Nine new names for tropical cyclones have been added to an updated list for storm systems in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea, with Hong Kong contributing the name "Dim-sum", the Hong Kong Observatory announced today.

The other new names are Koki, Gaeguri, Hebi, Tomo, Tirou, Narae, Burapha and Hoaban.

The names were endorsed by the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization Typhoon Committee at the committee's 58th session. 

The committee will consider retiring names of tropical cyclones which have caused serious casualties and economic losses.

Kong-rey, Toraji, Man-yi, Usagi, Yagi, Ewiniar, Krathon and Trami have all been replaced.

Additionally, Jebi has been retired due to an inappropriate meaning in other languages.

The Environment and Ecology Bureau today urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent WhatsApp messages falsely claiming to be from the Secretary for Environment and Ecology (SEE).

The bureau clarified that neither it nor the SEE has any connection to these messages, adding that the case has been reported to the Police.

Members of the public are reminded to exercise caution regarding suspicious messages, protect their personal information and contact the Police if they suspect fraudulent activity.

The Environment & Ecology Bureau today said that to ensure the proper implementation of the diesel subsidy, the Government has been enforcing the “pay later” arrangement for reimbursing the price difference to oil companies in order to ensure the proper use of public funds.

The Government has, since April 30, been implementing the Diesel Subsidy Scheme, which runs for a period of two months, with a view to supporting public and commercial vehicles and vessels and related industries that use diesel as fuel.

Under the subsidy scheme, users who consume diesel locally may receive a subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel when they purchase diesel to reduce the selling price by HK$3 per litre accordingly.

Recently, there have been views suggesting that the increase in diesel prices is due to oil companies and distributors profiteering from the subsidy scheme by increasing prices in advance since the announcement of the subsidy scheme on April 10.

There are also claims that the pump price of diesel had already increased by almost HK$3 per litre within the intervening 20 days.

The Government emphasised that these claims do not correspond with the facts, and it is necessary for the Government to make clarifications to set the record straight.

Global prices
Firstly, the prices of fossil fuels have been rising around the world, as affected by the situation in the Middle East, and the price rises are by no means unique to Hong Kong. It is necessary to consider the broader picture and the situation in other regions instead of inferring that oil companies might increase their prices in advance to profiteer merely based on the fact that fuel prices are on the rise.

If compared with the position before the conflict in the Middle East, the international refined oil product price for diesel had increased by around HK$10 per litre at most, whilst the maximum increase of the local diesel pump price was HK$7.5. From mid-April to now, the international refined oil product price has increased by around HK$0.5 (+6.67%).

Over the same period, the maximum retail price of diesel in the Chinese Mainland had increased twice by a total of around HK$0.4 (+4.0%), while the local diesel pump prices had increased by HK$0.6 (+1.66%).

Furthermore, some oil companies have reduced their diesel retail pump prices as of today, but it is expected that the diesel price may fluctuate as affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

'Pay later' arrangement
Secondly, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure the proper use of public funds. In designing the subsidy scheme, the Government has introduced multiple layers of safeguards to ensure that users will benefit from the subsidy.

Among the safeguards, the subsidy scheme has introduced a “pay later” arrangement, where oil companies and distributors must first sell subsidised diesel to consumers at a price reduced by HK$3 per litre, and specify the subsidy amount and the selling price on the receipts issued to their customers.

Oil companies and distributors must then submit a report to the Government one week later to apply for reimbursement of the amounts they have advanced.

The Government will then verify the reports, sales records and invoices submitted by the oil companies and distributors, and will only reimburse the price difference if the information provided is confirmed to be accurate.

Should there be issues arising, the Government reserves the right to refuse to reimburse the price difference, and to refer the case to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. Therefore, should oil companies attempt to profiteer, they will not be reimbursed the price difference they have advanced.

The operation of the subsidy scheme has been largely normal and smooth since its implementation. The Government is receiving weekly reports from the oil companies and distributors, and is conducting the necessary checks.

Audit report
Thirdly, upon the completion of the subsidy scheme, oil companies and distributors will need to submit to the Government an audited audit report, which will require them to state the comparison of the change in the average retail price after deducting all discounts, excluding the HK$3 per litre subsidy, with the corresponding import prices before and during the subsidy period.

