To celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment, on July 1, the Government and various sectors of the community will organise a range of special offers and activities for the public.

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation will give away 71,000 single rides via a lucky draw, and will also provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus, Personalised Octopus with Student Status and JoyYou Cards.

Free rides on several ferry routes will be offered, with vouchers for certain ferry routes being distributed in advance of July 1.

Moreover, the public will be offered free admission to a number of fee-charging Leisure & Cultural Services Department facilities and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park, operated by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

The public can also enjoy free admission to specified exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Free guided tours, as well as dining, consumption and accommodation offers, will be available from mid-June to early July in relation to the 14 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.

Additionally, more than 1,000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1.

The Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360, Ocean Park Hong Kong and Tai Kwun will provide ticket offers, while Hong Kong International Airport, the Hong Kong Science Park, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and various shopping malls and department stores, will roll out dining, consumption or parking offers.

For its part, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with industry partners to offer various dining, shopping, tourism and entertainment deals.

Several public markets under the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will also roll out offers. Consumers can enjoy a 29% discount when purchasing selected products via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7.

The Environmental Protection Department will award double GREEN$ Points to members of the public who recycle at GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1. 

The Government today announced that Mok Mong-chan will assume the post of District Officer (Islands) tomorrow, succeeding Amy Yeung.

Mr Mok joined the Administrative Service in 2014 and has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Judiciary, the Innovation & Technology Commission, the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Education Bureau.

He was most recently the Assistant District Officer (Islands).

The Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 were gazetted today to establish the new professional rank of health and care practitioners (HCPs).

The Government proposes to amend the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Regulation and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) Regulation to establish a registration system for HCPs and incorporate HCPs into the staffing requirements for residential care homes (RCHs) whilst maintaining the existing statutory staffing requirements unchanged.

The amendment allows RCH operators to employ either enrolled nurses or HCPs to meet the relevant statutory requirements.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau said the establishment of the HCP rank will attract people who aspire to pursue a career in the social welfare sector, providing health workers with promotion and career development prospects, thereby assisting the sector in retaining talent.

The bureau noted that the new initiative will enable RCHs to utilise their manpower resources more flexibly as well as establish a dedicated pool of care talent for the social welfare sector, and reduce competition for nursing talent with the healthcare sector.

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) will implement a three-year subsidy scheme to support eligible serving registered health workers with potential to undergo the HCP professional diploma programme recognised by the department.

As residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities often encounter difficulties in recruiting or retaining staff, the SWD had engaged a consultant earlier to conduct a holistic review of the skill and qualification requirements of RCH staff, with a view to establishing professional standards and a career progression path for them.

The Consultancy Study report showed that in terms of the nursing care work in RCHs, the duties of enrolled nurses and health workers were similar. Health workers could further take up more care responsibilities with appropriate training and assessment.

The report recommended establishing a new professional rank of HCP for the social welfare sector. The rank will specialise in providing nursing care as well as health and care services in elderly and rehabilitation social welfare service units, and undertake duties equivalent to those of enrolled nurses in the welfare service units concerned.

Moreover, the amendment exercise also changes the basis of calculating the staffing requirements for nursing homes from the total number of beds as currently adopted to the total number of residents aligning with the international practice and the relevant requirements for RCHs of other care levels in Hong Kong.

The Amendment Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on June 10 and come into effect on October 14 after completion of the legislative procedures.

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that the fifth round of evidential hearings will be held on June 22, 24 and 25.

On each of those dates, hearings take place from 10am to 1pm, and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm, at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, in Central.

From 10am on June 8 to 10am on June 11, members of the public can pre-register online. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation issued by the committee secretariat no later than June 17.

In this round of hearings, the committee will receive oral evidence from experts, appointed by the Government and the committee, on issues relating to the causes that led to the fire and its rapid spread.

