The Housing Bureau today dismissed as entirely unfounded online claims that the company established by the Government to acquire ownership of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po is a shell company on the verge of bankruptcy.

It said the allegations may have been made with intent to confuse the public by individuals with ulterior motives.

The bureau stressed that the Wang Fuk Court Property Rights Acquisition Limited has full government support and that there is absolutely no risk of a shortfall in funding for the acquisition of flats at Wang Fuk Court.

In addition to $2.8 billion provided by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, $4 billion has been earmarked under the 2026-27 Budget for the acquisition of Blocks A to G.

For the additional acquisition of Wang Chi House, which is estimated to cost about $1 billion, the Government will seek funding approval from the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee on Friday.

The Government has been progressively signing formal Agreements for Sale and Purchase with owners who have submitted signed Letters of Acceptance.

The bureau highlighted that as of last Friday, the acquisition company had already signed Agreements for Sale and Purchase with over 550 Wang Fuk Court owners. It said the Government is sparing no effort in expediting the completion of assignment procedures.

It added that such procedures have so far been completed for two flats, with acquisition amounts having been disbursed to the flats' former owners.

The Education Bureau today clarified an incident involving erroneous SMS notifications sent to local parents regarding Primary One Admission (POA) and expressed its deepest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

The bureau noted that according to preliminary investigations, the results of the Central Allocation for POA, originally scheduled to be announced starting tomorrow, were mistakenly sent ahead of schedule today due to an operational error in the sending procedure of the system.

Upon learning of the incident, the bureau immediately took action to correct the procedure.

To safeguard the interests of every student, the bureau immediately conducted a comprehensive and rigorous review of the allocation information for all students after the incident. It clarified to parents that the SMS notifications this morning do not affect the allocation results.

The bureau also notified parents via SMS this morning advising them to disregard the earlier SMS notifications regarding POA. It also appealed to parents not to contact the schools hastily.

The bureau has immediately set up dedicated hotlines (2832 7700/2832 7740) to respond to parents' enquiries. All official POA results with complete and accurate registration details will be released starting from 7.30am tomorrow as originally scheduled.

The bureau emphasised that its information systems have been operating reliably. After an immediate and thorough check by the technical team, it was confirmed that the systems were not subject to any cyberattack or hacker intrusion. The core database remains intact.

This incident is entirely unrelated to information security or cybersecurity. The personal data of parents and students are highly encrypted and protected.

The bureau attaches great importance to the incident and has immediately set up a crisis management team to follow up on the matter, and will conduct a comprehensive review of the systems, procedures and manpower support. If any negligence by personnel or procedural errors are found, it will seriously follow up the matter.

The bureau will further enhance the monitoring processes of the systems and dissemination mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act.

The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online.

The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing.

It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours.

The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law.

It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics.

The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.

The Environment & Ecology Bureau today said that to ensure the proper implementation of the diesel subsidy, the Government has been enforcing the “pay later” arrangement for reimbursing the price difference to oil companies in order to ensure the proper use of public funds.

The Government has, since April 30, been implementing the Diesel Subsidy Scheme, which runs for a period of two months, with a view to supporting public and commercial vehicles and vessels and related industries that use diesel as fuel.

Under the subsidy scheme, users who consume diesel locally may receive a subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel when they purchase diesel to reduce the selling price by HK$3 per litre accordingly.

Recently, there have been views suggesting that the increase in diesel prices is due to oil companies and distributors profiteering from the subsidy scheme by increasing prices in advance since the announcement of the subsidy scheme on April 10.

There are also claims that the pump price of diesel had already increased by almost HK$3 per litre within the intervening 20 days.

The Government emphasised that these claims do not correspond with the facts, and it is necessary for the Government to make clarifications to set the record straight.

Global prices
Firstly, the prices of fossil fuels have been rising around the world, as affected by the situation in the Middle East, and the price rises are by no means unique to Hong Kong. It is necessary to consider the broader picture and the situation in other regions instead of inferring that oil companies might increase their prices in advance to profiteer merely based on the fact that fuel prices are on the rise.

If compared with the position before the conflict in the Middle East, the international refined oil product price for diesel had increased by around HK$10 per litre at most, whilst the maximum increase of the local diesel pump price was HK$7.5. From mid-April to now, the international refined oil product price has increased by around HK$0.5 (+6.67%).

Over the same period, the maximum retail price of diesel in the Chinese Mainland had increased twice by a total of around HK$0.4 (+4.0%), while the local diesel pump prices had increased by HK$0.6 (+1.66%).