Should there be changes in this ratio, these may suggest profiteering which can be easily detected by auditors. The Government may then use the audit report to take the necessary follow-up action with the oil companies and distributors.

The Government reiterated that it will spare no effort to implement the arrangements by gatekeeping to ensure that the subsidy scheme will benefit users who are affected by surging diesel prices. 

The Lands Department today announced that the tender for a site at Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O has been awarded on a 12-year land grant at a premium of $36,386,000.

Tseung Kwan O Town Lot No. 137 was awarded to Sinopec (Hong Kong) Petrol Filling Station Company, a subsidiary of Sinopec (Hong Kong) Petroleum Holding Company.

It has a site area of about 2,640 sq m and is designated for electric vehicle charging station purposes.

In 2025, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) cracked a case of illegal goat slaughtering. The premises involved were located in a remote rural area and concealed from view. Accordingly, a key factor in foiling the perpetrators was the use of aerial intelligence.

Officers used drones to capture footage, then cross-referenced this with aerial photographs taken by the Lands Department. This allowed them to identify suspicious locations.

The FEHD outlined that using drones to collect evidence reduces the need for manned patrols, boosts efforts to combat illegal slaughtering activities, illegal meat distribution centres and unlicensed food premises, and improves staff safety.

Expanded capabilities

Explaining the limitations of traditional methods, Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Senior Superintendent (Operations) Lo Chi-man remarked: “Relying solely on manpower-based patrols, plain-clothes operatives could only conduct surveillance in the vicinity of the target premises. Operatives also faced significant safety risks such as potential violence, aggressive dogs and structural hazards.”

After the introduction of drones, however, intelligence can now be gathered at high altitude, adopting a bird’s eye view. This allows operatives to clearly map entry or exit points, personnel distribution, suspicious vehicle locations and escape routes in advance.

Smart inspections

Beyond intelligence gathering, the FEHD has been working with the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department since 2025 to study the feasibility of using drones to support street cleanliness inspections.

Under planned trials, drones will conduct automated aerial patrols along pre-set routes in order to detect accumulated rubbish, overflowing litter bins and damaged refuse collection facilities. The captured images will then be analysed using artificial intelligence, enabling the FEHD to arrange timely follow-up actions.

Food & Environmental Hygiene Department Senior Superintendent (Innovation & Technology) Kuan Man-hou highlighted that street cleaning inspections largely depend on frontline staff making in-person site visits. Officers are required to carry out visual checks and take photos to record conditions. However, some locations are remote and transport can be inconvenient, so the trips are often time-consuming.

With the automated inspection system, however, the FEHD will be able to analyse street cleanliness more quickly and accurately, enabling more effective deployment of manpower and resources.

Drone docking stations are expected to be installed on top of public toilets managed by the FEHD, serving as bases for take-off, landing and charging. The team revealed that flight tests for the project will commence soon.

Phased trials

Electrical & Mechanical Services Department Senior Engineer (Drones, Robotics & Automation) Vanessa Yau said her team is applying to the Civil Aviation Department for operational approvals.

”The trials will be conducted in two main stages. In the first stage, flights under visual line of sight and extended visual line of sight will be tested. Once stable performance is achieved, beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations will be tested for fully automated aerial patrols.”

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today announced the preparation and deployment of management work at ecotourism hotspots during the Mainland's Labour Day Golden Week period.

High Island Reservoir East Dam
To prevent visitors from approaching dangerous areas beyond the Po Pin Chau viewing platform, the AFCD, in collaboration with the Architectural Services Department, has completed the installation of additional railings at the viewing platform.

During the Mainland's Labour Day Golden Week, in addition to the deployment of additional staff for daily patrol and enforcement, the AFCD will use drones equipped with broadcasting functions to conduct surveillance regularly from above the Po Pin Chau viewing platform and remind visitors not to cross the railings.

Temporary crowd control measures will be implemented at the entrance of the High Island Geo Trail - Po Pin Chau Section when necessary.

Campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Long Ke Wan in Sai Kung
Additional AFCD staff will be deployed day and night to patrol, be stationed, enforce regulations against violations, and use drones and CCTV systems to assist in monitoring.

The AFCD will provide strainers for collecting food residue outside the Ham Tin public toilet and will, on a trial basis, lend small grill stands to campers in need at Ham Tin Wan and Sai Wan campsites.

Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island
The coastal areas of Sharp Island and Shui Hau on Lantau Island are currently not designated as country parks, marine parks, or marine reserves. The AFCD is currently promoting environmental protection awareness among visitors through publicity and education.

It has installed footfall counters at the pier of Sharp Island and will use drones to monitor the beach and coastal areas.

Additional AFCD staff will patrol along the coastline daily, co-ordinating with the kaito ferry schedule and daytime low tide periods. Frontline staff will immediately advise and explain correct practices to visitors upon spotting any potential behaviours that could cause ecological damage.

At the beach and coastal areas, the AFCD will collaborate with the WWF-Hong Kong to set up public education booths to promote marine conservation messages. Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides will also patrol the nearshore waters to remind snorkelers to avoid trampling on corals.

The AFCD has also installed footfall counters at Shui Hau on Lantau Island to monitor visitor flow. During the holiday, the AFCD staff will patrol the Shui Hau sandflat and use drones to monitor the sandflat and nearby coastal areas.

Working in collaboration with the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong, the AFCD at the Shui Hau sandflat will set up an educational booth, distribute conservation leaflets, and engage visitors with information on how to protect horseshoe crabs and the surrounding coastal environment.

In response to conflict in the Middle East region, the Government announced today that it will implement a diesel subsidy scheme starting tomorrow. Separately, a plan on the provision of a two-month-long discount on liquified petroleum gas (LPG), expected to start at end-May, was also unveiled.

Diesel subsidy scheme

From midnight on April 30 to 11.59pm on June 29, eligible users will receive a price subsidy at $3 per litre, by either purchasing diesel from diesel filling stations operated by specified oil companies or specified distributors, or purchasing diesel from “specified oil companies or specified distributors” delivered for local consumption.

The estimated expenditure will be around $1.8 billion, as approved by the Legislative Council Finance Committee.

The scheme does not apply to diesel used for non-local consumption, resale, and vehicles, vessels and installations of government departments. Diesel used by CLP Power Hong Kong, Hongkong Electric Company and Hong Kong & China Gas Company are not covered by the scheme.

In order to ensure the proper use of public funds and protect users’ interests, the Government has signed agreements with the “specified oil companies or specified distributors”, under which responsibilities and terms have been set out. These arrangements include the Government’s payment of the price difference to the specified oil companies and specified distributors; the requirement for these oil companies and distributors to maintain complete and accurate books and records; the requirement to submit reports to the Government every week, as well as the auditing arrangements upon the completion of the subsidy scheme.

The companies and distributors are required to submit to the Government an assurance report and an audit report prepared by an independent auditor within three months after the end of the subsidy period. In case of breaches, anomalies or abuses, the Government has the right to refuse or withhold payment of the subsidy, as well as to hold the companies and distributors liable. 

LPG fuel subsidy

To alleviate the operating costs of local passenger transport commercial vehicles which primarily use LPG as fuel, and reduce the pressure for fare increases, the Government will provide a fuel subsidy of $0.5 per litre of LPG for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses, for a period of two months. The measure is expected to be implemented within May.

About 16,900 LPG (including LPG-hybrid) taxis, 3,440 LPG public light buses and 170 LPG school private light buses would benefit from the subsidy. The total amount of expenditure involved is approximately $38.4 million, to be paid by means of redeploying the Government’s internal resources.

Under the LPG scheme, oil companies will provide a discount of $0.5 per litre of LPG directly at LPG filling stations for all LPG (including hybrid) taxis, public light buses and school private light buses. No registration or application is required. The Government will reimburse oil companies for the actual amount of LPG subsidies provided under this initiative.

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (Hong Kong Geopark) was confirmed to have passed revalidation and was awarded a certificate, allowing it to retain its global status for a further four-year period, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department said today.

​The official confirmation was made at the 224th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO, which concluded yesterday.

The department welcomed the result, stating that conservation, education, green tourism and sustainable development are the primary objectives of Hong Kong Geopark.

It will continue to promote science popularisation, green tourism and the sustainable development of the communities within the Geopark, while protecting Hong Kong's natural and cultural heritage.

Hong Kong Geopark was designated as a National Geopark of China in 2009 and joined the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) in 2011. After the formalisation of the Geopark Programme by UNESCO in 2015, it was renamed Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

According to the guidelines, all UNESCO Global Geoparks must undergo a revalidation process every four years.

