Tag Archives: China

     The Department of Health (DH) today (January 23) released the Report of Health Behaviour Survey (HBS) 2023, a survey report on major health-related behaviours and lifestyle practices of the general population in Hong Kong, and reminded the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and practices to reduce the risk of developing major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The Government will help the public to formulate a life-course approach health promotion strategy and draw up health management plans. Members of the public may visit the website of the Centre for Health Protection to access the Report.
 
     The survey was conducted between July and November 2023. More than 4 800 land-based non-institutional population of Hong Kong aged 15 or above were interviewed. The report revealed that the prevalence of unhealthy but modifiable lifestyle practices are common among the Hong Kong population. They are important risk factors for developing common NCDs. Specifically:
 

• Regarding physical activity participation, 14.8 per cent of the adult population aged 18 or above performed an insufficient level of physical activity (i.e did not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of doing at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or any equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity per week). A significant improvement in the prevalence of physical inactivity is observed when compared to the findings of the Population Health Survey (PHS) conducted in 2020-22 (24.8 per cent), which was possibly partly related to the resumption of normalcy from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

• Regarding fruit and vegetables intake, the vast majority of persons (97.0 per cent) had an inadequate intake (i.e. consumed less than 400 grams or five servings of fruit and vegetables per day as recommended by the WHO), similar to the findings of the PHS 2020-22 (97.9 per cent).

 

• Regarding alcohol consumption, the proportion of the population aged 15 or above who had engaged in binge drinking (i.e. consumed at least five cans of beer, five glasses of wine or five glasses of spirits on a single occasion) at least monthly increased from 2 per cent in PHS 2020-22 to 2.7 per cent in HBS 2023.

 

• Regarding preventive health practices, the proportion of persons aged 50 to 75 who were screened for colorectal cancer increased from 42.6 per cent in PHS 2020-22 to 46.2 per cent in HBS 2023, but the uptake of cervical screening among women aged 25 to 64 was 49.8 per cent, which was lower than that in PHS 2020-22 (52.1 per cent).

      
     The Government is committed to tackling non-communicable diseases and protecting the public’s health. “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” announced that the Government will formulate a life-course approach health promotion strategy having regard to Hong Kong’s demographic structure and the health needs of different social groups to improve public health, and draw up health management plans according to different age groups and health statuses. Meanwhile, the DH has been adopting a variety of strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, in schools, workplaces and the community. Regarding alcohol consumption, drinkers can use the DH’s electronic alcohol screening and brief intervention (e-SBI) tool to assess their own drinking risk and obtain brief health advice. The DH has also launched the Pilot Alcohol Cessation Counselling Service, which provides free counselling to people identified as having a probable alcohol dependence, through a subvented non-government organisation.
      
     The Primary Healthcare Commission is promoting the “life course preventive care plan” in District Health Centre (DHC)/DHC Express across the 18 districts. Through health risk assessment and pairing of family doctors, a personalised life course preventive care plan will be formulated. The DHC healthcare team and family doctors will collaborate to provide health education, advice and services on disease prevention according to personal risk factors such as age, gender and family history. As of November 2024, the DHC has over 330 000 members (provisional figures) who have received various services according to their individual needs. 
      
     “To prevent NCDs, members of the public should lead a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining sufficient physical activity, having a balanced diet, keeping a healthy body weight, not smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption. Eligible persons are also urged to join government-subsidised cancer screening programmes as soon as possible (including the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRCSP) and the Cervical Screening Programme (CSP). For more information, the public may visit the websites of the CRCSP and the CSP). One can also consult a doctor about the latest recommendations on cancer screenings and regular health assessments,” a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     For more information on a healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention, please visit the Change4Health website. read more

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 (January 23) that … read more

     â€‹The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his participation in activities at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 22, Davos time). He held bilateral meetings with government officials and business leaders from various countries to promote Hong Kong’s new advantages.

     Mr Chan participated in the Informal Gatherings of World Economic Leaders over lunch, where more than 70 political and business leaders discussed strategies to prevent a new, non-co-operative normal.

