Tag Archives: China

     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (February 21) announced that the SMS Sender Registration Scheme is now open for application by all sectors to further help members of the public verify the identities of SMS senders, with a view to combating SMS fraud.
 
     OFCA has been maintaining close liaison with Police and telecommunications operators to assist in combating telephone and SMS fraud from the perspective of telecommunications services. Since the implementation of the Scheme on December 28 last year, major telecommunications operators, the banking industry and individual government departments have joined the Scheme successively. OFCA is now further opening up the Scheme and welcomes the participation of public and private organisations from various industries with a practical need to communicate with customers/clients via SMS.
 
     “Under the Scheme, only those companies or organisations being Registered Senders are able to send SMS messages using their Registered SMS Sender IDs with the prefix ‘#’. All other SMS messages with sender IDs containing ‘#’ but not sent by Registered Senders will be blocked by the telecommunications networks. With such an arrangement, members of the public can easily identify whether an SMS message is received from a Registered Sender by the prefix ‘#’ in the SMS Sender ID,” a spokesman for OFCA said.
 
     “Companies or organisations interested in joining the Scheme may visit OFCA’s website for details and submit their completed application forms together with the required information to OFCA. OFCA will review the application and the SMS Sender ID(s) that can be used for registration if the application is approved,” the spokesman added.
 
     OFCA reminds that under all circumstances, members of the public should stay highly vigilant when receiving SMS messages from unknown senders, and must not disclose to unidentified senders any personal information, bank account numbers or credit card details, transfer money or access any hyperlink in the SMS messages, to avoid suffering any loss. Should there be any doubt, they should report it to Police immediately.
 
     OFCA will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders and enhance publicity to raise public awareness of phone and SMS scams. read more

     A man who went missing in Kwai Chung has been located.      Cheung Shuet-lui, aged 70, went missing after he left his residence in Cho Yiu Chuen yesterday (February 20) morning. His family made a rep… read more

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (February 21) the composite interest rate at the end of January 2024 (Note 1).

     The composite interest rate, which is a measure of the average cost of funds of banks, decreased by 7 basis points to 2.87 per cent at the end of January 2024, from 2.94 per cent at the end of December 2023 (see Chart 1 in the Annex). The decrease in composite interest rate mainly reflected a decrease in the weighted funding cost for deposits during the month (see Chart 2 in the Annex) (Note 2).

     The historical data of the composite interest rate from the end of the fourth quarter of 2003 to the end of January 2024 are available in the Monthly Statistical Bulletin on the HKMA website (www.hkma.gov.hk).

Note 1: The composite interest rate is a weighted average interest rate of all Hong Kong dollar interest-rate-sensitive liabilities, which include deposits from customers, amounts due to banks, negotiable certificates of deposit and other debt instruments, and all other liabilities that do not involve any formal payment of interest but the values of which are sensitive to interest rate movements (such as Hong Kong dollar non-interest bearing demand deposits) on the books of banks. Data from retail banks, which account for about 90 per cent of the total customers’ deposits in the banking sector, are used in the calculation. It should be noted that the composite interest rate represents only average interest expenses. There are various other costs involved in the making of a loan, such as operating costs (e.g. staff and rental expenses), credit cost and hedging cost, which are not covered by the composite interest rate.

Note 2: Since June 2019, the composite interest rate and weighted deposit rate have been calculated based on the new local “Interest rate risk in the banking book” (IRRBB) framework. As such, these figures are not strictly comparable with those of previous months. read more

     The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (February 21) the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for 2023. The ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2023 was higher than that in 2022.

     Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2023 increased by 3 per cent (from 5 363 to 5 500) compared with that in 2022. The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 declined by 11 per cent (from 744 to 659). The most common type of drugs abused in 2023 was heroin, followed by cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”), while cocaine, cannabis and ketamine (commonly known as “K”) remained as the three most common types of drugs abused among young drug abusers aged under 21.

     According to the figures from law enforcement agencies, the number of persons arrested for drug offences in 2023 decreased by 15 per cent (from 4 005 to 3 406) compared with that in 2022. For the same period, the number of young arrestees aged under 21 decreased by 33 per cent (from 483 to 323), and cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved. In addition, according to the court cases concluded in 2023, among persons prosecuted for drug offences, the share among them being convicted was as high as 87 per cent.