Hong Kong Geopark underwent an on-site assessment by evaluators in May last year. The evaluators reviewed the achievements of Hong Kong Geopark over the past four years and held detailed discussions with various stakeholders and partner organisations of the Geopark.

In September last year, the UNESCO Global Geoparks Council recommended that Hong Kong Geopark pass the revalidation with a "green card" while the GGN presented the Best Practice Award to Hong Kong Geopark in recognition of its contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Geopark's communities.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to co-ordinate preparations for visitors from the Mainland during the Labour Day Golden Week from May 1 to 5.

Mr Chan stressed that the period is expected to see an increase in the number visitor arrivals.

“The Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, 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 boundary control points (BCPs), with a view to responding promptly to various kinds of emergencies and ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering them a high-quality experience,” he added.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) has estimated that approximately 980,000 Mainland visitors will enter Hong Kong via sea, land and air control points during the five-day holiday. Meanwhile, the Travel Industry Authority and the trade expect about 770 inbound tour groups to visit the city during period.

An interdepartmental joint command centre, comprising Police, the ImmD, the Customs & Excise Department and other relevant departments will be activated from May 1 to 5 to monitor real-time conditions at various control points.

The centre will maintain close liaison with Mainland port authorities via established hotlines and notification mechanisms. This allows for timely contingency actions and the flexible deployment of manpower at BCPs.

Additionally, the Security Bureau will activate its Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre during the period to oversee public order at BCPs and coordinate interdepartmental follow-up actions.

Regarding public transport, the MTR Corporation will enhance East Rail Line services at various times from April 30 to May 5 to accommodate residents and visitors. During peak hours, the frequency of shuttle buses for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang route will be increased to approximately one minute and two minutes respectively.

The Transport Department has also developed contingency plans with border control authorities to implement traffic management measures at the HZMB, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang and Shenzhen Bay ports. These measures include providing dedicated lanes for public transport vehicles to ensure uninterrupted service.

To manage the anticipated surge of visitors to Sai Kung East Country Park, Police will deploy uniformed officers at strategic locations – including Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Man Yee Road and the High Island Reservoir East Dam – for traffic and crowd management during peak periods.

The Transport Department has co-ordinated with the green minibus operator to enhance service on Route No. 9A, from Pak Tam Chung to East Dam.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law also attended.

To further combat cruelty to animals, the Government has been conducting research on the amendment of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance and will strive to provide a concrete update within this year.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) made the statement in response to the direct investigation operation report on the Government's work in combating cruelty to animals released by the Office of The Ombudsman today.

The Ombudsman recommended that the Government consider amending the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance in stages.

The AFCD stated that the Government has always attached great importance to animal welfare and deters acts of cruelty to animals through stringent enforcement and preventive education initiatives, and the AFCD accepts the office's recommendations and will actively follow up on them.

To improve the handling of suspected animal cruelty cases, the AFCD updated its departmental guidelines in the fourth quarter of 2025, covering all procedures for handling reported cases involving suspected animal cruelty, and has conducted staff training.

The AFCD will take reference from the report's recommendations to further include more specific criteria and indicators in the guidelines, so as to strengthen the monitoring of case follow-up and enhance file management.

Additionally, it will continue to enhance staff training and promote experience exchange to strengthen the experience and skills of staff, as well as their communication, investigation and enforcement capabilities.

Since 2011, the AFCD together with Police and the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have jointly implemented the Animal Watch Scheme. Through a multi-agency collaboration, the scheme proactively prevents and detects suspected cases of animal cruelty, and has achieved notable results.

The AFCD has liaised with Police and the SPCA on strengthening information exchange and the sharing of investigation outcomes, with a view to formulating appropriate measures to more effectively combat acts of cruelty to animals.

The AFCD has been committed to combating illegal hunting activities through regular patrols and strengthened patrols at illegal hunting black spots, the removal of illegal hunting appliances, and appropriate enforcement actions against offences such as unlawful possession.

In response to the office's recommendations, the AFCD will review its patrol strategies, strengthen intelligence gathering, and make good use of technology to enhance enforcement effectiveness. The AFCD will also review the relevant legislation and penalties in a timely manner.

In terms of prevention at source, the AFCD will maintain close collaboration with departments such as Customs and Police, to strengthen intelligence exchange and conduct joint operations. The AFCD has already provided relevant guidelines to Customs to assist in identifying hunting appliances in order to curb their illegal importation.

