Author Archives: hksar gov

Inspection of aquatic products imported from Japan

     In response to the Japanese Government’s plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
 
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is conducting comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
 
     From noon on June 20 to noon today (June 23), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 325 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the “aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt” category, in the past three days (including last Saturday and Sunday). No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS’s thematic website titled “Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan” (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
 
     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 150 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
 
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO’s website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24, 2023, to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 145 719 samples of food imported from Japan (including 95 747 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 33 292 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests. read more

Effective Exchange Rate Index

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, June 23, 2025 is 103.3 (up 0.2 against last Saturday’s index).

     â€‹The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, June 21, 2025 was 103.1 (down 0.1 against last Friday’s index). read more

Effective Exchange Rate Index

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, June 23, 2025 is 103.3 (up 0.2 against last Saturday’s index).

     â€‹The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, June 21, 2025 was 103.1 (down 0.1 against last Friday’s index). read more

HKMA and HKAB launch “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme”

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) today (June 23) jointly organised the launch ceremony for the “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” at Nga Yin Association Neighbourhood Elderly Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council to kick start the anti-scam publicity programme for the elderly in the second half of the year.

     The HKMA and the banking industry have been conducting anti-scam education and publicity through various channels. The “Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme” aims to enhance the anti-scam awareness of the elderly. Through visits to elderly centres across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the programme encourages the elderly to become anti-scam ambassadors and share scam prevention messages with their family and friends.

     At the launch ceremony, the HKMA introduced “Money Safe” and other anti-scam measures. With the support of the banking industry, 14 banks (see Annex) will implement interim “Money Safe” measures for the elderly and other customers (Note) by the end of June to provide extra protection to bank deposits. All retail banks will fully implement “Money Safe” by the end of this year.

     Two promotional videos themed after vintage Cantonese movies were debuted at the event. The videos deploy the mnemonic “Three Anti-Scam Tactics” – “Keep Calm, Give Nothing, Verify and Seek Help”, and remind the elderly that scams are often old tricks in new disguises.

     Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen said, “The HKMA attaches great importance to scam prevention work for the elderly. Through the ‘Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme’, we hope to reach out to the community and convey anti-scam messages to more seniors through the elderly ambassadors. We also encourage the elderly to make good use of ‘Money Safe’ and various anti-scam measures provided by banks to better protect themselves.”

     The Chairperson of the HKAB, Ms Mary Huen, said, “Strengthening consumer and investor protection is a top priority for the HKAB. The banking industry has been working closely with the HKMA on anti-fraud efforts and actively implementing measures to ensure the smooth launch of ‘Money Safe’. Earlier this year, we established a dedicated ‘Anti-Fraud Education Taskforce’ to co-ordinate diverse outreach activities and educational programmes targeting various vulnerable groups within the community. We expect over 100 relevant activities will be arranged throughout the year to comprehensively enhance public awareness of fraud prevention.”

Note: During the interim period, some banks only offer “Money Safe” to customers aged 65 or above and service details (such as applicable account types) may also vary among banks. Please contact individual banks for details. read more