Author Archives: hksar gov

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 22) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at Hong Kong International Airport, and seized about 2 kilograms of suspected cocaine and about 3kg of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.9 million. Two men were arrested.
      
     In the first case, a 25-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found 2kg of suspected cocaine inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
      
     In the second case, a 36-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, via from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found 3kg of suspected cannabis buds, two types of products containing suspected Part I poison and 38 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
      
     The arrested man in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, while the arrested man in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of dutiable goods, one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods and one count of possession of Part I poison. The two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 24).

     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.
      
     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part I of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
      
     Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     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).

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 23) announced the latest situation regarding dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF). Although Hong Kong has entered autumn, the weather has yet to cool down and there are occasional showers, which is favourable for mosquito breeding. Members of the public are reminded to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue fever
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     From October 16 to yesterday (October 22), the CHP recorded two imported DF cases. The patients had visited India and Bangladesh respectively during the incubation period.

     Hong Kong has recorded 36 DF cases so far this year, comprising 34 imported cases and two local cases. A total of 59 DF cases were recorded last year (2025), all of which were imported cases. In 2024, 161 DF cases were recorded, comprising 156 imported cases and five local cases.

     According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. In 2024, the WHO recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. In 2025, over five million cases and over 4 000 DF-related deaths were reported in over 90 countries/territories. From January to September 2026, around 2.5 million cases and over 1 500 DF-related deaths have been recorded globally.

      DF has long been prevalent in many neighbouring tourist destinations. So far this year, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam each recorded over 100 000 cases; Indonesia recorded over 80 000 cases; India and Malaysia each recorded over 70 000 cases; and Singapore recorded over 2 700 cases. Meanwhile, according to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, as of September, Guangdong Province has recorded 586 cases this year, of which 155 were recorded in September.

     Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website.

Chikungunya fever
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     From October 16 to yesterday, no new cases of CF had been recorded. Hong Kong has recorded seven confirmed CF cases so far this year, including six imported cases and one local case. Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases last year. Among them, 11 were local cases and the rest were imported cases.

     According to the WHO, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths were reported in 41 countries/territories last year. Cases were reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. According to the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, Guangdong Province has recorded 1 753 cases this year (as of September). Among them, 1 014 were recorded in September, a sharp increase compared to the number of cases recorded from July to August (171 to 496 cases).


Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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     The CHP reminds members of the public to maintain good environmental hygiene, and to take appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding, both in Hong Kong and when travelling to areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, in order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito-borne diseases such as DF and CF are endemic in various countries worldwide. The risk of importation persists. Members of the public should check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. Additionally, whether travelling or not, 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.

     ​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) 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. read more

     The Development Bureau (DEVB) announced today (October 23) that the first phase of streetscape beautification works for Lan Kwai Fong and streets nearby as announced in the 2025 Policy Address has completed by Halloween as scheduled. Starting from 7pm today (October 23), visitors can enjoy a brand new light art show and a mural created by local street artists in the beautified Lan Kwai Fong, immersing themselves in a unique Halloween atmosphere.
      
     A spokesperson for the DEVB said, “The smooth completion of the first phase of the Lan Kwai Fong beautification project was a result of public-private collaboration, in particular the strong support from the Lan Kwai Fong Association and the active participation of various government departments. These include the Architectural Services Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Highways Department, and the Planning Department. By utilising their own resources and going the extra mile, the departments have demonstrated an exemplary team spirit to serve the goal of benefiting the public, tourists, and business.”
      
     Blending innovative projection technology with lighting effects, the light art show will run from 7pm to 2am the next day on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Transforming the stone wall on D’Aguilar Street and the nearby road surface into a stage, the three-minute show, which creates interactive spatial and visual effects, will be played on a loop once every 10 minutes. The inaugural theme will be Halloween, with subsequent themes introduced for different festivals and events, offering visitors a continuous stream of fresh experiences and surprises.
      
