â€‹The Registered Contractors' Disciplinary Board (the Board) has completed disciplinary inquiries under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) on three fatal incidents at construction sites and decided that the Registered General Building Contractor (RGBC) concerned should be disciplined for having been convicted by the courts of offences relating to building works.

     The Board ordered the RGBC to be fined $1,088,000 in total. Also, the RGBC was ordered to pay $171,700 in total, being the costs of the Board and the Buildings Department (BD) for conducting the inquiries.

     The Board's written decisions and orders issued on May 9 were published in the Gazette today (May 23). Details are available at the following links: 

     Case 1: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252921/egn202529213024.pdf
     Case 2: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252921/egn202529213025.pdf
     Case 3: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252921/egn202529213026.pdf

     The first case involved a fatal incident that occurred on June 27, 2020, at a construction site at Kai Tak. At the topmost floor of a building under construction, a metal beam being installed fell from and struck a bamboo scaffold being erected below at the external wall of the building, causing a scaffolder to plunge to his death. The RGBC was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violation of the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance (FIUO) and the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (CSSR). The RGBC was convicted and fined $165,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on May 24, 2021.

     The second case involved a fatal incident that occurred on January 13, 2020, at a construction site in Quarry Bay. A crawler-mounted crane slewed during a lifting operation, causing a worker nearby to be trapped between the rear part of the crane and a metal railing. The worker sustained severe injuries and died the same day. The RGBC was prosecuted by the LD for violation of the FIUO and the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Lifting Appliances and Lifting Gear) Regulations. The RGBC was convicted and fined $62,000 at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on December 11, 2020.

     The third case involved a fatal incident that occurred on April 18, 2022, at a construction site at Kai Tak. A worker while working on the 11th floor of a building under construction was suspected to have fallen through a floor opening down to the ninth floor and died. The RGBC was prosecuted by the LD for violation of the FIUO and the CSSR. The RGBC was convicted and fined $130,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on June 5, 2023.

     In view of the convictions of the RGBC, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC under the provisions of section 13(1) of the BO.

     A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractor who is convicted by any court of an offence relating to building works, or has been negligent or has misconducted himself in building works, may be subject to disciplinary action under the BO.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (May 23) said that, to facilitate the holding of concerts at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on May 24 and 25 (hereunder referred to as event dates), special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to provide convenience for spectators to travel to and from the KTSP. Cross-boundary travellers are urged to plan their journeys early and those who plan to return to the Mainland using cross-boundary coach services should purchase tickets in advance.

     As the traffic in the vicinity of the KTSP is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport and avoid driving. There will be no private car pick-up/drop-off area (PUDOA) for public use at the KTSP during the event period.

     For public transport services, the TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during the dispersal period on the event dates. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line. Franchised bus companies will provide a total of 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port/Airport and major districts across the territory.

     In addition, the KTSP will arrange cross-boundary coach services during the dispersal period to facilitate travellers' return to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port. Passengers should purchase tickets in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal. They should refer to the operators' website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfans; CTG Bus: m.hkctgbus.com/#/layout/home) for the latest ticket information.

     For taxi services, the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be opened from 3pm to midnight for taxi pick-up/drop-off on the event dates. The waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators during dispersal and passengers' patience is appreciated.

     Of note, cross-boundary travellers should pay special attention that, according to the event organiser, this concert is expected to start and end slightly later than past events, and the last MTR train to Lo Wu Station via interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm respectively. Those who opt for railway services should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Travellers may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then the KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI, and transfer to the LMC-HG cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland. As a large number of travellers may use the LMC/HG Port after the concert, it is expected to be very busy and the clearance time will be longer. Temporary traffic arrangements will be implemented along roads to the LMC/HG Port when necessary to ensure the smooth operation of public transport services. The TD has steered operators to reserve standby vehicles and manpower to meet passengers' demand.

     Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the "Easy Leave" platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk), the "HKeMobility" mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.

     To prepare for the onboarding of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) schemes to the eMPF Platform, the Government published in the Gazette today (May 23) the following legal notices:
 
(i) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Specification of Dates for Purposes of Section 19M(2)(a)) (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025 (Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025); and
 
(ii) the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19U(4)) (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Y(3)) (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (Appointment of Dates for Purposes of Section 19Z(4)) (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025 (collectively Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 4) Notices 2025).
 
