Stories from Hong Kong

Police arrested a 31-year-old driver in Hong Kong for dangerous driving after an undercover operation. The vehicle was found to have illegal modifications. The arrest follows an incident where a driver allegedly attempted to overcharge a passenger by 540 HKD for a 200 HKD fare. Hong Kong transport officials announced that more motorists will be able to apply to drive over the bridge to Macau starting Thursday. The new open quotas provide 200 spots for permanent residents and 200 spots for companies. A Hong Kong government spokesman stated the change will provide additional convenience for drivers. Currently, access is limited to certain permanent residents and specific firms. Individuals meeting specific requirements can apply for these quotas. Those granted a quota can travel to Macau multiple times using the bridge from mid-July until the quota expires in 2029.

Cathay Pacific has issued approximately 2.1 billion HKD in bonds, according to a report from RTHK Radio 1. Cathay Pacific has issued 2.1 billion Hong Kong dollars in bonds.

The Urban Renewal Authority stated it has not been requested by the government to combat bid-rigging in procurement processes.

The Hong Kong government is addressing employment issues related to new work models, specifically focusing on food delivery platform workers. Labor and Welfare Bureau Secretary Wong Ka-wing issued a message on International Workers' Day honoring workers' contributions to Hong Kong. Some Legislative Council members are calling for protections to be integrated into the existing labor law framework. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuk-hon, announced the government plans to propose legislative recommendations for a compensation mechanism for food delivery and courier platform workers within this year. Hong Kong legislator Lam Wai-kong is working with platform companies, labor groups, and stakeholders to establish a legislative framework for platform workers.

New visiting hour regulations are expected to take effect by the end of July. Police reported that as of 2:00 PM, crowds at Sai Kung Man Wan Reservoir exceeded 1,000 people. Lam Man-chung noted that many smokers use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes simultaneously, necessitating a multi-pronged approach to regulation. Over 253,000 people passed through Hong Kong ports by 10:00 AM during the five-day May Day Golden Week. Authorities in Hong Kong issued four fixed penalty notices yesterday following the implementation of new rules regarding e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco in public places. Violators face a $3,000 fine. Many Lam, head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, stated the enforcement is largely in line with expectations. More than 253,000 people entered and exited Hong Kong through various ports.

An independent commission hearing revealed that only one unit in the Wang Jianguo building sustained serious damage during the fire.

The French Arts Festival includes over 100 programs spanning art, music, dance, theater, circus, and cinema. Residents of Wang Kin Kwok are returning to their homes in batches following flood damage. Residents are returning in batches to parts of the Kwong Fuk community to collect belongings following a fire. One resident reported that only one unit in their building sustained severe damage. The parents, who were among the first owners, expressed a strong desire to move back into their unit despite the circumstances. Some residents were seen moving belongings using trolleys to the Kwong Fuk community center before 9:00 AM. Dozens of people queued at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall before 9:00 AM to register and collect protective equipment. Chen, reported that while she has not seen photos of her unit, she expects the condition to be acceptable.

Two taxi drivers were arrested in Sai Kung for allegedly overcharging passengers. The drivers are suspected of charging between $300 and $540, which is approximately twice the original fair rate. Police have impounded the taxis for further investigation. Police arrested three men for offenses including dangerous driving and failing to display taxi emblems during a two-day crackdown. Police intercepted a taxi traveling from Sai Kung to the Heung Yuen Wai border crossing after the driver reached speeds of up to 160 km/h. One driver was caught traveling at speeds up to 160 km/h while weaving through traffic on a 30-minute trip from Sai Kung to the Sha Tau Kok border crossing. Officers intercepted the vehicle at the border and discovered illegal modifications. Two other drivers, aged between 43 and 66, were also arrested in connection with the investigation.

Two taxi drivers, aged 43 and 66, were arrested in Sai Kung during an undercover operation. The men are suspected of overcharging passengers by approximately $300 and $540 respectively. These amounts are reportedly about twice the original fare.

A manager from the Urban Renewal Authority, Chan Yat-ho, testified during the 21st hearing of the Tai Po Wong Fuk Yuen fire independent commission.