Hong Kong has experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, prompting the issuance of the third amber rainstorm warning within a week. The Observatory warns of the potential for flooding and advises residents to take precautions.
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Hong Kong’s Article 23 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has sparked concerns about civil liberties and its impact on foreign relations. Despite no arrests under the law yet, some Hongkongers have taken precautionary measures, and foreign governments have expressed worries. The government aims to shift the narrative towards the economy and emphasize the high threshold for prosecution, while avoiding direct confrontations with Western powers. The effectiveness of mega events and engaging with expatriate Hongkongers are seen as potential strategies to address international skepticism.
In response to the ban on non-reusable plastic utensils in Hong Kong’s fast food establishments, online traders have rushed to capitalize on the prohibition by selling the items at exorbitant prices. Even before the ban took effect, individuals were offering Fairwood’s transparent orange plastic utensils on Carousell for HK$10, while another seller attempted to sell a single spoon for HK$200, claiming it was out of production. One ambitious seller even listed a set of commonly used utensils for HK$888,888.88, a number associated with fortune in Chinese culture. Despite criticism from those who oppose profiteering from the sustainability-driven ban, some individuals expressed excitement about the potential to sell their unused utensils. However, the government has granted a six-month grace period for businesses to adjust to the changes, and enforcement actions will only be taken against non-compliant businesses after that period expires.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam Ting-kwok, has ruled out the use of legal means to address ‘soft resistance’ and instead has emphasized the need to develop and wield ‘soft power’ to counter fearmongering and despair. He also announced that the previously proposed fake news law is no longer on the legislative agenda due to challenges in defining ‘fake news’ and distinguishing between facts and opinions.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has launched a comprehensive SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) information platform on its website to assist businesses impacted by changing consumer and tourist spending patterns. The interactive platform centralizes essential information on loan products, services, and hotlines provided by 11 major banks in Hong Kong. It empowers SMEs to compare and choose the best loan options, enhancing their bargaining power and easing their financial burden.
The government-appointed Advisory Council on the Environment has endorsed the environmental impact assessment report for the San Tin Technopole project, with eight conditions. The project aims to create a technology hub near the border with mainland China, but has faced objections from conservation groups. The council’s approval comes despite concerns raised by green groups regarding the accuracy of the assessment and the potential impact on fish ponds and wetlands in the area. The Civil Engineering and Development Department is required to submit a habitat creation and management plan outlining mitigation measures before filling 90 hectares of fish ponds. Other conditions include the establishment of an environment committee and the filing of a detailed design of wildlife corridors.
Hikers discovered a total of 13 brick-shaped packages containing white powder on the rocky Nam She Wan coastline. Police later confirmed the substance to be cocaine, with an estimated street value of HK$15 million. The find is the third such incident in Hong Kong in recent weeks, raising suspicions of potential connections between the hauls.
Hong Kong has implemented a ban on single-use plastic items in hotels, including bottled water, toothbrushes, and toiletries. Tourists and regular business travelers expressed understanding and support for the ban, indicating that they often bring their own toiletries or can easily purchase them in Hong Kong. Hotels are adjusting to the ban by providing wooden toothbrushes and combs in some rooms and charging for wooden cutlery for takeaway food orders.