Part of the evidence will be given in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, Putonghua and English will be provided on-site at City Gallery.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law today expressed sorrow over the passing of Hong Kong theatre veteran Dr Chung King-fai and extended her deepest condolences to his family.

Miss Law said Dr Chung directed and performed in many classic stage productions over the years, including West Side Story, A Sentimental Journey, Death of a Salesman and Tuesdays with Morrie.

“He also appeared in a number of films, leaving us with cherished collective memories. As a teacher at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, he nurtured numerous renowned artists. His passing is a tremendous loss to Hong Kong’s performing arts sector.

“We will always treasure the memory of this stage veteran and remain deeply grateful for his distinguished contributions to the performing arts in Hong Kong," she said.

Dr Chung dedicated his life to the performing arts, directing numerous productions and making remarkable achievements in developing local theatrical arts. Leveraging his extensive experience and professional knowledge, Dr Chung advised the Government on theatre programming.

He previously served as a member of the Committee on Performing Arts under the then Home Affairs Bureau, and as a member of the Art Form Panel (now the Art Form Sub-committee) under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Programme and Development Committee. He was also an Arts Advisor (Drama) to the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.

Dr Chung was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2013 in recognition of his significant contributions.

The Government today welcomed the appointment of Prof Li King-chuen as the Founding Dean of Medicine at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST).

It added that the appointment, which takes immediate effect, marks a new milestone in the university’s preparatory work for the establishment of the city’s third medical school.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau iterated that the establishment of the third medical school is of great importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong’s healthcare system.

He highlighted that Prof Li served as Founding Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States and possesses relevant practical experience that will be invaluable.

“I look forward to the HKUST’s medical school continuing to smoothly advance the relevant preparatory work under his leadership,” the health chief added.

Such work includes recruitment of teaching and research teams; the formulation of teaching programmes; participation in overall planning for the Ngau Tam Mei campus and the new integrated teaching and research hospital; deepening collaboration with local healthcare institutions and teaching partners; and co-operating with the Medical Council of Hong Kong with regard to accreditation for the curriculum.

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said Prof Li possesses outstanding leadership experience in medical education, an interdisciplinary academic background, and extensive experience in establishing a medical school.

“It is hoped that, with his global vision, academic and clinical experience, and extensive connections in the international medical community, he will lead the HKUST’s medical school in leveraging the strengths of clinical medicine, engineering, data science, and emerging technologies to develop an innovative education model that meets local professional standards, while also being forward-looking and internationally oriented.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prof Li is an internationally renowned physician-scientist, biomedical innovator, and academic leader. He is currently Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the United States. 

Hong Kong’s smoking rate has dropped to a record low, continuing a steady decline from 23.3% in the early 1980s to 8.5% in 2025, according to the latest survey results announced today by the Department of Health.

The department announced the milestone alongside the launch of the “Quit in June” campaign. To encourage and assist smokers in kicking the habit, the department will deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalised smoking cessation counselling services, among other supportive measures.

The figures were highlighted in the latest Thematic Household Survey Report published today by the Census & Statistics Department.

According to the survey on smoking habits, conducted from July to October last year, around 540,000 Hong Kong citizens smoked conventional cigarettes daily at the time of the survey. This accounted for 8.5% of all residents aged 15 and above, down from the 9.1% recorded in 2023.

Regarding alternative smoking products, the proportion of people aged 15 and above who used e-cigarettes daily in 2025 was 0.1%, down from 0.2% in 2023. Meanwhile, the proportion of daily users of heated tobacco products dropped from 0.1% in 2023 to a level beyond accurate estimation.

The department's Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office Head Dr Manny Lam said the decline of Hong Kong's smoking rate to a record low is the result of years of concerted efforts by the public and various sectors of the community, making Hong Kong an international role model for successful tobacco control.

Dr Lam highlighted that the Government aims to reduce the appeal of smoking products, including alternative smoking products and various flavoured cigarettes, to prevent the next generation from becoming addicted to tobacco.

