The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will remove an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui near the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station on July 13, in view of its very poor health and structural condition.

     The tree concerned is a Ficus microcarpa listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD YTM/3). 

     The tree is 13 metres tall. Its health and structural condition has been deteriorating since 2022, showing signs such as an imbalanced crown, sparse crown density and a low live-crown ratio, relatively small and chlorotic leaves, and wood decay in its trunk base and limbs. The LCSD has carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the tree, including application of fungicides, improving the soil, applying fertiliser, conducting soil aeration, crown cleaning, cabling, aerial root training and application of pesticide. Despite the implementation of various maintenance and mitigation measures, the health and structural conditions of the tree were found to be deteriorating, and it is considered irrecoverable. Considering the heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic in that part of the road, the tree removal is necessary to avoid posing a danger to pedestrians and other road users.

     Having consulted the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel through the Tree Management Office and the Yau Tsim Mong District Council on the removal proposal, and having obtained the Panel's and the Council's support, the LCSD plans to remove the tree on July 13 and replant a Ficus microcarpa at the location.

     A spokesman for the LCSD reiterated that the department will continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.

     Police today (July 8) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Ngau Tau Kok.

     Chan Ka-tung, aged 25, went missing after she left her residence in Tak Long Estate on July 1 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on July 6.
              
     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 45 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long brown hair. She has tattoos on both forearms. She was last seen wearing a dark-coloured sweater, light-coloured vest, grey trousers, white shoes and carrying a white paper bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0335 or 6736 2136 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The spokesperson for the Kowloon East Cluster made the following announcement today (July 8):
 
     The emergency repair and cleaning works due to water mains leakage at Mona Fong General Out-patient Clinic (GOPC) in Sai Kung have been completed. Clinic services shall resume normal operations at 1.45pm.
 
     The cluster expresses gratitude to patients for their co-operation and understanding during the service suspension.

     A girl who went missing in Tseung Kwan O has been located.

     Li Yat-ching, aged 15, went missing after she left her residence in Hau Tak Estate on June 22 night. Her family made a report to Police on the next day (June 23).

     The girl turned up at police station to cancel the missing person report on July 6 night. She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Home Affairs Department (HAD) will invite members of the public who visit the 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (HAECs) between July 15 and August 9 to assess the service standard of the HAEC, with a view to selecting the Best HAEC.

     A spokesman for the HAD today (July 8) said, "HAECs serve as a bridge between the department and members of the public. By holding this annual activity, the department would like to give recognition to frontline staff who excel in the delivery of public enquiry service and encourage them to serve the community in a professional manner. Through our excellent frontline staff, the service standard of HAECs could be further upgraded."

     Members of the public participating in the activity will be invited to rate various key aspects of the performance of the HAEC. Awards will be determined by the scores awarded by the public.

     A total of eight awards will be presented. Selection results will be announced through the department's website.