Moreover, the AFCD will continue to promote public education and publicity to raise public awareness of the dangers posed by illegal hunting appliances, encourage the public to report suspicious cases, and remind the public to use managed and maintained hiking trails in the countryside for their own safety.

Food waste is far from useless. With responsible recycling, it can be recovered and redeployed.

In recent years, the Government has continued to expand and improve its food waste recycling network, including enhancing recycling bin designs to encourage more citizens to recycle.

In 2025, an average of 350 tonnes of food waste was recycled in Hong Kong each day. Recycling of domestic food waste has surged from around two tonnes per day in 2022 to more than 120 tonnes daily in 2025.

Encouraging participation

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Environmental Campaign Committee rolled out the Pilot Scheme on Food Waste Smart Recycling Bins in Private Housing Estates in 2023, providing two years of funding to cover the installation, maintenance and repairs of the bins.

As of February 2026, 453 food waste smart recycling bins have been installed in 115 private housing estates under the scheme, serving more than 270,000 households.

“Participating estates have collectively recycled over 7,300 tonnes of food waste,” explained EPD Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Waste Reduction & Community Recycling) Benjamin Kwong.

Optimised design

Mrs So’s housing estate is taking part in the pilot scheme. Eight of the recycling units have been installed throughout her neighbourhood.

Praising the bin’s ability to collect hard food waste, such as bones, Mrs So noted that their convenient locations encourage more residents to take part in the recycling scheme.

The smart recycling bins are also connected to the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme, allowing residents to earn GREEN$ points by recycling food waste. The points can be redeemed for gifts, such as daily necessities, or even supermarket gift vouchers, considered great incentives for participants.

The bins are also equipped with functions such as overflow prevention, deodorising and pest control, to help reduce environmental hygiene issues caused by food waste.

The housing estate’s residents' association chairman Vincent Liu said they are eager to continue participation in the scheme to further raise environmental awareness among residents.

Expanding coverage

To broaden the reach of the trial and enhance its effectiveness, the Government adjusted the eligibility threshold for the pilot scheme in 2025. The requirement has been reduced from 1,000 households or more to 200 households or more, allowing more small and medium size private housing estates to participate.

At the end of 2025, the EPD rolled out the Trial Scheme on Food Waste Recycling Truck. The vehicle visits various locations nightly to promote food waste recycling.

The Environment & Ecology Bureau announced that it will release weekly updates on auto-fuel retail price adjustments every Wednesday afternoon from today to facilitate public monitoring.

The updates include the seven-day moving average retail prices, after walk-in discounts of unleaded petrol and diesel from local oil companies, along with the trends in international benchmark prices of refined oil products during the same period.

In view of the latest situation in the Middle East, the bureau said it reiterated to local major oil companies the importance of energy for Hong Kong's economic and social operations, and urged them to ensure a stable supply of local auto-fuel.

All oil companies have indicated that the supply of local auto-fuel remains at a normal level, and that they will continue to strive to maintain a stable supply, the bureau added.

The bureau compares the international benchmark prices of refined oil products with retail prices for auto-fuel in the charts to facilitate the public in monitoring trends of local retail prices for auto-fuel among local oil companies, as well as international prices for refined oil products, and to assess whether these prices are moving in tandem and the extent of such changes.

In addition to showing pump prices, the charts also show the retail prices, and net of walk-in discounts offered by each oil company, thereby allowing the public to compare the average prices across different oil companies and choose the ones offering more competitive prices. 

If Wednesday falls on a general holiday, the charts will be released on the next working day.

The bureau noted that public transport, air passenger and cargo services, and electricity supply are directly related to energy supply.

Currently, around 80% of Hong Kong's oil products come from the Chinese Mainland, and the city has been able to maintain a stable energy supply amid energy shortages in many regions and cities around the world.

The Government will continue to closely monitor geopolitical developments, international energy price trends, and the local fuel supply situation to ensure the stability of Hong Kong's energy supply.

Director of Environmental Protection Samuel Chui has expressed sorrow after a worker was today found unconscious at a works site on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau and later certified dead in hospital.

Mr Chui extended his deepest condolences to the deceased worker’s family. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has requested that the contractor provide appropriate assistance to the family.

