The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Bank of East Asia, Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

     The Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) today (March 12) discussed the fare increase application from Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT) and received a briefing from MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) on its work and progress in building a rail tech ecosystem.
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     The TAC Chairman, Professor Stephen Cheung, said, "Members noted that HKT is facing fierce competition from other public transport modes and its patronage has not yet recovered to the pre-pandemic level, while the non-farebox revenue could be quite volatile. At the same time, the operating costs of HKT have been rising and continuous capital expenditure is required to implement improvement projects.

     "In deliberating on the fare increase application, members have considered and balanced all relevant factors, including HKT's latest operation situation and financial forecast, improvement projects being implemented and public acceptability. Members also appreciate the Government's continuous effort in exploring other alternatives with HKT to ensure its financial sustainability."

     "Similar to other fare increase applications, the TAC will submit its advice to the Government on the fare increase application from HKT for consideration by the Chief Executive in Council," Professor Cheung added.

     In addition, members were briefed on the work and progress of MTRCL in building a rail tech ecosystem. MTRCL conducted a strategic review in 2020 and decided to introduce more innovative technologies in the corporation's businesses under the broad direction of "Transforming the Future" to enhance its operations and asset management. Through collaboration with the Government, research institutions, tertiary institutions, etc, MTRCL develops various innovative solutions to facilitate the development and application of such technologies in railway operations and constructions, thereby providing a better travel experience to passengers.

     Professor Cheung said, "Members support MTRCL's development and utilisation of innovative technologies. It not only enhances MTR services and passenger experience but also contributes to the smart city development in Hong Kong. Members also expressed appreciation to MTRCL for its active collaboration with various stakeholders and its effort in nurturing talent in the innovation and technology (I&T) field, which inject new impetus into the I&T ecosystem."

     â€‹A correctional officer stopped a 19-year-old male person in custody from committing suicide by hanging in Pik Uk Correctional Institution yesterday (March 11).

     At 9.08pm yesterday, a correctional officer found the person in custody attempting suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to the grille bars of his cell. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to rescue and provide first-aid treatment to him. The person in custody was found conscious at the time and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment.

     A clinical psychologist of the Department will follow up on the case.

     A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvements of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services."

     The person in custody was sentenced to undergo drug treatment at an addiction treatment centre for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug in November 2024.

     The finale of the 2025 Bun Carnival at Cheung Chau, the Bun Scrambling Competition, will be held on May 5. The registration procedures have been completed with limited entry quotas available, which has been announced today (March 12) on the SmartPLAY website (www.smartplay.lcsd.gov.hk/home), the mobile app (My SmartPLAY) and Smart Self-service Stations for open enrolment from 8.30am tomorrow (March 13) on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
     Physically fit persons aged 18 or above who are interested in the competition can enroll via the SmartPLAY website, the mobile app (My SmartPLAY) or Smart Self-service Stations on or before March 17. SmartPLAY users may also complete the enrolment procedures at District Leisure Services Offices or leisure venues with SmartPLAY booking offices.
 
     The final selection exercise, to be held on April 13, will consist of two rounds. Twenty-four contestants recording the shortest time in the preliminary round (including no fewer than six female participants) will be eligible to enter the semi-final on the same day to compete for 12 finalist places (including no fewer than three female participants). The 12 finalists will enter the Bun Scrambling Final to be held from 11.30pm on May 5 to 12.45am on May 6. Trophies will be awarded to the champion as well as the first and second runners-up in the men's division, and to the champion in the women's division. The contestant who bags the highest number of buns within the time limit will be the prize winner of "Full Pockets of Lucky Buns".
 
     To acknowledge the outstanding achievements of the winners and enhance the appeal of the event, any male or female athlete who has been the champion for three times in the Bun Scrambling Competition since 2016 will be the "King of Kings" or the "Queen of Queens" of the competition and be awarded a trophy.
 
     All selected applicants are required to complete the safety training sessions on bun tower climbing and prevention of falls on April 6 to be eligible for the competition. Details are provided in the prospectus available at the SmartPLAY website, the mobile app (My SmartPLAY) and the 2025 Bun Carnival dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/bun/index.html).
 
     The 2025 Bun Carnival is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Cheung Chau Bun Festival Committee and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Besides the Bun Scrambling Competition, the Bun Tower Climbing Team Relay will be held on April 27 morning. Local tertiary institutions, government departments, public utilities and commercial and industrial organisations will be invited to take part in the relay. Members of the public are welcome to watch the sport on-site and cheer for the contestants. At the Climbing Carnival to be held in the afternoon on the same day, there will be a bun tower climbing fun day, game stalls, handicraft-making activities and variety shows. A Wishing Bun Tower will also be set up and the winning entries of the Student Drawing Competitions will be displayed. Members of the public are welcome to attend the carnival.
    
     For enquiries, please contact the Islands District Leisure Services Office of the LCSD at 2852 3220, or visit the 2025 Bun Carnival dedicated website.