     Later, he met with Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Mr Chan emphasised that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and its relevant agencies value their participation in the WEF Annual Meetings. This platform offers an opportunity for Hong Kong to showcase its latest economic and social developments to global leaders, and the city’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle. He noted that such participation also enables Hong Kong representatives to better understand international trends, exchange views with various economic and sectoral representatives, and present Hong Kong’s perspectives. Mr Chan expressed Hong Kong’s willingness to strengthen co-operation with the WEF in different areas, including green transition, financial services development, urban management, and more.

     Mr Chan also met with the Minister of Finance of Qatar, Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and the State Secretary for International Finance, Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland, Ms Daniela Stoffel, respectively. They exchanged insights on the latest global economic and financial landscapes and discussed ways to enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and both economies in trade, financial services and infrastructure.

     Mr Chan also met with representatives from Coinbase, a United States cryptocurrency exchange platform, to learn about the company’s latest business development. They exchanged views on global trends and regulatory policies concerning digital assets. Mr Chan also met with senior management from Swiss Re, where he outlined Hong Kong’s initiatives to strengthen its role as an international risk management centre, including the development of innovative products such as catastrophe bonds. He emphasised that Hong Kong would continue to encourage businesses worldwide engaged in infrastructure and investment projects to leverage the city for comprehensive risk management; and Hong Kong seeks to attract more domestic and international companies to establish captive insurance companies in the city.

     Mr Chan will continue his itinerary in Switzerland today (January 23, Davos time).

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     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (January 21) detected three cases involving possession and trafficking of suspected etomidate (the main ingredient of “space oil drug”), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, and suspected dangerous drugs by outgoing passengers at the Lo Wu Control Point, the West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) and the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. A total of four suspected “space oil drug” capsules, one vape stick containing suspected “space oil drug”, 1.4 grams of suspected ketamine and 12.63 grams of suspected cocaine were seized.
           
     The first case involved a local male passenger, aged 40, who went to the Mainland via the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday. During customs clearance, two suspected “space oil drug” capsules were found in his briefcase and 1.4g of suspected ketamine was found inside the underpants the man was wearing. He was subsequently arrested.
           
     The second case involved a 23-year-old Mainland female passenger. The woman departed for the Mainland via the West Kowloon Station of the XRL yesterday. During customs clearance, one vape stick containing suspected “space oil drug” was found. She was then arrested.

     The third case involved a local female passenger, aged 31, who went to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point yesterday. During customs clearance, two suspected “space oil drug” capsules and 12.63g of suspected cocaine were found in her handbag and underwear. She was then arrested.
        
     The man in the first case has been released on bail pending further investigation. The arrested woman of the second case has been charged with one count of possession of Part 1 Poison and the case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (January 23). The arrested woman of the third case has been charged with one count of possession of Part 1 Poison and one count of trafficking in a dangerous drugs and the case will be brought up at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow.
           
     Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 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 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, any person who possesses any dangerous drug commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for seven years. Any person who traffics any dangerous drug commits an offence and the maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour report 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 Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (January 22) chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to holistically co-ordinate and steer the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and representatives from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and other relevant government departments also attended.

     Mr Chan said, “We estimate a notable increase in visitor arrivals during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will make good preparation for receiving visitors, including diligently co-ordinating the ancillary arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs) and transportation, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to prepare well for crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and BCPs, with a view to ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering high-quality experience to them.”

Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work

     According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 8.67 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland (i.e. from January 28 to February 4), among which 7.34 million passengers will pass through land control points.

     The peak period of outbound and inbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be January 31 (Friday, the third day of Lunar New Year) and February 2 (Sunday, the fifth day of Lunar New Year), with around 567 000 passengers and 640 000 passengers respectively. The ImmD estimates that the number of outbound passengers will be relatively higher on January 30 (Thursday, the second day of Lunar New Year) and January 31 (Friday, the third day of Lunar New Year); whilst the number of inbound passengers will be relatively higher in the afternoon of February 2 (Sunday, the fifth day of Lunar New Year). The estimated waiting time during the period will be relatively longer. Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the website of the ImmD at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application. They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. 

