Hong Kong authorities have arrested 27 people and seized more than 21,000 litres of illicit fuel worth about HK$3.3 million (US$421,200) in a crackdown on triad-linked illegal fuel sales amid soaring global oil prices. Customs, police and fire services on Wednesday said they had jointly tackled 19 cases between April 13 and 30 in an…
Hong Kong’s security chief has reaffirmed that fire services will act as the gatekeeper for safety after a legal vacuum was exposed during an inquiry into the city’s deadliest fire in decades, stressing the department’s existing manpower could cope with expanded oversight duties. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung on Tuesday reiterated the pledge earlier…
Almost half of notices filed to deactivate fire-fighting systems over the past two years for maintenance involved renovation projects that lasted longer than the maximum two months allowed under new rules introduced after the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire, official data has shown. A spokesman for the Fire Services Department told the South China Morning…
Hong Kong’s Security Bureau has defended its decision to appoint singer Hins Cheung as a mentor in a “rehabilitation project” for youngsters arrested during the 2019 protests, saying it welcomes individuals from all backgrounds to share positive life experiences following criticism from internet users in mainland China. The project, which has been running for two…
Hong Kong authorities launched 18 joint operations against illicit refuelling stations this year amid a global energy price surge, with the customs chief noting the practice has become increasingly common in urban areas. But Commissioner for Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat said on Saturday that despite the upwards trend, illegal refuelling was not widespread locally….
Hong Kong authorities are planning to launch a public consultation over a raft of new fire safety-related requirements and offences with tough penalties following the city’s deadliest blaze in decades. Confirming an earlier report by the South China Morning Post, the Security Bureau on Friday laid out its planned amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance,…
Buyers of illicit fuel in Hong Kong could face a maximum penalty of HK$1 million (US$127,687) and one year in prison under proposed legal amendments aimed at curbing illegal refuelling amid surging global oil prices, the South China Morning Post has learned. According to a government source, the Security Bureau has also proposed tougher penalties…
Hong Kong’s security chief has pledged to replace fax messaging between police and firefighters with a digital system and to increase phone lines at emergency call centres, after an inquiry into last year’s deadly Tai Po fire heard that callers waited up to 15 minutes to be transferred. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung’s remarks…
Nearly 1,800 young Hongkongers convicted of protest and national security-related offences have taken part in a rehabilitation programme, authorities have said, including 99 per cent of those found guilty over the 2019 unrest, up from 63 per cent in 2021. Responding to a question from lawmaker Chan Hok-fung, the Security Bureau said that 1,768 inmates…
Hong Kong Cantopop singer Hins Cheung, who previously expressed support for the city’s social movements, will lead young people arrested during the 2019 anti-government protests on visits to mainland China to witness the country’s prosperity and serve as a mentor for a “special rehabilitation project” under the Security Bureau. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung…