The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, will lead a delegation to Beijing tomorrow (October 16) to attend the World Conference on Traditional Medicine 2026 to be held for two consecutive days starting from October 17, fostering international exchanges and co-operation in the field of traditional medicine. 
      
     During his stay in Beijing, Professor Lo will also meet with senior officials of the National Health Commission, the National Medical Products Administration and the Beijing Municipal Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine to introduce to them the latest developments in various healthcare policies in Hong Kong.

     Members of the Hong Kong delegation include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and the Controller-designate for Medical Products Regulation, Mr Li Zili, as well as representatives of the Health Bureau, the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority. The Hospital Chief Executive of The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong, Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, will also join the delegation for the conference.
      
     Professor Lo will return to Hong Kong on October 18. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan, will be the Acting Secretary for Health.

     ​An owner was fined $100,000 yesterday (October 14) upon conviction at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on July 29 for failing to comply with a removal order and a repair order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123). 

     The case involved alteration of units into mini-storages in an industrial building on Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan. As the alteration and addition works were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), and they obstructed the means of escape and means of access for firefighting and rescue, contravening the Building (Planning) Regulations, a removal order and a repair order were served on the owner under section 24(1) and section 26 of the BO respectively. Failing to comply with the statutory orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (October 15), "Unauthorised alteration works causing obstruction to the means of escape and means of access for firefighting and rescue, or affecting the fire-resistant construction of a building may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders and repair orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders and repair 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. Moreover, failure to comply with a repair order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of level 5 ($50,000 at present) and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.

The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
 
     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the Link Hong Kong Open 2026 (October 22 to 25), the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2026 (October 30 to November 1) and the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2026 (October 31 to November 8).

     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (October 15), "We are very pleased to award 'M' Mark status to these three high-level international sports events. Covering golf, cricket, and tennis, these events will gather world-class players to compete for honours in Hong Kong. From the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground, to the exciting showdowns at the Victoria Park Centre Court, these major events fully demonstrate Hong Kong's outstanding capability in hosting diverse international competitions. These events will not only bring extraordinary spectating experiences to local residents and visiting tourists, but also further consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international sports event capital."

     The "M" Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The "M" Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong's image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
      
     For details of "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.

     ​The Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) issued letters today (October 15) to remind payers of rates and/or Government rent (payers) who have not yet returned the Requisition for Particulars of Tenements (requisition form) to return the completed form to the RVD immediately.

     An RVD spokesman said, "Whether their property is vacant, let or owner-occupied, payers should return the completed requisition form to the RVD within 21 calendar days from the date of issue."

     Payers can complete and submit an electronic form (Form e-R1A) by using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided on the RVD website. The website also provides answers to commonly asked questions on completing the form.

     The RVD issued about 390 000 requisition forms to payers in August to obtain occupation particulars, rents and tenancy details for different types of properties for use in the upcoming general revaluation to reflect the latest market rental level of properties.

     Under the Rating Ordinance or the Government Rent (Assessment and Collection) Ordinance, any person who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively and an additional fine equivalent to three times the amount of rates and/or Government rent undercharged.

     Payers are reminded to pay sufficient postage if they return the form by post to ensure timely postal delivery. Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the RVD.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (October 15) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach in Islands District; and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.