     Speaking on the 3 per cent increase in the total number of reported drug abusers in 2023, the ACAN Chairman, Dr Donald Li, said, “As Hong Kong resumed normalcy in full in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic, changes are also observed in the drug situation. Although the total number of reported drug abusers in 2023 was still lower than the ones in 2019 or 2018, the ACAN has already reminded relevant government departments to pay close attention to the changes in the drug situation, and has also suggested that they should continue various anti-drug promotion.”

     The ACAN continues to express concern about the cocaine abuse situation. Cocaine was the most common type of psychotropic substance abused in 2023. For the same period, cocaine was also the most common type of drug abused among the reported young drug abusers aged under 21, with over half of them (55 per cent) having abused cocaine. When categorising arrests for drug offences by drug types, the number of persons arrested for offences related to cocaine was also the highest. Dr Li added, “Cocaine is rampant across the globe. The ACAN noted that the law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong have detected many cocaine trafficking cases, and have enhanced collaboration with the Mainland and other places overseas. As for dealing with the situation locally, the Narcotics Division (ND) has stepped up promotion of the harmful effects of cocaine abuse. The ACAN will support the Government to keep implementing measures targeting cocaine abuse, as this drug is highly addictive and could be fatal.”

     In order to enhance the public’s understanding of the harmful effects of cocaine abuse, the Narcotics Division has launched a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) and the corresponding radio API, which describe abusing cocaine as sinking deep into a quagmire. Cocaine abuse will not only cause physical and mental harm, but will also cost its abusers their life savings, and burden them with enormous debts since they cannot get rid of the addiction to the drug. Furthermore, the ND has also produced an animated video, which is about how a young person with bright prospects had been controlled by his “inner demons” and paid a heavy price for one wrong decision: trying cocaine. Both videos have been uploaded onto the ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk/en/cocaine_info.html).
      
     In addition to cocaine, the ACAN also discussed online drug traps at today’s meeting, which include different groups inviting others to join drug taking activities through instant messaging and dating applications. In some cases, drugs would also be associated with sex. The ND will continue to closely liaise with the anti-drug sector and co-ordinate relevant training. This will help frontline workers have a better understanding of the characteristics and culture of different communities, and make more timely interventions with suitable treatments, with a view to encouraging early help-seeking from drug abusers. The ND reminds members of the public that they should avoid drug traps by staying vigilant against drug traffickers when using social media and dating applications as drug dealers are also using those applications. 

     The Chairman and members of the ACAN visited the Kwai Chung Customhouse after the meeting to learn about the latest drug enforcement work of the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), including the use of advanced examination equipment (such as ion scanners, raman spectrometers and mobile X-ray vehicle scanning systems), and the deployment of Customs Detector Dogs during cargo clearance in order to detect drugs more accurately.

     Dr Li said the C&ED has been making great efforts to combat drugs over the years. The ACAN expressed full support for the C&ED’s upcoming international participation and commitments, including taking up the role of the next World Customs Organization Vice-Chairperson for the Asia-Pacific Region, which will further consolidate the leadership position of the C&ED in the global customs community. The ACAN believes such an international involvement of the C&ED will contribute to combating drug problems at source and building a drug-free Hong Kong.

     The website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk) contains detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about cocaine, for the public’s reference. Members of the public can send messages to 98 186 186 through instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186, to seek information or assistance from professional social workers.

     The figures of the CRDA for 2023 are also available on the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/crda_main_charts_and_tables.html). read more

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (February 21):
 
Question:
 
     The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) plans to introduce the concept of “vertical city” development and the “arrangement of floating planning parameters” in the Kwun Tong Town Centre redevelopment project. Regarding URA’s redevelopment projects, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it knows the current number of URA’s proposed redevelopment projects that have adopted the concept of “vertical city” development, as well as the estimated (i) increase in the plot ratios and floor areas of such projects (set out in a table) and (ii) economic benefits that may be brought to the districts concerned after adopting the concept;
 
