The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Far Eastern International Bank relating to a phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or e-mails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the email concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     Following is the translation of the Lunar New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 31):
      
     Looking back on the Year of the Ox, we have maintained stability overall as a result of hard work. With the support of the Central Government and the efforts of the whole community, Hong Kong has not only stayed true to its aspirations in the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and returned to the right track of "One Country, Two Systems", but has also been fighting the epidemic, boosting the economy and enhancing people's livelihoods. Capitalising on the opportunities presented by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into the country's overall development.
      
     Leaping into the Year of the Tiger, Hong Kong is set to usher in a brighter future. The tiger is a symbol of quick response, great bravery and strong vitality. These attributes vividly describe the spirit of Hong Kong people, who always make the best of their opportunities and rise to the challenges that come their way. Such a spirit will not only help us get through the epidemic, but will also take Hong Kong into a new era of prosperity as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.
      
     I wish all Hong Kong citizens a healthy, harmonious and auspicious Year of the Tiger!
      
(The message is available on the Chief Executive's website (www.ceo.gov.hk/lny_message22/eng/).)

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: 
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or e-mails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the email concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, today (January 31) made the following statement:

     I have today (January 31) tendered my resignation to the Chief Executive and intend to leave the post today.

     As one of the Principal Officials taking the lead in the anti-epidemic fight, I have not set the best example during the recent outbreak. I made the wrong decision to attend a banquet on January 3 and behaved in an inappropriate manner when all efforts should have been devoted to controlling the spread of the virus. I will take responsibility for my actions, and I have therefore decided to resign from the position of Secretary for Home Affairs. I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Government and serve the people of Hong Kong. I would also like to thank the Chief Executive, my colleagues and friends from various sectors for their support and guidance.

     â€‹With the Chinese New Year holidays around the corner, the Labour Department (LD) today (January 31) again reminded foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) to comply with social distancing measures announced by the Government.
      
     An LD spokesman said, "According to the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I), a person who participates in a prohibited group gathering of more than four persons in a public place or fails to wear a mask in accordance with the requirement may be charged a fixed penalty of $5,000. During the Chinese New Year holidays, the LD will conduct mobile broadcasts in multiple languages at popular FDH gathering places across the territory to call upon FDHs to comply with the relevant requirements. On February 1 to 3, the LD will, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, conduct joint operations at Central, Tamar Park in Admiralty, Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, the footbridge near Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, Lai Chi Kok Park and elsewhere. Relevant departments will take enforcement action against those who still refuse to abide by the regulations after repeated reminders.
      
     "We remind FDHs to strictly observe the requirements and appeal to them to avoid gatherings (including those in boarding facilities), food sharing and other social activities on their rest days and holidays in order to safeguard their personal health and reduce the risk of infection."
      
     Hong Kong residents, including FDHs, can get vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge. For booking and details, please visit the designated website of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (www.covidvaccine.gov.hk). The Government appeals to FDHs to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and others.
      
     Should FDHs and their employers have any enquiries on employment matters, they may contact the LD through the dedicated FDH hotline at 2157 9537 (manned by 1823), by email to fdh-enquiry@labour.gov.hk or through the online form on the dedicated portal (www.fdh.labour.gov.hk).