https://www.scmp.com/rss/510254/feed Harvey joined the Post in 2021. He graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a double major in Journalism and Politics and Public Administration. Prior to joining the Post, he was a freelance multimedia journalist, stringing with news outlets such as the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and others. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong may introduce pilot schemes for booking campsites before the National Day holiday in October, as authorities revealed that 32 people were prosecuted for offences in Sai Kung’s country parks over the Chinese New Year holiday. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that most of those prosecuted were non-locals charged with littering. Authorities had earlier said they were considering implementing a booking system and charging fees for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3347018/hong-kong-test-new-campsite-booking-system-amid-overcrowding-litter-concerns?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:54:53 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s conservation authorities captured and put down eight wild boars in Wong Tai Sin on Tuesday following a report from residents. Police said staff from the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) tranquillised the animals – two large boars and six smaller ones – before removing them. The force received a report at 10.07am of several wild boars near Chuk Yuen (North) Estate in Wong Tai Sin, and officers were dispatched to assess the situation. The AFCD said it had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346868/8-wild-boars-captured-hong-kongs-wong-tai-sin-neighbourhood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346868/8-wild-boars-captured-hong-kongs-wong-tai-sin-neighbourhood?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 08:00:13 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) aims to recruit 50 officers during its latest round of hiring, with about 1,000 people attending its learning event this weekend. Paul Lau Chi-ho, the director of the ICAC’s Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, said the watchdog was confident it could fill the vacancies and did not plan to follow other disciplined services in easing recruitment criteria. Lau was speaking on Saturday, the first day of the agency’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346595/hong-kongs-anti-corruption-agency-seeks-50-new-officers-refuses-ease-criteria?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346595/hong-kongs-anti-corruption-agency-seeks-50-new-officers-refuses-ease-criteria?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 08:20:57 +0000 Lam Ka-sing,Harvey Kong Lam Ka-sing,Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities are coordinating with airlines to increase direct flight and transfer capacity, turning the challenges posed by the US-Israel war on Iran into opportunities, the transport minister has said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Saturday that the ongoing Middle East turmoil had deeply disrupted global trade and aviation networks, underscoring the need for Hong Kong to reduce its reliance on traditional oil by expanding supply sources. “We can... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346588/hong-kong-boost-direct-flights-transfer-capacity-amid-middle-east-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346588/hong-kong-boost-direct-flights-transfer-capacity-amid-middle-east-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:51:32 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Illegal operators in Hong Kong have been converting vehicles into mobile refuelling points and posing risks to public safety, according to authorities, as they reported a 42 per cent jump in the average number of monthly complaints about illicit refuelling activities. The Environment and Ecology Bureau also said on Friday it would meet with local fuel suppliers to ensure they were being transparent about pricing, while the Competition Commission expressed concerns over prices to four petrol... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346460/jump-illegal-refuelling-complaints-hong-kong-grapples-rising-oil-prices?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3346460/jump-illegal-refuelling-complaints-hong-kong-grapples-rising-oil-prices?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:54:50 +0000 Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Conglomerate Swire Pacific has sold part of its stake in Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.8 billion (US$230.8 million) to raise working capital. In a rare move, the group revealed on Friday that it had sold 153.05 million shares at HK$11.74 each the previous day. This was a 9.6 per cent discount to the last traded price on Thursday of HK$12.99 per share. Swire is the latest shareholder to reduce its stake in Cathay, following a sale by Air China in January for HK$1.32... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:40:00 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong In the first of a two-part series on AI in Hong Kong, Harvey Kong reports on the plight of young people worried about their future as firms use the tech for lower-level jobs and experts warn of a ‘broken talent chain’. Trina Lau spent nearly three months looking for work after she was laid off from an e-commerce firm in Hong Kong in December. It was the 23-year-old’s first job after graduating with a communications degree last year. The position only lasted for six months. She sent out more than... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346409/i-cant-get-job-and-ai-blame-young-persons-lament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346409/i-cant-get-job-and-ai-blame-young-persons-lament?