     The Mandatory Use (Amendment) (No. 4) Notice 2025 specifies August 1, 2025, and September 3, 2025, as "material day" for the BCT (MPF) Pro Choice administered by the Bank Consortium Trust Company Limited (BCT), and the AIA MPF – Prime Value Choice administered by the AIA Company (Trustee) Limited (AIA) respectively, such that BCT and AIA are mandated to use the eMPF Platform to perform scheme administration functions in relation to these MPF schemes. On cost savings and fee-setting of MPF schemes to be charged by MPF trustees on scheme members, the Fee Control (Amendment) (No. 4) Notices 2025 appoint November 1, 2025, and December 3, 2025, as "material day" for the constituent funds of the two MPF schemes mentioned above respectively, such that BCT and AIA are mandated to make corresponding reduction in their fees charged on scheme members in relation to the constituent funds of these MPF schemes.
 
     Relevant legal notices for the remaining MPF schemes will be published in the Gazette when the respective onboarding dates are ascertained having regard to the onboarding preparation status of the MPF trustees concerned.
 
     If scheme members/employers have any question regarding the detailed operation of the eMPF Platform, they may visit the Platform's official website (empf.org.hk), or call the Platform's customer service hotline (183 2622). Scheme members/employers may also visit the three eMPF service centres located on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and the New Territories.
 
     The aforementioned legal notices will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on May 28, 2025.

     The Lands Department announced today (May 23) that demand notes for Government rent in excess of $100 per annum for the half year ending June 24 in respect of properties subject to the Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 40) and certain other properties have been issued.

     Payers can settle Government rent through various electronic means, including autopay, bank automated teller machines, e-Cheque/e-Cashier's Order, the Faster Payment System, payment by phone service (PPS), and bill payment services provided by banks and PPS on the Internet. Payment may also be made in person and in cash or through the Easy Pay System at designated convenience stores. For details, please visit the Treasury's website at www.try.gov.hk.

     Payment may be made by sending a crossed cheque to PO Box No. 28000, Sham Shui Po Post Office, Hong Kong, or in person to any post office. Please ensure sufficient mailing time and postage to make the delivery in order. Underpaid mail will be rejected. For locations of post offices and their opening hours, please call Hongkong Post's enquiry hotline at 2921 2222 or visit its website at www.hongkongpost.hk.

     Government rent payers who have not received their demand notes should enquire at the Government Rent and Premium Unit of the Lands Department at 1/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, or call 2231 3033.

     Purchasers of properties are strongly advised to instruct their solicitors to ensure that Government rent has been paid to date at the time of purchase. Enquiries on outstanding accounts can be made at 2231 3033 or email to landsd@landsd.gov.hk. An enquiry fee is payable for each property if a written confirmation of accounts position is needed.

     The Government today (May 23) gazetted the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025, the Patents (General) (Amendment) Rules 2025, the Registered Designs (Amendment) Rules 2025 and the Trade Marks (Amendment) Rules 2025 to streamline the intellectual property (IP) litigation processes in the High Court and the proceedings before the statutory registries of the Intellectual Property Department (IPD).
 
     The three statutory registries of the IPD are responsible for registration matters of patents, registered designs and trade marks. The proceedings before and the operation of the registries are governed by the relevant IP subsidiary legislation. The amendments to the subsidiary legislation introduce provisions on the reference of proceedings to the court for determination, and enhance other proceedings before the registries and their operational arrangements.
 
     In addition, the Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2025 repeal the existing Orders 100 and 103 of the Rules of the High Court, substitute new Orders 100 and 103 and introduce a new Order 122. The new Orders respectively govern trade marks, patents and registered designs litigation processes in the Court of First Instance of the High Court, enabling more effective management and handling of cases by the High Court.
 
     "Establishing legal rights in IP through registration and enforcing such rights through litigation in court are essential elements of the IP system. The legislative amendments will further enhance Hong Kong's IP legal framework, aligning with the national strategies of building an IP powerhouse and developing new quality productive forces. The legislative exercise is also one of the policy measures under the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a regional IP trading centre," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said.
 
     The above amendments to the subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 28 for negative vetting. Subject to the completion of the necessary legislative process, they will come into effect on October 1 this year.