“The latest survey results also show that smoking rates among younger age groups remain at very low levels, reflecting that the younger generation no longer accepts smoking behaviour, which is highly aligned with the Government's goals and societal expectations,” he added.

During this year’s “Quit in June” campaign, the department will distribute free one-week smoking cessation drug trial packs at over 300 community pharmacies, smoking cessation clinics, District Health Centres (DHCs)/DHC Expresses, and the department clinics.

To help manage withdrawal symptoms, designated Chinese medicine clinics will distribute free ear point patches, while a new AI-assisted service, “Chat to Quit”, developed with the University of Hong Kong’s School of Nursing, provides personalised, interactive counselling. It can also provide emotional support and help users practise skills to refuse cigarettes.

Smokers who wish to quit can scan the QR code to access the service for free. For users requiring human counselling, smoking cessation medication support or Chinese Medicine acupuncture smoking cessation services, “Chat to Quit” will also make referrals accordingly.

3D-printed metal implants modelled on human bones are offering patients customised treatment at a lower cost, helping to improve recovery outcomes.

At the Belt & Road Summit 2021, a Hong Kong medical technology company specialising in 3D-printed metal implants signed a co-operation agreement with the Kazakh Research Institute of Oncology & Radiology. The partnership introduced medical 3D printing technology to Kazakhstan, marking a milestone for Hong Kong’s medical innovation exports.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in June. The 3D printing team believes the earlier agreement has laid a solid foundation for further collaboration. During the upcoming visit, the company’s CEO will join the delegation to sign a new co-operation agreement with Kazakhstan, aimed at introducing more advanced technologies and expanding business opportunities.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer Sun Hao-ran said the team is looking to broaden its scope of collaboration.

“In the future, we aim to handle more clinical cases and also seek the potential for local manufacturing and collaboration on more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and other technologies.

“We can bring the standard of Hong Kong technologies and clinical services to all of Central Asia, not only Kazakhstan, but also Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.”

The company maintains close collaboration with Hong Kong universities. Its team believes that partnerships between the medical and innovation sectors are vital to entering the Central Asian market, while expanding Hong Kong’s role in global healthcare.

Chief of Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Hong Kong Faculty of Dentistry Richard Su said such collaboration helps strengthen long-term ties.

“Through the company, we can establish more connections with local hospitals and even local universities. That will be beneficial in the long term, for Hong Kong universities’ research and also for patient care.”

The team also advises businesses seeking to expand overseas to introduce innovative technologies, gain a thorough understanding of local cultures and establish strong ties with stakeholders to build mutual trust.

The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation.

The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety.

Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance.

A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders.

The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property.

To consolidate Hong Kong's regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation.

These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures.

The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities.

In response to the public's expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year.

Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25.

Click here for the consultation document.

The annual Bun Scrambling Competition was held early this morning at the Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch on Cheung Chau.

Twelve finalists competed, climbing the bun tower to gather as many buns as they could in three minutes.

Kwok Ka-ming was named as the men's champion, with Kung Tsz-shan winning the women's contest.

Around 1,650 spectators witnessed the dramatic event, which served as the grand finale to the Bun Carnival.

There was also an invitation relay event, in which three teams from Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau competed against seven local teams from Cheung Chau.

The China Manned Space Agency today announced that the Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceflight mission will launch at 11:08pm on Sunday.

The three astronauts selected for the mission are Lai Ka-Ying, a payload specialist from Hong Kong, flight engineer Zhu Yangzhu, and pilot Zhang Zhiyuan.

As the first astronaut from Hong Kong to participate in a space mission, Ms Lai thanked the motherland for providing the crew with a platform to fulfil their dreams. She also thanked the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and citizens for their full support.

Having gone through a rigorous training process full of challenges, she had a special message for the young people of Hong Kong, and urged them to contribute their wisdom and energy to Hong Kong and the nation.