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:01:01 +0000 Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm HK Express will double their fuel surcharges next week, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East. The city’s flag carrier said on Thursday the increase would apply to tickets issued on March 18 or later. “The price of jet fuel has approximately doubled since March amid the latest developments in the Middle East,” Cathay said, citing the surge as the reason for the higher... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:49:40 +0000 Harvey Kong,Theodora Yu,Oscar Liu Harvey Kong,Theodora Yu,Oscar Liu Hong Kong customs officers have intercepted more cross-border vehicles suspected of smuggling petrol into the city as fuel prices surge amid the war in the Middle East. Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat said some vehicles had even increased the capacity of their fuel tanks to carry more petrol for supplying illegal filling stations. “In the past few weeks, we have uncovered many such cases including private cars that had enlarged their fuel tank capacity and made other... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346170/hong-kong-customs-seizes-more-fuel-smuggling-trucks-iran-war-lifts-prices?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346170/hong-kong-customs-seizes-more-fuel-smuggling-trucks-iran-war-lifts-prices?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 03:28:47 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong transport authorities have proposed adjusting single-journey fares for six ferry routes from April 1, the first revision in nearly three years, with some journeys to rise by 12.5 per cent, while certain high-speed trips will become cheaper. In a document submitted to the Islands District Council, the Transport Department said its fare adjustment proposal struck a balance between residents’ travel needs and the ferries’ financial viability. Under the proposal, fares for one-way trips... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345817/hong-kong-authorities-propose-ferry-fare-adjustments-keep-operators-afloat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3345817/hong-kong-authorities-propose-ferry-fare-adjustments-keep-operators-afloat?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:18:39 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has suspended an academic who reportedly pleaded guilty to posing as a schoolboy to photograph pupils at an elite boys’ school in Australia. Australian media reported that Johnny Li Siu-hang, a professor at CUHK’s business school, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly dressing in the uniform of the Sydney institution to mingle with pupils and take photos of them. A CUHK spokeswoman said on Friday evening that the university was aware of the incident... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345795/cuhk-professor-suspended-posing-schoolboy-take-photos-pupils-australia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345795/cuhk-professor-suspended-posing-schoolboy-take-photos-pupils-australia?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 06:40:52 +0000 Jess Ma,Harvey Kong,Emily Hung Jess Ma,Harvey Kong,Emily Hung Hong Kong police have arrested three construction workers on suspicion of stealing HK$90,000 (US$11,510) worth of gold jewellery from a flat at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court where they were carrying out structural reinforcement in the aftermath of the deadly fire last November. The government said on Friday night that it would review measures to strengthen the protection of residents’ property, hours after angry fire victims demanded it step up security at the site and allow them to return home sooner... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345743/3-workers-arrested-over-theft-wang-fuk-court-hk90000-jewellery-seized?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345743/3-workers-arrested-over-theft-wang-fuk-court-hk90000-jewellery-seized?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:18:36 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong police have arrested three men in connection with a HK$10 million (US$1.28 million) knifepoint robbery in Sheung Wan, the latest in a string of such cases targeting people exchanging foreign currency. Superintendent Lo Ka-chun said on Friday that officers had earlier received a tip-off that a criminal syndicate would attempt a robbery, prompting police to set up an ambush at about 9am that day. “This morning, the two victims had taken about HK$10 million in foreign currency to a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345730/hong-kong-police-arrest-3-linked-hk10-million-knifepoint-robbery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345730/hong-kong-police-arrest-3-linked-hk10-million-knifepoint-robbery?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:27:07 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Rising gold prices amid the Middle East war have boosted trade in the precious metal in Hong Kong, with residents lining up to sell valuables for cash and retailers reporting that twice as many people are buying bars and pellets. Spot gold stood at US$5,165 per ounce on Thursday, below January’s peak of US$5,594.82, but still near historic high levels as US-Israel strikes in Iran stoked safe-haven demand. The conflict has spread rapidly across the Middle East, drawing in Iranian-backed militias... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345624/more-dim-sum-more-films-hong-kong-residents-cash-war-triggers-gold-rush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345624/more-dim-sum-more-films-hong-kong-residents-cash-war-triggers-gold-rush?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong About 10 exhibitors and an Iranian buying mission have missed the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show due to disruptions caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, while some Middle Eastern participants are bracing for weaker sales amid the conflict. The event, which opened on Wednesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is being held alongside the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show at AsiaWorld-Expo. The two shows feature about 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345437/middle-east-exhibitors-hong-kong-jewellery-fair-rue-poorer-sales-attendance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345437/middle-east-exhibitors-hong-kong-jewellery-fair-rue-poorer-sales-attendance?