     In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that around 1.43 million passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the eight-day Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. Compared with last year’s National Day Golden Week of the Mainland and Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average visitor arrivals will increase by 3 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. According to the estimate of the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) and the trade, it is anticipated that 2 000 inbound tour groups will visit Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, representing a notable increase as compared with last year’s National Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the estimated increase of people flow. The Hong Kong community is expected to become more vibrant and highly patronised during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, bringing opportunities to various sectors.

     There will be a rich array of celebratory activities across the territory during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. Major events include the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade on January 29 (Lunar New Year’s Day) and the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on January 30 (the second day of Lunar New Year). The Hong Kong Police Force will ensure sufficient police manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary for all celebrations to be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. District offices will also closely monitor the flow of visitors within their respective districts and notify relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances with a view to strengthening management of the relevant spots.

Co-ordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities

     The HKSAR Government has given due consideration to the relevant circumstances, including the schedule and arrangement of mega events during the Chinese New Year holiday this year, as well as the experience of extending the operating hours of individual BCPs during last Chinese New Year, and decided, in discussion with relevant Mainland authorities, to maintain the existing operating hours of the BCPs during this year’s Chinese New Year holiday. The Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port will maintain a 24-hour operation as usual. The HKSAR Government appeals to visitors to plan ahead for their itineraries, and stay overnight after participating in various local celebratory activities for the Chinese New Year to fully enjoy the rich and diverse celebratory activities to be held across various districts in the city and experience Hong Kong’s unique city charm.

     Relevant departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible deployment of manpower and operation of additional counters and channels, with a view to diverting passenger and vehicular flow. The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Police, the ImmD, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments will be activated from January 28 (Tuesday) to February 4 (Tuesday) to monitor the real-time situation at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions as necessary to flexibly deploy manpower at BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points.

     For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) will enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), and issuing additional cross-boundary coach quotas to enhance services; as well as formulating a contingency plan by establishing a dedicated passage at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Port, when necessary, to ensure the smooth operation of public transport services. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Among them, the MTR Corporation Limited will enhance train services of various railway lines during the period between January 24 (Friday) and February 4 (Tuesday) for the convenience of residents and visitors. On January 28 (Tuesday, Lunar New Year’s Eve), all local railway lines will operate overnight (except for the East Rail Line between Sheung Shui Station and Lo Wu Station or Lok Ma Chau Station, Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line). Furthermore, in the early hours from January 29 (Wednesday, Lunar New Year’s Day) to January 31 (Friday, the third day of Lunar New Year), after the service hours of the East Rail Line trains to Lo Wu Station, special enhanced bus service (KMB Route No. N73) will be provided at the MTR Sheung Shui Station to carry passengers to interchange to the Yellow Bus for their journey to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock. The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will adopt timely measures to cope with the service demand, and will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. 

Management of tour groups and protection of visitors

     The TIA has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival times as far as possible, and will co-ordinate with relevant agencies such as tourist spots to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of visitor flows and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. The TIA will also conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors’ rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against the illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hire. The C&ED will also step up inspection of shops serving visitors so as to combat unfair trade practices. 

Weather forecast

     It is anticipated that Hong Kong will be mainly affected by the winter monsoon during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. It will be fine and dry with cold weather on January 28 (Tuesday, Lunar New Year’s Eve). Temperatures will still be relatively low in the morning and at night in the following one to two days (Lunar New Year’s Day and the second day of Lunar New Year). The weather will become cloudier gradually and remain cool on the second day of Lunar New Year and the following few days. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Hong Kong Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest change in weather.

Information dissemination

     To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the interdepartmental working group will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, information on celebratory events, transport arrangements etc, to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.

     The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has also launched the ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, a dedicated webpage on the HKTB’s website that serves as a one-stop platform for Chinese New Year celebrations. This webpage consolidates various useful information for the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, details of various unique celebratory events, special discount and promotional activities around the Chinese New Year Golden Week, so as to facilitate residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The HKTB has also stepped up promotion on the Mainland to promote large-scale events with Hong Kong’s characteristics and explore the unique cultural and tourism experiences in Hong Kong, with a view to boosting spending of more Mainland visitors in Hong Kong and enhancing visitors’ experience.

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