(2) as it has been reported that the domestic plot ratio of the old district of Tsuen Wan is only five, whether it knows if the URA will consider adopting the “arrangement of floating planning parameters” in the redevelopment projects in the old district of Tsuen Wan; if it will, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) whether it knows if the URA has plans to improve the ancillary facilities (including transport and healthcare facilities) in the old district of Tsuen Wan through the redevelopment projects in that district, so as to cope with the growth in the population and logistics flow of the district; if it has, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(4) whether it knows the current number of URA’s proposed redevelopment projects that have adopted the “arrangement of floating planning parameters”, as well as the increase in the proportion of URA’s redevelopment projects that have received tenders and the increase in tender success rate after adopting the arrangement (set out in a table); whether there are cases in which the developers of URA’s ‍redevelopment projects allocate development floor space for different planning uses under such arrangement?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     “Floating planning parameters” refers to the flexibility in allocating floor space for different permitted uses in a development, subject to no change in total developable floor space and, often, compliance with the maximum total floor area as allowed for individual permitted use. The development concept of “vertical city” refers to accommodating a range of mixed and compatible uses, including residential, commercial, office and community facilities, in a high-density vertical building. Having consulted the Urban Renewal Authority (URA), my reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) and (4) The Kwun Tong Town Centre Development Areas 4 and 5 Project, which was originally planned for a comprehensive commercial development, including office, hotel and shopping arcade, is the first redevelopment project by the URA adopting the “floating planning parameters” mechanism. It provides the successful bidder with greater flexibility in allocating floor space for the above permitted commercial uses, subject to no change in total developable floor space.
 
     Following the unsuccessful tender of the Project early last year, the URA has reviewed the development mode of the Project. Considering the sizable site area and strategic location of the Project, which is in close proximity to the Kwun Tong MTR Station and a large-scale public transport interchange, the URA considers it possible to increase the building height of the project so as to enhance development capacity, and has pioneered the adoption of the “vertical city” planning concept. The URA has proposed to adopt a mixed-use development mode by adding residential use, thus allowing a mixed use of residential, commercial, office and hotel in the development, and increase the provision of public facilities. The proposed amendment scheme retains the “floating planning parameters” mechanism, which would provide the future successful bidder with greater flexibility in allocating both domestic and non-domestic floor space for different uses within the stipulated maximum levels, so as to maximise the redevelopment potential of the land, and to enhance the resilience to cope with the changing market.
 
     According to the latest proposed amendment scheme, the maximum total gross floor area (GFA) of the Project is proposed to be increased from 201 220 square metres to 251 100 sq m (i.e. increased by about 25 per cent as compared with the original scheme). The total plot ratio of the Project is equivalent to about 12. A comparison of the major development parameters between the scheme put to tender last year and the proposed amendment scheme is as follows:
 

	Proposed amendment scheme	Original scheme	Difference
Total GFA (sq m)	251 100	201 220	+49 880 (+about 25%)
Commercial (sq m)	Max. 153 700	192 619	-38 919 (-about 20%)
Residential (sq m)	Max. 110 100	–	+110 100
Government, Institution or Community (GIC) facilities (sq m)	17 200 (Note)	8 601	+8 599 (+100%)
No. of flats	1 750	0	+1 750
At-grade public open space (sq m)	Not less than 7 200	About 7 200	–
Above-ground outdoor communal space (sq m)	Not less than 4 000	3 230	+770 (+about 24%)

 
     The proposed amendment scheme increases the variety in land use mix. The floor areas for both domestic and non-domestic use, being capped at their respective maximum levels, can be interchanged flexibly which would bring design flexibility to the future development. It is believed that such arrangement can enhance the attractiveness of the Project and expedite the redevelopment. The Project will also provide more planning gains to the community, including more GIC facilities and public open space.
      
     The Project is so far the only project of the URA which adopts the “floating planning parameters” and “vertical city” concept. As the amendment scheme is still subject to the completion of statutory town planning process before the Project is re-tendered at suitable juncture, it is unknown at this stage whether the future developer will adjust the floor space for different permitted uses.
 
(2) and (3) In considering the local context and infrastructure capacity, the domestic plot ratio in the Tsuen Wan old area has been generally maintained at not more than five. In order to better utilise the land resources and promote urban renewal, the URA has commissioned the Tsuen Wan District Study (Tsuen Wan Study). The URA has just completed the Stage 1 “Baseline Review” at the end of 2023, and the Stage 2 “Identification of Urban Restructuring Key Issues, Constraints and Opportunities” has since been commenced. The URA is currently examining the latest infrastructure condition to assess the feasibility of increasing the development capacity of the area, as well as the associated impact on infrastructure and support facilities. The findings, together with other key planning issues including planning vision, population density, traffic planning, and the provision of public facilities (including medical and social welfare facilities, and communal space) etc, and views gauged in local consultations, will be holistically reviewed and considered in Stage 3 “Planning and Urban Design Framework” and the “Master Urban Renewal Plans” in formulating optimal planning parameters and development modes for the long-term development of Tsuen Wan. In this regard, the URA will consider the applicability of “floating planning parameters” in individual land parcels under the Tsuen Wan Study.
 
Note: Exempted from GFA calculation. read more