Ms Lai, 43, was born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a Police Force superintendent and holds a doctoral degree in computer forensics.

She was selected as a payload specialist in a recruitment exercise for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts and was later deployed to train at the China Astronaut Research & Training Center.

According to the China Manned Space Agency, Ms Lai has completed eight major categories of training, covering over 200 subjects and amassing a total of more than 1,700 training hours.

She passed the flight qualification assessment with excellent results and completed intensified training in flight tasks.

Chief Executive John Lee  congratulated Lai Ka-Ying on contributing Hong Kong’s strength to the nation’s aerospace endeavours.

In recent years, Hong Kong’s scientific research capabilities have integrated with the broader development of the nation’s aerospace initiatives.

The China Manned Space Agency’s Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft was launched earlier this month, carrying a lightweight greenhouse gas sensor developed by Hong Kong universities.

The agency believes that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong can leverage its international advantages to attract and cultivate innovation talent, thereby contributing to the nation’s aerospace advancements.

Eligible recipients of social security payments and the Working Family Allowance (WFA) will start receiving a one-off extra allowance today, equivalent to one month of their current rate or allowance.

The extra payment is automatically available to individuals who were eligible for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance standard rate, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance or Disability Allowance on April 29, 2026. Households whose WFA applications were submitted between October 1, 2025, and April 29, 2026, and subsequently approved, are also eligible.

The funds will be credited directly to the designated Hong Kong bank accounts of eligible recipients and households starting today, with no separate application required.

The initiative involves an extra expenditure of approximately $6,486 million and is expected to benefit around 1.76 million social security recipients and 56,000 WFA households. 

For enquiries, social security recipients can call 2343 2255 or contact their respective Social Security Field Unit. WFA households can direct their enquiries to 2558 3000.

The main provisions of the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance will take effect on July 31, the Government announced today.

The ordinance establishes a comprehensive legal framework for advance medical directives (AMDs) and do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders. It also provides legal protection for medical professionals and emergency rescuers when complying with these directives and orders.

Describing the implementation as a significant milestone for end-of-life care in Hong Kong, the Government stated that the new law further protects the autonomy of terminally ill patients in choosing their medical and care arrangements.

Moving forward, the Government will collaborate with stakeholders to step up training for relevant professionals, ensuring full compliance with the statutory requirements once the ordinance goes into operation. Government departments will also partner with social service organisations to raise public awareness through targeted educational and promotional activities.

The ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council and gazetted in November 2024. Following this, the Secretary for Health issued the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (Commencement) Notice to formally appoint July 31, 2026, as the effective date.

The commencement notice will be tabled at the Legislative Council next Wednesday for negative vetting.

The Government today announced it issued the red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on public health considerations, reminding Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel there.

The Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The relevant departments are fully prepared. Once a suspected case is identified, testing and comprehensive prevention and control measures will be implemented immediately in accordance with established protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in Hong Kong.

The Government emphasised that no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded locally. At present, the risk of Ebola disease is primarily confined to outbreak areas and the immediate public health impact to Hong Kong is currently low.

The World Health Organization recently declared that the Ebola disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The Department of Health (DH) has assessed the risk of local transmission spreading to other regions as very high. The Government has therefore issued a red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hong Kong residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who need assistance can call the Immigration Department (ImmD)'s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD's mobile app.

They can also send message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form.

Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at (243) 851474669.

Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.

The information provided allows the DH and ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means or a timely manner when necessary.

The DH has all along conducted health screenings for inbound travellers at all boundary control points. From May 17 to 20, 11 individuals who declared having visited the relevant regions underwent health assessments by the DH. No suspected cases of Ebola disease were identified.

DH staff also provided these individuals with health information on the spot, reminding them to seek immediate medical advice at accident and emergency departments if they develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival in Hong Kong.

In collaboration with the Hospital Authority, the DH has established procedures for handling high-risk specimens related to suspected cases to ensure that, should a suspected case arise in Hong Kong, testing can be conducted as quickly as possible.