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:55:12 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong A subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings has accused Panamanian authorities of undermining due process by making an “unnotified intrusion” at a facility storing materials related to ongoing legal proceedings. The Panama Ports Company (PPC) on Friday accused the country’s government of creating a crisis, calling the “illegal takeover” of two port facilities at the Panama Canal a failure to comply with “constitutional, contractual and international obligations”. The former... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344983/ck-hutchison-subsidiary-slams-panama-over-unnotified-intrusion-storage-site?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3344983/ck-hutchison-subsidiary-slams-panama-over-unnotified-intrusion-storage-site?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 11:29:00 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong A wild boar was euthanised in Hong Kong hours after it roamed inside an MTR station and a housing estate on Friday, injuring five people who were either knocked down, bitten or had attempted to capture the animal. Police said they received multiple reports of sightings of the boar at Wu Kai Sha station and the Lake Silver housing complex at 5.08pm. A woman, 68, was reportedly bitten by the animal, police said. Two men and another woman, aged 45 to 87, were knocked down. They were taken to Prince... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344905/3-injured-hong-kong-after-wild-boar-wanders-residential-area?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344905/3-injured-hong-kong-after-wild-boar-wanders-residential-area?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:12:11 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Less than half of Hong Kong employees feel happy at work, a survey has found, ranking the city’s workplace happiness the lowest among eight Asia-Pacific economies, including Singapore. Recruitment platform Jobsdb on Friday released its survey of 1,020 local workers. The poll also found that 44 per cent of local respondents reported burnout at work and that about 66 per cent were dissatisfied with their stress levels. Hong Kong’s workplace happiness ranked the lowest among the eight markets... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344863/hong-kong-workers-least-happy-among-8-asia-pacific-economies-survey?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344863/hong-kong-workers-least-happy-among-8-asia-pacific-economies-survey?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:38:48 +0000 Wynna Wong,William Yiu,Harvey Kong Wynna Wong,William Yiu,Harvey Kong Hong Kong will cancel the two-decade-old “A Symphony of Lights” within the year, with the South China Morning Post learning that the fixture will be replaced with immersive projections across various districts to upgrade the city’s offerings. The revamp is among a raft of new tourism measures announced in finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po’s latest budget, with others including a push for Hong Kong to become a destination for study tours and a HK$200 million (US$25.6 million) fund to revitalise rural... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344644/hong-kong-2026-27-budget-symphony-lights-go-dark-under-tourism-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344644/hong-kong-2026-27-budget-symphony-lights-go-dark-under-tourism-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:30:22 +0000 Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong Wynna Wong,Harvey Kong Visitor numbers in Hong Kong rose about 14 per cent during the Chinese New Year holiday but more residents left the city, while local retailers reported bumper sales of gold products. Some retailers reported single purchases worth millions of Hong Kong dollars within categories such as watches and jewellery, even as the broader retail recovery remained uneven. Immigration Department figures showed trips made by visitors – from mainland China and elsewhere – rose about 14 per cent year on year to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344488/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-jump-chinese-new-year-holiday-gold-sales-shine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344488/hong-kong-visitor-numbers-jump-chinese-new-year-holiday-gold-sales-shine?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:05:37 +0000 Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Some homeowners displaced by the deadly Tai Po blaze were disappointed by Hong Kong authorities’ decision to buy back their flats instead of resettling them at the original site, even as the acquisition offer was described by a surveyor as “generous”. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun unveiled the long-term resettlement plan on Saturday, offering options to buy back the flats at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 (US$1,023 or US$1,343) per square foot. Homeowners could also opt for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344228/wang-fuk-court-buyback-plan-disappoints-some-residents-despite-generous-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344228/wang-fuk-court-buyback-plan-disappoints-some-residents-despite-generous-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:59:34 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities will spend about HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) to buy back homes damaged in the deadly Tai Po fire from flat owners, offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot as part of a long-term resettlement plan involving HK$4 billion in public funds. