The Monetary Authority has urged the public to use good-as-new notes, instead of brand-new ones, for lai-see during the upcoming Lunar New Year period to support environmental protection.
It said good-as-new notes are perfectly suitable for lai-see, as Hong Kong's currency notes are maintained at a high standard of cleanliness.
The authority said the three note-issuing banks will start exchanging new notes on January 17, adding they will provide sufficient new and good-as-new notes to meet demand.