The Government today introduced three legislative amendments in the Legislative Council to impose clear legal obligations and prohibit smoking at all construction sites.

The move aims to reduce fire risks and safeguard the safety of workers and the public.

The three legislative amendments are the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 2) Order 2026, the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) (Specification of Authorities and Public Officers) (Amendment) Notice 2026, and the Construction Sites (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 2026.

The Government will publish the Amendment Order and the Amendment Notice in the Gazette on Friday.

The Amendment Order designates construction sites as no smoking areas and the Amendment Notice specifies that Occupational Safety Officers (OSOs) of the Labour Department will carry out enforcement work in relation to all smoking offences at construction sites under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance.

Any person smoking in a construction site commits an offence. OSOs can issue a fixed penalty notice to offenders with a fixed fine of $3,000.

The Amendment Order is applicable to all types of construction sites, including building maintenance sites. Domestic premises and private quarters occupied by residents are not included.

Meanwhile, the Amendment Regulation requires that contractors and subcontractors must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no person smokes or carries a lighted smoking product, or uses a naked light to light a smoking product, at a construction site.

Those violating the Amendment Regulation are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $400,000.

The Amendment Order and the Amendment Notice will be subject to the negative vetting procedure, while the Amendment Regulation will be subject to the positive vetting procedure.

The Government will strive to facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny work and looks forward to having the chamber’s support for early passage of the three amendments, enabling the smoking ban at all construction sites to be implemented as soon as possible. 

The Bun Scrambling Final, the finale to the 2026 Bun Carnival, will be held on Sunday night at the Pak Tai Temple Playground football pitch on Cheung Chau.

Following an opening ceremony at 11.30pm, the competition will start at midnight, in accordance with tradition. A total of 12 finalists will compete for awards across the men's and women's divisions.

Trophies will be awarded to the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up in the men’s division and the winner in the women’s division. The “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns” award will be presented to the participant who gathers the most buns.

Four spectator zones will bet up at the pitch to accommodate around 1,650 people. Admission is expected to start from 10.30pm.

Free tickets will be distributed from 10pm on the night of the event. These can be obtained at Pak She First Lane, next to Cheung Chau Fire Station, and along Ping Chong Road. Members of the public will be given one ticket per person on a first come, first served basis while tickets last.

Special transport arrangements will be made to cater to spectators leaving Cheung Chau after the event.

In the event of inclement weather, the event may be cancelled and will not be rescheduled. In this eventuality, the prizes would be determined based on the selection contest results. 

The Government today announced the activation of the Alert Response Level under the Preparedness & Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The decision follows the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

The Alert Response Level is the lowest of the three tiers under the Government’s response plan.

While Hong Kong has recorded no confirmed Ebola cases to date and the immediate health risk to the local population remains low, the Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection is implementing strict prevention and control measures to guard against imported cases.

According to the WHO, the current epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo virus disease, a strain of the Ebola virus genus. The WHO has warned that the actual outbreak is potentially much larger than currently detected and reported, with a significant risk of regional spread, noting that there are no specific therapeutics or vaccines for this particular strain.

The Centre for Health Protection urged the public to avoid visiting the affected regions unless absolutely necessary, and reminded citizens to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene while travelling abroad.

From succulent local lobster, to shimmering sea fish, the seafood bounty visitors see here is raised right on the waves at this Sam Mun Tsai mariculture raft in Tai Po. It is not just a fish farm, it is a seaside escape, where visitors can cast a line to catch their own dinner, such as groupers and snappers, straight from the water.

Secure joy

The experience is as seamless as it is relaxing. The farm handles all the cooking, and as it is certified under the Fish enJoy Scheme managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD), high quality and local authenticity are guaranteed. 

The Fish enJoy Scheme was launched by the department in September 2025, following the success of the Agri enJoy Scheme initiative.

