Hong Kong gov’t defends ‘mega events’ funding as HK$192 million approved since scheme’s 2023 launch

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP— Hong Kong’s government says it approved spending of over HK$192 million since 2023 on “mega events” designed to attract tourists, and had put rules in place to guard against potential conflicts of interest. In a written response to lawmakers on Wednesday, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau said the committee overseeing the “Mega Arts and […]

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP—Hong Kong’s environment bureau says it’s not partaking in gov’t waste tax trial because of how its trash is collected. Hong Kong’s Environment and Ecology Bureau is not participating in a trial of the city’s waste charging scheme, saying that the way rubbish was collected from its location in the Central Government Offices made it “not a suitable location.” First suggested by the government in 2005 before becoming law in 2021, the waste charging scheme […]

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP—Hong Kong housing chief defends HK$4.4 billion operating costs of temporary housing scheme. Hong Kong’s housing minister has defended an estimated HK$4.39 billion price tag for managing 30,000 temporary flats which are planned for the city, saying this would cover maintenance, cleaning, and other amenities. The units will be part of the Light Public Housing (LPH) scheme, which aims to boost the city’s short-term housing supply by providing […]

Hong Kong Free Press HKFP—Hong Kong’s anti-terror hotline received over 28,000 messages since June 2022 launch, police say. Hong Kong police have received over 28,000 tip-offs via the anti-terrorism hotline since its launch in June 2022, including reports of suspected possession of weapons and suspected harbouring of explosives. Police told HKFP on Wednesday that public vigilance against terrorism increased as the authorities heightened promotion and educational efforts, and encouraged residents to report suspicious […]