At around 11am, the worker, hired by a sub-contractor at the island's waste-to-energy facility, was found unconscious on the ground inside the facility.

On-site first aid officers used an automated external defibrillator to perform first aid treatment. The worker was subsequently transported by the Government Flying Service to Eastern Hospital for resuscitation.

The EPD said it was very concerned about the incident. In addition to immediately deploying staff members to the hospital, it has notified the Labour Department about the incident.

It has also requested the contractor to fully co-operate with the Labour Department in its investigation, and to submit an incident report within seven days.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today announced that the GREEN$ Electronic Participation Incentive Scheme (GREEN$ ePIS) will be linked with the electronic payment platform AlipayHK starting May 4.

Together with the existing platforms Carbon Wallet and MoneyBack, GREEN$ points can be used at more than 150,000 merchants across the city, covering online shopping, bill payments, transportation, retail and dining.

Users may also choose to redeem $50 physical supermarket cash vouchers with their GREEN$ points at all GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities.

The EPD noted that the number of GREEN$ ePIS registered users has exceeded over 1.2 million, with approximately 90% of them already using the mobile application.

As part of its efforts to promote digital transformation, from May 4, one GREEN@COMMUNITY physical gift redemption point will be retained in each of the 18 districts.

Residents of Cheung Chau, Peng Chau and Lamma Island can continue to redeem physical gifts at the respective recycling spots.

From the same day, unregistered GREEN$ physical cards will no longer be able to earn new points. Holders of existing physical cards must complete real-name registration by August 31, 2027 if they wish to retain the point-earning function.

Dedicated staff from the EPD will provide on-site registration and demonstration of mobile applications for the elderly and the needy at major public rental housing estates. Similar assistance will also be rendered at GREEN@COMMUNITY facilities.

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) today announced that four to seven tropical cyclones are expected to hit the city this year, a figure considered near normal.

Presenting the annual weather outlook at a press briefing, HKO Director Chan Pak-wai said that the tropical cyclone season is likely to begin in June or later and conclude by October or earlier.

The annual mean temperature is forecast to be above normal, with a high chance of ranking among the top 10 warmest years on record. The HKO attributed the warmer conditions to the potential development of El Niño later this year and the ongoing trend of global climate warming.

Annual rainfall this year is expected to be near normal, ranging from 2,100mm to 2,700mm. However, Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong could still face rainstorms and localised heavy rain, advising the public to remain prepared for the rain and tropical cyclone seasons.

To better address coastal flooding risks, the HKO will begin including forecast information on overtopping in its tropical cyclone warning bulletins. This addition aims to alert the public to specific coastal areas that may be impacted when significant overtopping waves are expected.

The HKO will also enhance its MyObservatory mobile application by progressively introducing trial location-specific weather information for cities in the Republic of Korea and Thailand in the second half of the year.

Additionally, to help the public manage hot and humid conditions, the HKO will expand Hong Kong Heat Index data on its website during the second quarter. The index, which accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed and solar radiation, will cover more districts across the territory.

The Environmental Protection Department today announced updated qualifying standards (QS) for the First Registration Tax concessions for environment-friendly commercial vehicles (EFCVs). The new standards will be in effect from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.

For heavy-duty commercial vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, the QS will be revised to include national requirements. To qualify, vehicles must emit at least 30% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than the China VI-b or Euro VI emission limits.

As the NOx emission limits for both standards are identical, the existing QS emission limit will remain unchanged.

For light-duty commercial vehicles not exceeding 3.5 tonnes (excluding taxis), the standard will be tightened to require emissions not exceeding the China 6b limit. This is approximately 40% to 60% of the Euro 6 standard.

The QS for taxis will remain unchanged, requiring NOx emissions to be at least 80% lower than the Euro 6 limit.

The First Registration Tax concession rates and caps for all EFCVs will remain the same.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said today that the Government will earmark resources to launch a five-year waste reduction and recycling plan from 2026-27.

In his Budget speech, Mr Chan said the plan will form part of the Government’s efforts to accelerate green development, and will involve expanding the recycling network by gradually transforming GREEN@COMMUNITY sites into round-the-clock self-service recycling facilities. 

Through the application of technology, valuable materials will be extracted from waste and turned into raw materials that can be used to make green products. A smart recycling network logistics system will be built to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Tax concession

On the promotion of electric vehicle usage, Mr Chan said the first registration tax (FRT) for electric commercial vehicles, electric motorcycles and electric motor tricycles will continue to be waived in full until end-March 2028.

