The Government announced today (February 1) that the income and asset limits of the individual-based Work Incentive Transport Subsidy (WITS) Scheme will be raised starting from the claim month of February 2019. The new limits, detailed in the Annex, are applicable to applications for subsidy for that month onwards.

     Starting from April 1, the Working Family Allowance Office (WFAO) of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency will take up the processing of individual-based WITS applications from the Labour Department (LD). The LD will issue letters to current recipients of the individual-based WITS on the detailed arrangements. Of note, the application claim period will be revised from the "past six to 12 calendar months" now to the "immediate past six calendar months" before the submission of an application. The WFAO will put in place transitional arrangements to assist applicants in lodging their applications.

     Before April 1, enquiries about the WITS Scheme can be made at its 24-hour hotline 2717 1771 (handled by 1823) or the enquiry counters of the LD's WITS Division at Unit 1225, 12/F, Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. Details of the Scheme are also available at the LD's homepage (www.labour.gov.hk).

     As for the details of individual-based WITS applications from April 1 and transitional arrangements, please call the WFAO's 24-hour hotline 2558 3000, or approach the enquiry counters on 9/F, 181 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong. Further details will also be uploaded to the new website of the WITS Scheme later.

     â€‹The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (February 1) urged members of the public to keep the environment clean and not to litter when celebrating the Lunar New Year (LNY).

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The Government's efforts alone will not suffice to keep the environment clean and tidy. Members of the public and shop operators also have the responsibility to dispose of waste properly in public places.

     "During the LNY, the FEHD will enhance street cleaning services at locations where large crowds are expected, such as increasing the frequency of street sweeping and refuse collection. In addition, more staff of the department will be deployed to patrol and take enforcement action against persons found littering, including issuing Fixed Penalty Notices of $1,500."

     The spokesman also reminded members of the public to pay attention to food safety, not to patronise unlicensed cooked food hawkers, and to keep passageways clear. The FEHD will, depending on actual circumstances, take appropriate actions against illegal cooked food hawkers, shop front extension and hawking activities causing street obstruction.

     He appealed to members of the public to exercise civic-mindedness and self-discipline, and keep the environment clean while enjoying the festive season.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Hong Kong Monetary Authority tenders to be held on Feb 12:
 

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 1) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, February 1, 2019 is 103.3 (up 0.4 against yesterday's index).