Author Archives: hksar gov

     Vegetable chain stalls operated by Bonnie Vegetables and Fruit Wholesale Limited in Yau Ma Tei and Shau Kei Wan were fined a total of $10,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (August 16) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) by causing noise nuisance to nearby residents with loudspeakers playing promotional recordings.

     An Environmental Protection Department (EPD) spokesman said that the department received complaints from members of the public last year about two vegetable stalls at Reclamation Street in Yau Ma Mei and Po Man Street in Shau Kei Wan persistently and repeatedly playing promotional recordings with loudspeakers during operating hours to sell goods. The EPD conducted investigations at the vegetable stalls concerned in March and April respectively. Upon on-site assessment by EPD staff, it was confirmed that the noise caused annoyance and the department subsequently prosecuted the two stalls under the NCO. Following the enforcement action against the two vegetable stalls, the above situation was improved.

     The EPD is highly concerned about the noise nuisance caused by vegetable chain stalls in various districts. The department will continue to closely monitor and conduct stringent enforcement action to combat repeated contraventions by these stalls. The EPD will consider prosecuting the company director in addition to the operating company of the stalls concerned.

     The spokesman reminded persons responsible for retail shops and market stalls that when they play promotional recordings to sell goods, they should contain the noise level within their shop area as far as possible and should not cause annoyance to other people outside their shops or nearby residents. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence, and offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. For stalls with repeated contraventions, the operator himself will also be criminally liable for the offence once convicted. read more

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 (Au… read more

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (August 16) welcomed the Central Government’s announcement of the Regulations for Application of Residence Permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Residents, and expressed deep gratitude for its continuous effort in introducing measures in the past year to assist Hong Kong residents studying, working, starting business and living on the Mainland.
 
     “I am very pleased to learn that the Regulations will be formally implemented on September 1 this year. According to the Regulations, Hong Kong residents living on the Mainland who meet the relevant criteria can apply for residence permits. A residence permit holder is entitled to enjoy, in accordance with the law, three categories of rights, six basic public services and nine facilitation measures in the place where he or she is residing, covering areas relating to daily living including employment, education, medical care, travel, financial services and so on,” Mrs Lam said.
 
     “The Central Government has responded to the needs of Hong Kong people in introducing the Regulations. The Regulations will provide convenience for Hong Kong residents who are studying, working and living on the Mainland on a long-term basis, and provide them with more opportunities to participate in the country’s development, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. It fully reflects President Xi Jinping’s people-centred development approach, as well as the Central Government’s care and concern for the people of Hong Kong.”
 
     In his important address at the Meeting Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Fifth-Term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, President Xi said the relevant Central Government departments would actively consider adopting concrete measures to make it more convenient for the people of Hong Kong to study, work and live on the Mainland, and provide more opportunities for them to pursue career development in the country. This would enable the people of Hong Kong to enjoy brighter development prospects and live better lives while contributing to China’s overall development.
 
     The relevant Central Government departments have subsequently introduced a series of concrete measures to assist Hong Kong residents studying, working and living on the Mainland, including installing ticket machines which can read Home Visit Permits in railway stations, allowing Hong Kong and Macao residents working on the Mainland to join the Housing Provident Fund and removing the requirement for Hong Kong and Macao residents working on the Mainland to apply for employment permits. read more

     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, after attending a public function today (August 16): Reporter: As there might be a big outbreak in Hong Kong, what meas… read more

     The Rating and Valuation Department will issue today (August 16) about 330 000 requisition forms asking payers of rates and/or government rent to provide details of rents and other terms of tenancies for different categories of properties.

     A spokesman for the department said the rental information collected would be used to prepare a new round of general revaluation.

     “The general revaluation will better reflect prevailing market rents of properties. The new rateable values will take effect from April 1, 2019,” the spokesman said.

     Rates and/or government rent payers should complete and return the forms within 21 days. They can also complete and return the forms by using the Electronic Submission of Forms service provided at the department’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk).

     Rates and/or government rent payers are reminded to affix sufficient postage if they return the forms by post to ensure timely and successful postal delivery.

     Anyone having difficulty in completing and returning the forms within the specified period must apply in writing for an extension of time before the end of the stipulated period and should state their reasons. 

     Anyone who knowingly makes a false statement or refuses to furnish any of the particulars specified in the form commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 or $10,000 respectively. They will also be fined an amount equivalent to three times the rates and/or government rent undercharged.

     Enquiries on how to complete the form can be made by calling the number printed on the form, or visiting the department at 15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. 

     The department’s website also provides answers to commonly asked questions on completing the form. read more