Government social workers supporting survivors of Hong Kong’s deadly Tai Po fire are struggling to manage their “indefinite” duties, with poor communication about new initiatives compounding the stress of their already heavy caseloads. Several social workers, including a union leader, told the South China Morning Post that they needed clarity from authorities on their roles…
A former property agent who left urine-contaminated soft drinks in several Hong Kong supermarkets has been spared jail after a court accepted that he deserved a second chance in light of his remorse and personal circumstances. Kowloon City Court on Tuesday adopted a probation officer’s recommendation to place retiree Franklin Lo Kim-ngai on probation for…
Hong Kong authorities should step up support for elderly at risk of suicide across all social classes, analysts have said, after a 73-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of murdering her husband in a hotel before taking sleeping pills and losing consciousness. They added that officials should broaden efforts to educate frontline workers…
One of two domestic helpers in Hong Kong earlier arrested for allegedly abusing two small boys faces a holding charge of ill-treatment after one of the children, a four-month-old infant, was hospitalised with a brain haemorrhage and injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome. Chief Inspector Tam Ching-shan of the Tai Po district crime unit said…
Hong Kong professionals mandated to report suspected child abuse cases under a new law taking effect on Tuesday are largely ready, but some have said challenges remain in working with parents from different cultural backgrounds and detecting online crimes targeting youngsters. Under the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, more than 100,000 people across 25…
Looking back at 2025, the city made meaningful strides in supporting its retirees. The government expanded the Elderly Health Care Voucher and Community Care Service Voucher schemes, and invested HK$2 billion (US$256.47 million) in an elderly and rehabilitation technology fund. It also announced 30 measures for the silver economy and formed the Working Group on…
Anxiety over housing has hindered the psychological healing of residents affected by the deadly Tai Po fire, mental health professionals have said, as Hong Kong authorities begin polling flat owners on their preferences for long-term resettlement. The inferno that broke out on November 26 at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court claimed 161 lives, injured 79,…
Hong Kong will overhaul public hospital fees from January 1 to ensure the sustainable development of its healthcare system amid challenges from an ageing population. Authorities estimate the increased fees could generate an additional HK$3 billion (US$385 million) a year, with the extra revenue earmarked to support patients facing financial hardship or critical illnesses. The…
More than 10,000 teenagers and underprivileged Hongkongers have benefited from subsidised dental care programmes launched earlier this year, with about 1,500 street sleepers set to be included from next month. The Department of Health on Wednesday said its community dental support programme would be expanded to reach more people in need and provide advanced treatments…
A former Hong Kong government engineer was jailed for five years and three months on Tuesday for laundering HK$6.26 million (US$804,000) in illegal proceeds, having lived far beyond his legitimate income. The High Court heard that 60-year-old Zsa Sing-tak had also accepted a HK$40,000 bribe to favour engineering firms linked to a friend during tendering…