.
Hong Kong's government says existing regulations under the Payment and Settlement Systems Ordinance and other laws already govern new payment platforms, including buy-now-pay-later services. From January 2024 to September 2026, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority received 16 complaints about suspected
The Hong Kong government announced on 7 October 2026 that it will seek LegCo approval for pay adjustments for judges and judicial officers for the 2026-27 fiscal year, based on a report from the Judicial Officers Pay and Conditions of Service Commission.
The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions has nominated 46 candidates for the labour subsector of the Election Committee, including former lawmakers. The candidates represent a diverse range of industries and aim to support the implementation of Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan.
A fast-food stall at Victoria Park's Lunar New Year Fair was auctioned for HK$280,000 on Wednesday, a rise of more than 20 per cent from last year. Bidding opened in Lai Chi Kok with four fast-food pitches and 180 wet-goods stalls sold.
New Territories North lawmaker Yiu Ming calls for increasing minimum public housing space from 7 to 10 square metres per person in the Northern Territory, and incentivising larger private flats through land discounts.
Hong Kong lawmaker Li Ho-man calls for multi-year budgeting, flexible funding, and cross-departmental coordination to support the city's first five-year development plan, as announced by the city leader.
Hong Kong police arrested three men and one woman for allegedly defrauding three financial institutions of over HK$70 million in mortgage loans using fake payroll records and forged documents between 2021 and 2023.
Hong Kong Exchange aims to cut stock settlement from T+2 to T+1 by Q4 2027. Government says HKEX will provide transition support for small brokers and enhance investor education, while exploring fintech for settlement automation.
Hong Kong is integrating space science into school curricula, expanding student exchanges to mainland China space facilities, and planning a space museum in the Northern Territories to capitalise on national space achievements and foster future tech talent.
Hong Kong's four major procurement departments reported no violations of mandatory heatstroke prevention work plans by outsourced service contractors over the past three years. The government also detailed enforcement actions, scoring criteria, and plans to adjust wage and hour evaluation weights.
Hong Kong's Department of Health has intensified enforcement against unregistered pharmaceuticals, seizing over 1,600 unregistered injection products in September 2026 raids linked to alleged WT1 cancer vaccines. Three people were arrested, including a registered doctor, as authorities warn the publ
Hong Kong's Education Bureau reported 86 suspected student suicide cases from 2023/24 to 2025/26. The government is enhancing support services, including a three-tier emergency mechanism and better training for school professionals, to prevent further tragedies.
A residential site in Ho Man Tin sold for HK$4.308 billion, nearly 40 per cent above market estimates. A surveyor has raised his valuation for a Peak site by up to 42 per cent and for two Sha Tin plots by up to 60 per cent, citing a shift in the land market.
Hong Kong will add nearly 170km of public roads in the Northern Territory, with smart highway elements on major routes. The first phase, including a 7.4km section of Sun Tsuen Road, is expected by 2031. The government is also updating technical guidelines for smart road management.
Hong Kong lawmaker Kenneth Fok calls for expanding civil aviation partnerships beyond Belt and Road nations, while legislator Chan Pui-leung urges government action on talent shortages to develop specialist insurance for new industries.
Hong Kong's Transport Department details bus, minibus and taxi arrangements for the rebuilt Lok Ma Chau border checkpoint. Seven franchised bus routes, six minibus routes and five 24-hour cross-border minibus services will connect the new port with Hong Kong. Empty taxis must obtain a queue number a
Hong Kong customs seized about 780,000 suspected smuggled cigarettes worth HK$3.5 million in two separate operations on September 22 and 24, after taking over a probe from police. The cigarettes were disguised as legitimate car parts and destined for Australia, where tobacco taxes are higher.
Hong Kong's government told the legislature it does not separately track the 'retro economy's' contribution to GDP. It outlined existing support for businesses to leverage cultural heritage and intellectual property, including film-themed tours and brand-development funds, but announced no new polic
The Hong Kong government outlined measures to enhance Lei Yue Mun's tourism appeal, including a new public pier, AR features, and improved transport links. Despite a ferry trial ending due to low ridership, authorities are promoting the area through murals, heritage trails, and industry engagement.
Hong Kong's communications regulator launched a two-month public consultation on renewing radio broadcasting licences for Commercial Radio and Metro Radio, which expire on August 25, 2028. The regulator will assess past performance and gather public views before submitting recommendations to the Chi
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