This new scheme allows mariculture rafts and inland fish farms to host leisure fisheries and educational tours. Participants can sell their own farmed fish and, with the appropriate licences from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department, even prepare fish dishes on-site.

Visitors at the Sam Mun Tsai mariculture raft praised the stunning views and enjoyed tasting fresh seafood in the beautiful surroundings.

AFCD Fisheries Officer (Mariculture Enforcement) Adrian Lam said the department aims to boost fish farmers’ incomes through the leisure fisheries by promoting diversification and the industry’s sustainable development.

Educational tours

Under the scheme, fish farms can also host educational tours. Sam Mun Tsai mariculturist Danny To said visiting student groups learn about the industry’s farming practices and its recreational fishing model.

“It is great for the younger generation to understand the fish farming industry. This is truly a positive initiative,” he said.

Sundays tend to be busier, he added, with sometimes about 200 visitors. “Many of the locals come to enjoy family time, bringing their children to fish.”

Similar to the Fish enJoy Scheme, the AFCD’s Agri enJoy Scheme promotes the development of local recreational agriculture.

A farm located in Kwu Tung offers seasonal activities, allowing visitors to pick grapes, blackcurrants and even dragon fruits. 

“We offer a variety of workshops. Almost everyone has a fantastic time. They can pick their own fruits and experience the joy of farming,” explained farmer Yan Fu-qin.

She added that participation in the scheme helps them with promotion by informing the public that they can come and pick fresh organic fruit, while also boosting the incomes of farmers.

Restrictions relaxed

AFCD Agricultural Officer (Branding & Marketing) Karina Poon explained that to facilitate the organisation of these ancillary businesses, the Government relaxed the restrictions to allow more room for the development of the industry and to help the Agri enJoy farms apply for food business licences to provide light meals mainly with self-grown crops.

The Home Affairs Department today appealed to eligible registered electors to vote this Sunday in the Sha Lo Tung Cheung Uk, Kam Tsin Wai Tsuen, Wa Shan Tsuen and Yung Shue Ha Indigenous Inhabitant Representative Elections, and the Lin Fa Tei Resident Representative Election.

Nineteen Rural Representative vacancies are open in the by-election, and 19 valid nominations were received during the nomination period.

Two candidates are running for Indigenous Inhabitant Representative posts on each of the following committees: the Tai Po Rural Committee in Sha Lo Tung Cheung Uk; the Pat Heung Rural Committee in Kam Tsin Wai Tsuen; the Sheung Shui District Rural Committee in Wa Shan Tsuen; and the Lamma Island (South) Rural Committee in Yung Shue Ha. Two candidates are also running for a Resident Representative post on the Pat Heung Rural Committee in Lin Fa Tei.

Polling will be held for these five vacancies.

The other nine candidates were returned uncontested. These are the candidates to be Indigenous Inhabitant Representatives of Ha Yeung, Tai Po Mei, Kat O, Ma Wan Main Street and San Tong Po, and the candidates to be Resident Representatives of Sheung Ling Pei, Shek Pik San Tsuen, Wo Liu Hang and Sha Tau Kok Market (West Lower).

No valid nominations were received for the remaining five vacancies, including the Indigenous Inhabitant Representative vacancy at Kwan Mun Hau, and the Resident Representative vacancies at Shan Pui Chung Hau (I), Shui Tin Tsuen, Tai Po and Tap Mun.

Polling will be held from noon to 7pm.

The department reminded electors to bring along their original identity documents, or other specific alternative documents, to the polling station as specified in the polling notice.

The Government today announced the appointments of Jennifer Ho and Pinky Lau to the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education, selected through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth.

They will serve from tomorrow to March 31, 2028.

This non-statutory body advises the Government on the objectives and scope of civic education outside schools.

The Government aims to recruit young people who are eager to serve the community to join its advisory committees through the scheme to provide more opportunities for them to participate in policy discussions.