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 WeLab Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent mobile application, 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 app 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.

     The Government Logistics Department (GLD) has announced that in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community, the public auction of the GLD originally scheduled to be held at 10.30am on January 13 (Thursday) at the Government Logistics Centre has been cancelled. Information on the next public auction will be announced later on the GLD's website (www.gld.gov.hk/en/our-services/supplies/auction/).

     For enquiries, please call 2896 9878 from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) during office hours (between 9am and 5pm).

     The Government announced today (January 7) that in view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, Iraq will be specified as a Group A specified place from 0.00am on January 10 to tighten the boarding and quarantine requirements for relevant inbound travellers.

     To manage and prevent the importation risks posed by Omicron cases, the Government will continue to employ the most stringent measures to guard against importation of cases. Overseas places where Omicron cases have been detected that may lead to local transmission and exportation of cases will be specified as Group A specified places. Noting that the detection of Omicron cases was confirmed in Iraq, the Government will specify it as a Group A specified place from 0.00am on January 10. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days will not be allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They will have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 21 days upon returning to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival in Hong Kong.

     Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found at www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html.

     The Government will gazette the relevant updated specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to effect the above measures.

     Hongkong Post announced today (January 7) that, as updated by the postal administration of Malaysia, due to flooding, mail delivery services (including Speedpost) to Malaysia for areas with the postcodes listed below are subject to delay.
 

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

     Heung Man-ki, aged 28, went missing after he left his residence at Ming Tak Estate on January 2 morning. His family made a report to Police on January 3.

     The man was located in a shopping mall in Kwun Tong today (January 7). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.