     In addition, the Lan Kwai Fong Association has commissioned the street art team, “All in One”, to create a large-scale mural on the retaining wall adjacent to D’Aguilar Street. The 43-metre-long mural, with a theme of the transformation of Lan Kai Fong from the past to the present, extends from D’Aguilar Street to Wing Wah Lane. It is set to become a new photo spot in the area. A QR code will later be added to the mural. Visitors may use their mobile phones or smart devices to learn more about Lan Kwai Fong, a renowned round-the-clock entertainment hub.
      
     The Lan Kwai Fong Association will also host Halloween activities in Lan Kwai Fong on October 24 and 31. Members of the public and tourists can dress up in creative festive costumes and enjoy special art installations, such as the light art show and mural, immersing themselves in the vibrant festive experience of Lan Kwai Fong.
      
     The spokesperson said, “This is only the initial step of the upgrading of Lan Kwai Fong to ‘version 2.0’. The beautification works of the Lan Kwai Fong Public Refuse Collection Point, located next to the Lan Kwai Fong Sitting-out Area along Lan Kwai Fong trail, is also close to completion to better integrate with the surrounding urban design. We will also be gradually completing repaving works of the remaining roads in the core area of Lan Kwai Fong by mid-2027. Furthermore, the DEVB will commission a ‘community-making’ consultancy study in the first quarter of 2027 to prepare for the second phase of the beautification works. We look forward to the reinvention of Lan Kwai Fong upon the conclusion of the two phases, drawing in even more visitors.”
      
     Lan Kwai Fong has been an iconic dining and nightlife landmark in Hong Kong. The Government launched a beautification project in the area in phases with a view to enhancing the environment and attracting visitors. The first phase of the project involves resurfacing the pavement and roads in the core area of Lan Kwai Fong with distinctive patterns, creating a unique atmosphere and offering a different visual experience to the otherwise ordinary streetscape. The second phase covers nearby streets outside the core area of Lan Kwai Fong, including Wellington Street, Lyndhurst Terrace, and Pottinger Street. According to the preliminary plan, the second phase of the project will incorporate more design elements, including enhancing the facilities on Wo On Lane and the Lok Hing Lane Sitting-out Area, which can serve as an open-air theater; improving signages within the area and enhancing synergy with Pottinger Street in attracting visitors.
      
     Meanwhile, a large-scale installation has been launched at the junction of Connaught Road Central and Pedder Street in Central with the DEVB offering policy support and facilitating departmental approvals. The owners of the relevant commercial buildings have also funded the widening of a section of the pavement on Pedder Street to increase pedestrian accessibility. Both of these initiatives demonstrate the Government’s dedication in the renewal of Central to breathe new life into Hong Kong’s first-generation central business district while preserving its heritage as outlined in the 2026 Policy Address.

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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (October 23) released the latest grading of water quality for 39 gazetted beaches (see Note 1) and one non-gazetted beach (see Note 2).
 
     Twenty-eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and 12 as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:          

Big Wave Bay Beach*	Lo So Shing Beach
Cafeteria New Beach*	Lower Cheung Sha Beach
Cafeteria Old Beach	Pui O Beach*
Castle Peak Beach	Repulse Bay Beach*
Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach*	Shek O Beach*
Chung Hom Kok Beach	Silver Mine Bay Beach*
Clear Water Bay First Beach*	South Bay Beach*
Clear Water Bay Second Beach*	St. Stephen’s Beach*
Discovery Bay Tai Pak Beach	Stanley Main Beach*
Hap Mun Bay Beach*	Tai Po Lung Mei Beach*
Hung Shing Yeh Beach*	Tong Fuk Beach
Kadoorie Beach*	Trio Beach*
Kiu Tsui Beach	Turtle Cove Beach
Kwun Yam Beach	Upper Cheung Sha Beach

 
Grade 2 beaches are:

Anglers’ Beach*	Hoi Mei Wan Beach*
Approach Beach*	Lido Beach*
Butterfly Beach*	Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach*
Casam Beach*	Middle Bay Beach*
Deep Water Bay Beach*	Silverstrand Beach*
Golden Beach*	Ting Kau Beach*

 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Big Wave Bay Beach, Castle Peak Beach, Silver Mine Bay Beach and Turtle Cove Beach have been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1.
 