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun unveiled the plan on Saturday, ruling out on-site redevelopment of Wang Fuk Court and adding that authorities were inclined to demolish seven of the estate’s eight buildings and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344204/hong-kong-spend-hk68-billion-buying-back-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344204/hong-kong-spend-hk68-billion-buying-back-fire-ravaged-tai-po-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 07:46:11 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong About 600 motorists from Guangdong province have driven their vehicles into Hong Kong’s urban areas during the Lunar New Year holiday under a new scheme that has so far attracted 3,000 applications, according to the transport minister. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said on Saturday that the number of weekend drivers was, on average, nearly at capacity while weekday slots were also “pretty well” filled, depending on whether any major events were taking place in Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344198/600-guangdong-drivers-enter-hong-kong-thousands-apply-new-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344198/600-guangdong-drivers-enter-hong-kong-thousands-apply-new-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:12:36 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory detected locally felt tremors from a 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Guangdong province on Friday afternoon, confirming more than 100 reports from residents. The weather forecaster’s initial analysis indicated that the 4.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 2.28pm in Guangdong’s Yangjiang, with the epicentre located about 260km (161.6... https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3344112/hong-kong-observatory-detects-tremors-felt-residents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3344112/hong-kong-observatory-detects-tremors-felt-residents?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:13:10 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s visitor numbers on the first two days of Lunar New Year are at least 8 per cent higher than in 2025, with Wednesday’s fireworks display boosting momentum further as tens of thousands of spectators lined both sides of Victoria Harbour for the show. The huge crowd gasped in awe as the 23-minute spectacle to celebrate the Year of the Horse lit up the night skies above Victoria Harbour with 31,888 shells, including pyrotechnics forming the shapes of gold ingots and horseshoes. Chief... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:39:56 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong A Hong Kong dancer paralysed in an accident 3½ years ago during a concert by popular boy band Mirror has had a breakthrough in his rehabilitation, regaining some mobility in his right arm and sensation when answering the call of nature, with the help of technology and his religious beliefs, his father has said. The update on Mo Li Kai-yin’s condition on Saturday followed an earlier social media post showing him holding a stick upright and moving it around, which the dancer said would help... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343598/small-precious-breakthrough-paralysed-hong-kong-dancer-mo-li?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343598/small-precious-breakthrough-paralysed-hong-kong-dancer-mo-li?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:02:15 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Star Cruises has said its ship is “fully prepared” for its next voyage from Hong Kong after a scheduled departure on Friday was cancelled because of “an unforeseen technical issue”, leaving angry passengers who had waited for hours to board complaining they had been treated like “refugees”. The cruise operator apologised for cancelling the three-day, two-night voyage to Xiamen in mainland China, offering customers the choice of rescheduling or a full refund. On Saturday morning, the cruise ship,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343542/angry-passengers-left-high-and-dry-after-star-cruises-cancels-hong-kong-sailing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343542/angry-passengers-left-high-and-dry-after-star-cruises-cancels-hong-kong-sailing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:08:46 +0000 Oscar Liu,Harvey Kong Oscar Liu,Harvey Kong Authorities are prosecuting the licensee of a Hong Kong branch of Japanese supermarket chain Don Don Donki after a video of a live rodent moving in the store’s sushi display chiller went viral. The footage, posted on social media on Thursday, captured a rat scurrying across pre-packed boxes of sushi in a chiller at the Don Don Donki outlet in the Tuen Mun Town Plaza shopping centre. In the 20-second clip, a man carrying a tote bag is seen flinching and backing away from the counter in shock... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343259/outcry-over-hong-kong-hygiene-standards-rat-seen-don-don-donki-sushi-chiller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343259/outcry-over-hong-kong-hygiene-standards-rat-seen-don-don-donki-sushi-chiller?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:16:23 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog plans to consult lawmakers this year about introducing mandatory data breach reporting and related penalties, the body’s chief has said. Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Ada Chung Lai-ling on Saturday revealed details about the proposed legislative amendments to the city’s privacy ordinance, after authorities stalled the plan in 2024 over concerns the measures could hurt the local business environment. “We really hope that we have some specific recommendations... