Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

More than 1.1 million pangolins were illegally traded between 2000 and 2016, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The animals are trafficked for their scales and meat, and their skin is used to manufacture products such as handbags and belts.

Illegal trade of wild pangolins is common due to high commercial value, making them one of the most smuggled animal groups globally. Some parts of the pangolin, such as the scales, can be valued at tens of thousands of yuan per jin.

The Hong Kong government is being urged to increase promotion of an employer subsidy scheme following the abolition of the NPF offsetting arrangement one year ago. Uber has acquired Fly Taxi, a locally built metataxi platform launched 13 years ago in Hong Kong. Uber stated that Fly Taxi will continue to operate normally with no changes for drivers or riders. Eligible travelers can use the bridge multiple times from mid-July until the quota expires in 2029. Hong Kong's Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuk-han, announced the government is researching legislative mechanisms to improve industrial insurance for platform workers, including delivery drivers. Labor and Welfare Bureau Secretary Sun Yuhann issued a greeting to workers on social media platforms for International Workers' Day.

Lawmaker Lam Chun-sing is calling on the government to increase promotion of a subsidy scheme for employers. This follows the abolition of the NPF offsetting arrangement one year ago. The government has received over 20,000 applications for the scheme. The government has reserved $33.2 billion for the subsidy over 25 years, but only $40 million has been dispersed so far. Lam noted that some employers may be unaware of the scheme or the application procedures. Lam describes as lower than expected. Lam Chun-sing stated that resources should be used to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The comment was made regarding the utilization of available resources for business support.

President Jose Raúl Molina defended his country's takeover of port contracts from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The move occurs amid mounting U.S. pressure to curb Chinese influence over waterways. Molina stated the dispute will soon be heard by international arbitration courts.

Police intercepted a vehicle yesterday after a driver attempted to block passengers on a bridge.

Experts suggest generative artificial intelligence will not simply replace humans but will reshape division of labor patterns.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Lam Lam reported that the government has received over 20,000 applications for a subsidy designed to assist firms with severance and long service payments. Currently, only certain permanent residents and firms meeting specific requirements can apply for the quota. However, current holders of quotas issued after September 2023 are not eligible to apply during this period. Individuals meeting specific requirements can apply for quotas that allow multiple trips to Macau via the bridge. Current quota holders issued after September 2023 are ineligible for this specific application cycle. The Hong Kong government is researching legislation to improve the industrial accident compensation mechanism for platform workers, such as food delivery drivers.

The H2 bus route in Hong Kong is offering a discounted fare of 40 HKD during the Golden Week period. Families and individual travelers from Guangdong are arriving in Hong Kong for the May Day long holiday. Travelers are arriving via high-speed rail at West Kowloon Station, with some Guangdong tourists making day trips and others planning to spend tens of thousands on shopping. Visitors are frequenting locations such as Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui to experience local film scenery and shopping. Immigration authorities expect approximately 980,000 mainland Chinese travelers to enter Hong Kong through controlled checkpoints during the Golden Week period. The influx represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The Commissioner for Protection, Lai Kin-ming, inspected Sai Kung on the first day of the Golden Week holiday.

The 1974 Cafe and exhibition hall at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters on North Point's Jardine's Lookout have launched a music-themed event for the May Day Golden Week.