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
 
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a tropical cyclone or heavy rainfall.
 
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD’s dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast).
 
Note 1: Lifesaving services are provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at 29 gazetted beaches, marked with an asterisk (*) above, from September 1. For details, please refer to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Special Announcement (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/index.html).
 
Note 2: This refers to Discovery Bay Tai Pak Beach which has no lifesaving service. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Film Development Council (HKFDC):
      
     The local premieres of three films which have funding support from the Film Development Fund (FDF), namely “We Are Born Good”, “Afterpiece” and “Spare Queens”, will be held on October 27, November 3 and November 5 respectively, showcasing the creative achievements of emerging Hong Kong filmmakers and the effectiveness of the FDF in nurturing film talent.
      
     “We Are Born Good” is a winning film project in the Higher Education Institution Group of the 8th First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI) funded by the Government. Produced by Patricia Cheng and directed by Yeung Leung-chuen, who co-wrote the screenplay with Wong Wai-man (Thomas), the film stars Yeung Wai-lun, Chung Suet-ying, Kearen Pang, Lo Chun-yip, Ng Wing-sze and Amy Yan. The film tells the story of a feud between the main characters after they quarrelled over a take-away mix-up, and finally became each other’s lifeline. It was nominated for the Fei Mu Awards and the Youth Jury Awards at the “Hidden Dragon” section of the 10th Pingyao International Film Festival, among others; selected for the Discovery programme at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, where it held its world premiere; and also screened at various international film festivals including the 22nd Zurich Film Festival and the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival. The film will be theatrically released in Hong Kong on October 29.
      
     Another film funded by the Directors’ Succession Scheme (DSS) under the FDF, “Afterpiece”, is produced by Derek Yee, directed and written by Keane Wong, and stars Stephen Fung, Angela Yuen, Myolie Wu and Chrissie Chau. The film tells the story of a washed up theatre director who, hoping to reclaim his dignity, decides to write, direct and star in a new play but gradually loses himself between stage and reality. After opening the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, it was subsequently showcased in various overseas film festivals such as the 25th New York Asian Film Festival, the 45th Vancouver International Film Festival, the 10th Pingyao International Film Festival, and a number of film programmes under the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentations in Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. The film will be officially released in Hong Kong on November 12.
      
     “Spare Queens” is a winning film project in the Professional Group of the 7th FFFI, funded by the Government. Produced by Chan Hing-kai and O Sing-pui, directed by Tommy Tom, who also co-wrote with Lee Po-chi and Ching Lai, the film stars Stephy Tang, Chrissie Chau, Anson Kong, Adam Pak and Yoyo Tse. The film follows two retired female bowlers, former rivals, who reunite years later to team up on the lanes and face a new challenge. The film was screened at the 50th Hong Kong International Film Festival and the 46th Hawaii International Film Festival, and will be officially released in Hong Kong on November 26.
      
     The Chairman of the HKFDC, Dr Wilfred Wong, said that the three FDF-funded films are directed by first-time directors. They are unique and different in styles, with each having its special charms. “We Are Born Good” portrays the perseverance of Hong Kong people, and that the outstanding performances by the two main characters are expected to resonate strongly with audiences. “Afterpiece” skilfully intertwines the emotional conflicts in real life and on stage, creating immense tension with narrative twists and turns. “Spare Queens” is an inspiring story that encourages audiences to face adversity with a sporting spirit on the journey to success.
      
     For more information about the FFFI and the DSS, please visit the HKFDC’s website at www.fdc.gov.hk/en/applications_detail.php?id=2022042210252142851 and www.fdc.gov.hk/en/dss/index.html. read more