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342754/hong-kong-plans-revive-privacy-law-mandating-firms-report-data-breaches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342754/hong-kong-plans-revive-privacy-law-mandating-firms-report-data-breaches?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 07:18:01 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s commerce minister has condemned a court ruling to annul CK Hutchison Holdings’ right to operate two ports in the Panama Canal after summoning the country’s envoy in the city, warning the decision “seriously undermined” international trade rules. In a meeting with Panamanian Consul General Jose Ramon de Jesus Varela Fabrega, minister Algernon Yau Ying-wah expressed “strong dissatisfaction and opposition” to the ruling, according to a social media post by the Commerce and Economic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342746/hong-kong-summons-panama-envoy-over-court-ruling-ck-hutchison-ports-concession?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342746/hong-kong-summons-panama-envoy-over-court-ruling-ck-hutchison-ports-concession?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 04:03:25 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities will form a new working group focused on the development of autonomous vehicles, as the government unveiled a raft of innovation and technology-led initiatives in its latest transport strategy blueprint. Other measures announced in the Transport Department’s plan released on Friday include the implementation of real-time adaptive traffic signals and a smart motorway management system for major roads to improve efficiency and convenience. “To further push the development of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342686/new-working-group-push-autonomous-vehicles-technology-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342686/new-working-group-push-autonomous-vehicles-technology-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 10:42:04 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Matthew Cheng,Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities have repealed a law requiring bus passengers to wear seat belts after finding that it only applies to vehicles registered since late January, with officials saying they will review the legislation again and conduct a public consultation. The government gazetted the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 on Friday, which repeals Section 8D requiring passengers to wear seat belts. “The bureau will fully review the arrangements for passengers wearing seat... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342643/hong-kong-authorities-repeal-flawed-bus-seat-belt-law?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342643/hong-kong-authorities-repeal-flawed-bus-seat-belt-law?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 07:47:57 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s food safety watchdog has recalled a batch of Aptamil powdered infant milk formula over fears it may be contaminated with a toxin found in similar products. The Centre for Food Safety said on Tuesday evening that a local retailer had sold “a small quantity” of a batch suspected to contain cereulide, prompting a precautionary recall. The affected product is Aptamil Profutura DUO Pre D 800g, with a use-by date of April 20, 2027. The watchdog said it had earlier learned that German... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342336/hong-kong-recalls-aptamil-baby-milk-formula-batch-over-toxin-contamination-fears?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:18:11 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong lawmakers have described a new government proposal allowing up to 1,000 restaurants to welcome dogs as a “good step forward”, with one legislator calling it a “test case” for the pet economy. Agriculture and fisheries sector lawmaker Chan Pok-chi said on Wednesday the measure struck a balance between the interests of the public and restaurant operators. “This is the first time that [authorities] have loosened regulations in the past 30 or so years; I think it’s a proposal that responds... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342325/governments-proposal-dogs-eateries-step-forward-hong-kong-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342325/governments-proposal-dogs-eateries-step-forward-hong-kong-lawmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:11:12 +0000 Edith Lin,Harvey Kong,Lo Hoi-ying Edith Lin,Harvey Kong,Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong authorities will allow up to 1,000 restaurants to welcome dogs in the initial stage of a pet-friendly premises scheme, with the first group of approved outlets expected to receive licences by June. The Environment and Ecology Bureau said on Tuesday that it aimed to submit the proposed amendments to the Food Business Regulation, which currently prohibits dogs on food premises, within the first quarter of this year. “The first batch of restaurants can apply for permits by May, allowing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342190/dogs-be-allowed-1000-hong-kong-eateries-first-phase-new-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342190/dogs-be-allowed-1000-hong-kong-eateries-first-phase-new-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:20:59 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong A Hong Kong resident has lost more than HK$4 million (US$512,148) to scammers after trying to sell a rug for HK$100 on online marketplace Carousell, according to police. The force also said on Monday that more than 110 cases of online shopping scams linked to the trading platform took place between January 24 and 30, with the total amount of money involved exceeding HK$10 million. The victim who listed the rug for sale on Carousell for HK$100 was contacted by a scammer posing as an interested... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342185/hongkonger-scammed-out-hk4-million-trying-sell-hk100-rug-carousell?