Given the maturity of the technology, levels of supply, the availability of different models, and lower prices, Mr Chan explained, the current FRT concession arrangement for electric private cars will not be extended beyond its expiry at the end of March this year. 

Striving for carbon neutrality

The finance chief said that, to proactively align with the national “dual carbon” targets and green and low carbon development strategies, the Government will strive to promote the development of green industries and the green transformation of enterprises. Green industries and green transformation require the support of capital, technology and talents, thereby offering enormous business opportunities to Hong Kong, he added. 

The Government is implementing Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, striving to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by half from 2005 levels before 2035, and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

Among the projects approved under the $400-million Green Tech Fund, a university research team has pitched its newly developed industrial wastewater treatment technology to the Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta Region. Another approved item is a new fuel cell stack technology that is being promoted in collaboration with a hydrogen fuel cell enterprise.

On hydrogen development, Mr Chan said the Government is consulting the trade on the hydrogen certification framework with a view to establishing a certification system that connects with both the Mainland and the world.

It will host Hydrogen Week in May to foster international exchanges, and will organise Mainland tours for overseas experts to learn about the development of hydrogen applications.

Green finance

To consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international green finance centre, the Government will take forward the implementation of the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The Accounting & Financial Reporting Council is consulting the public on the proposed regulatory framework.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, meanwhile, will strive to develop green transition planning guidance for banks within this year.

The finance chief said the Government will support exploration, with the Mainland and international multilateral financial institutions, towards the establishment of a Hong Kong-based Green Technology Projects Accelerator.

Such an accelerator will provide incubation, acceleration, and empowerment services for green technology projects in Belt & Road regions, and serve as an innovative demonstration of Hong Kong’s green finance-related services.

The Government will also explore enabling financial institutions to obtain enterprises’ public utility usage data, with their consent, to enhance the efficiency of green financing and risk assessment.

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced today that the Tsing Yi Nature Trails would reopen from this evening following the completion of environmental remediation work.

Owing to the fact that five local cases of Chikungunya Fever (CF) were contracted on the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or surrounding areas in late November, the CHP announced the temporary closure of the trails to the public on December 9.

The CHP highlighted that the last CF patient to contract the disease in the area visited the trails on November 30 and that no subsequent local cases have been recorded.

It also confirmed that infections connected to the trails did not result in the further transmission of CF in the community. 

Over the past two months, relevant government departments have conducted multiple inspections to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and remove waste conducive to mosquito breeding.

In addition, intensive fogging operations have been conducted to eliminate adult mosquitoes and mosquito trapping devices have been installed along the trails.

Moreover, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has been monitoring mosquito infestation levels using mosquito traps along the trails. Data recorded over the past month indicates infestation levels remain at a low level.

The CHP today held an interdepartmental meeting to assess the situation. After evaluating environmental hygiene on the trails, it believes that they no longer pose a threat to public health.

A total lunar eclipse will occur in Hong Kong on the evening of March 3 and last for 59 minutes.

The lunar eclipse will begin before moonrise, when part of the Moon has already entered the Earth's umbra. The moonrise time will be 6.22pm.

The process can be directly observed with unaided eyes at places with an unobstructed view to the east if weather permits.

During the period, the Moon will not completely disappear from sight but will appear dull red. This is the result of the blue light component of the sunlight being scattered by the Earth's atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface.

The eclipse will be webcast live here.

The next lunar eclipse observable in Hong Kong will be on February 21, 2027.

Principal officials today visited families and distributed gift bags in six districts – Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Islands, Kwun Tong, Eastern and Tai Po – ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department, today’s visits were the culmination of four days of year-end household visits to all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The visits were aimed at sharing good tidings for the New Year with the community.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan visited a family and an elderly person at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan to chat with them and learn more about their living environment.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited an elderly family and another household in Sham Tseng, Tsuen Wan.

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan visited an elderly couple and an ethnic minority family living at Cheung Tung Estate, Tung Chung.

For his part, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau visited an elderly couple and a young family at Yau Tong Estate, Yau Tong.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn visited an ethnic minority family and an elderly resident at Model Housing Estate, Quarry Bay.

Acting Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo visited an elderly family and a young resident at Fu Tip Estate, Tai Po.