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342185/hongkonger-scammed-out-hk4-million-trying-sell-hk100-rug-carousell?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:05:50 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong The number of suspected scams involving unusually high and belated compensation claims for minor or non-existent traffic accidents in Hong Kong has doubled to more than 70 in less than a week, according to the security minister. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung told a radio programme on Sunday that the increase was recorded after publicity efforts by the force. Authorities on Tuesday said they had recently received reports of drivers facing sudden massive civil claims, long after... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341990/hong-kong-road-accident-scam-reports-double-over-70-week-chris-tang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341990/hong-kong-road-accident-scam-reports-double-over-70-week-chris-tang?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 08:36:43 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s security minister has said the city currently faces four primary risks to its national security, with “soft resistance” being one of the most significant threats. Speaking on a radio programme on Saturday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung also said police’s national security hotline had received 1.1 million reports since its inception in November 2020, with some leading to arrests. “Due to geopolitics, the risk of some external forces wanting to negatively influence Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341979/soft-resistance-among-4-main-national-security-threats-hong-kong-chris-tang?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341979/soft-resistance-among-4-main-national-security-threats-hong-kong-chris-tang?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:25:12 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong The new generation of Hong Kong police officers will need “iron bones” in the face of unrelenting “oppression by hostile foreign forces”, the security minister has said. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung, speaking at the force’s passing-out parade on Saturday, was also moved to tears when he recalled the force’s efforts to recover the human remains of those killed in the Wang Fuk Court blaze last November. “The oppression by hostile foreign forces will not stop. Those who are... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341943/new-generation-hong-kong-police-need-iron-bones-security-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341943/new-generation-hong-kong-police-need-iron-bones-security-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:57:46 +0000 Harvey Kong,Jeffie Lam Harvey Kong,Jeffie Lam Hong Kong police have arrested six suspects in connection with a 51 million yen (US$330,800) robbery outside a currency exchange shop, including a victim who allegedly acted as a mole in the plot. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Saturday that three Japanese men, a mainland Chinese man and woman, and a local man were detained. “Two Japanese men reported to police that they were robbed [on Friday]. Upon investigation, we found that one of them was a mole who had offered... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341928/6-arrested-over-58-million-yen-theft-hong-kong-including-mole-among-victims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341928/6-arrested-over-58-million-yen-theft-hong-kong-including-mole-among-victims?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:54:24 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s treasury minister has said authorities will shelve a proposed levy on private cars crossing the border into mainland China, citing feedback from lawmakers and members of the public. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu told the Legislative Council on Friday that the government had decided not to go ahead with implementing the boundary facility fee for the time being after “careful consideration”, marking the second policy U-turn of the day. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341888/hong-kong-shelves-cross-border-levy-plan-marks-second-policy-u-turn-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341888/hong-kong-shelves-cross-border-levy-plan-marks-second-policy-u-turn-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:24:23 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 3.5 per cent in 2025, marking the city’s third consecutive year of growth and surpassing an earlier forecast of 3.2 per cent, with “good momentum” expected to continue in 2026. Advance estimates released by the Census and Statistics Department on Friday also showed gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter increased by 3.8 per cent from a year earlier. Hong Kong’s GDP expanded by at least 3 per cent in each of the first three quarters of 2025, rising 3... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341833/hong-kong-economy-grows-35-2025-beating-earlier-forecasts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341833/hong-kong-economy-grows-35-2025-beating-earlier-forecasts?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:55:59 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities will consult the public later this year on building a pedestrian walkway for a waterfront selfie hotspot in Kennedy Town, with the options including small-scale reclamation works. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, speaking at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, said authorities were considering whether they could use “small-scale reclamation” to build a pedestrian walkway or sea wall along New Praya. “To allow tourists at New Praya, Kennedy Town, to enjoy... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341526/authorities-seek-public-views-walkway-new-praya-selfie-hotspot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3341526/authorities-seek-public-views-walkway-new-praya-selfie-hotspot?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:47:04 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year parade next month is expected to attract 100,000 people, with global toy sensation Labubu and the city’s storied wishing tree being featured on floats in the procession. The Hong Kong Tourism Board, which organises the event, said that eight “distinctive” floats would be displayed at Kai Tak Sports Park one day after the event – the first time for such an arrangement. The event will be held in Tsim Sha Tsui on the evening of February 17, the first day of Lunar New... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341456/hong-kong-lunar-new-year-parade-feature-labubu-wishing-tree-floats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341456/hong-kong-lunar-new-year-parade-feature-labubu-wishing-tree-floats?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:40:14 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s exports in 2025 rose by 15.4 per cent year on year to a “historical high”, with authorities expecting sustained global economic growth, improved ties with new markets and strong demand for artificial intelligence-enabled products to continue supporting the city’s trade. According to the Census and Statistics Department, the total value of Hong Kong’s export of goods rose by 15.4 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, while the value of imports increased by 15.5 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341441/hong-kongs-exports-rose-154-2025-historical-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341441/hong-kongs-exports-rose-154-2025-historical-high?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:50:04 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong authorities have discovered traces of a toxin in four batches of baby milk formula products previously recalled by Nestlé. In a statement issued on Saturday evening, the Centre for Food Safety said the Swiss food giant had recalled about 96,000 tins of affected products due to the possible presence of cereulide, a toxin produced by Bacillus cereus, found in the ingredients. The centre had issued a warning in early January when the Swiss food giant’s Hong Kong unit began recalling 21... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3341139/hong-kong-authorities-find-toxins-4-batches-milk-formula-recalled-nestle?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 03:49:46 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong An elderly woman has been charged with murder two days after she and her husband were found unconscious in a hotel room in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui, with the man sustaining a potentially fatal stab wound to the neck. “Police today laid a holding charge against a 73-year-old woman with one count of murder,” the force said on Saturday. The woman was arrested on Thursday in connection with a murder and attempted suicide case that occurred on the same day. A police spokesman said the case would be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341107/woman-73-charged-murdering-husband-tsim-sha-tsui-hotel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341107/woman-73-charged-murdering-husband-tsim-sha-tsui-hotel?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:34:10 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong could gain about HK$200 million (US$25.6 million) in economic value from K-pop powerhouse Blackpink’s coming concerts at Kai Tak Stadium, with fans of the girl group pouring into the city ahead of the three much-awaited shows. Excited fans splurged on band merchandise on Thursday ahead of the first concert at the weekend, while parts of Kai Tak Sports Park, where the stadium is located, were awash with pink. Hong Kong is the final stop of the four-member band’s “Deadline” global tour... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340892/hong-kong-hitting-high-notes-fans-roll-blackpink-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340892/hong-kong-hitting-high-notes-fans-roll-blackpink-concerts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:23:43 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong A Hong Kong judge has said his decision to order the winding-up of bakery chain Taipan’s parent company is due to there being “no reliable evidence” that the business can settle its outstanding rent of more than HK$2 million (US$256,500). In a written judgment released on Tuesday, Deputy Judge Gary Lam Chin-ching of the High Court said Vast Luck Company Limited had twice failed to pay its debts, resulting in a breach of what the business earlier stated in court. The winding-up order was handed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340707/no-reliable-evidence-taipan-bakery-chain-can-settle-debts-hong-kong-judge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340707/no-reliable-evidence-taipan-bakery-chain-can-settle-debts-hong-kong-judge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:29:36 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Japanese police have arrested a 42-year-old man who identified himself as a Hong Kong resident for allegedly molesting a teenage girl on a street in Sapporo, with reports indicating he is suspected of multiple similar offences in the country. The man was arrested on Monday for allegedly hugging and touching the teenager’s lower body just after 9pm on September 4 last year, according to Hokkaido Broadcasting. He was said to hold both British and Chinese nationality. Police told the outlet that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340580/hongkonger-held-japan-over-molesting-teen-suspected-be-repeat-offender?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340580/hongkonger-held-japan-over-molesting-teen-suspected-be-repeat-offender?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:01:24 +0000