Furthermore, some oil companies have reduced their diesel retail pump prices as of today, but it is expected that the diesel price may fluctuate as affected by the conflict in the Middle East.

'Pay later' arrangement
Secondly, it is the Government's responsibility to ensure the proper use of public funds. In designing the subsidy scheme, the Government has introduced multiple layers of safeguards to ensure that users will benefit from the subsidy.

Among the safeguards, the subsidy scheme has introduced a “pay later” arrangement, where oil companies and distributors must first sell subsidised diesel to consumers at a price reduced by HK$3 per litre, and specify the subsidy amount and the selling price on the receipts issued to their customers.

Oil companies and distributors must then submit a report to the Government one week later to apply for reimbursement of the amounts they have advanced.

The Government will then verify the reports, sales records and invoices submitted by the oil companies and distributors, and will only reimburse the price difference if the information provided is confirmed to be accurate.

Should there be issues arising, the Government reserves the right to refuse to reimburse the price difference, and to refer the case to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. Therefore, should oil companies attempt to profiteer, they will not be reimbursed the price difference they have advanced.

The operation of the subsidy scheme has been largely normal and smooth since its implementation. The Government is receiving weekly reports from the oil companies and distributors, and is conducting the necessary checks.

Audit report
Thirdly, upon the completion of the subsidy scheme, oil companies and distributors will need to submit to the Government an audited audit report, which will require them to state the comparison of the change in the average retail price after deducting all discounts, excluding the HK$3 per litre subsidy, with the corresponding import prices before and during the subsidy period.

Should there be changes in this ratio, these may suggest profiteering which can be easily detected by auditors. The Government may then use the audit report to take the necessary follow-up action with the oil companies and distributors.

The Government reiterated that it will spare no effort to implement the arrangements by gatekeeping to ensure that the subsidy scheme will benefit users who are affected by surging diesel prices. 

The ban on the possession of alternative smoking products (ASPs) in public places came into effect today. In a press statement, the Department of Health rejected claims that the new measure will discourage tourists from visiting Hong Kong, and stressed that such claims completely overlook the fact that the importation and sale of e-cigarettes and heat sticks have already been banned for four years.

Pointing out that rumour-mongers are spreading false information, misleading the public and visitors, causing unnecessary alarm and damaging Hong Kong’s reputation, the department urged all sectors to work with the Government to convey accurate information to tourists and prevent misleading messages from damaging Hong Kong’s image as a healthy travel destination.

Since April 30, 2022, Hong Kong has prohibited the import, sale and possession of ASPs for commercial purposes, meaning that in the past four years, all inbound travellers have been legally barred from bringing those items into the city, and such items have not been available for purchase locally.

The new ban simply extends regulation to cover possession in public places, without imposing additional restrictions in practice on tourists, the department explained.

It also pointed out that the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong have continued to rise from 2023 to 2025, demonstrating that public health protection and tourism development can co-exist.

Additionally, the department’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office has adopted a multipronged publicity approach to spread relevant information to tourists, including giving out promotional leaflets, displaying information on large electronic screens on the Mainland side of ports, and co-ordinating with airlines to make in-flight announcements. It also conducts promotional activities on social media, at boundary control points and at major tourist attractions to remind citizens and visitors to comply with the law.

According to the extended ban, any person who possesses e-cigarette capsules, e-liquids, heat sticks or other specified ASPs in public places will be liable for a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the possession exceeds the specified quantity or involves a commercial purpose, an offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The Health Bureau today clarified that the Government never requested the CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) to repay its government loan ahead of schedule.

The bureau noted that the proposal for early repayment was initiated jointly by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the CUHKMC.

In a press statement, the bureau said the CUHKMC formally notified the Government in writing on April 22 of its proposal to fully repay the loan ahead of schedule, citing its gradually stabilising financial position.

Taking into account various considerations, the Government has agreed to the proposal in principle that the CUHKMC may repay the full loan amount on March 19 next year. Specific arrangements are being finalised.

The bureau added that the Government will maintain close liaison with the CUHK and the CUHKMC to complete the necessary procedures. It will also closely monitor the CUHKMC’s compliance with deed-related obligations to ensure proper operations before and after the repayment.

The Government, the CUHK and the CUHKMC will report the latest updates on the loan arrangement to the Legislative Council Panel on Health Services on May 8.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today it strongly condemns untruthful remarks, slanders and smears contained in the United Kingdom’s “six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2025”.

In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it rejects the UK’s attempt to interfere in the city’s governance by making misleading remarks about Hong Kong matters.

Emphasising that the core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration concerns China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and that the declaration does not authorise the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs following its return to China, the Hong Kong SAR Government urged the UK to respect international law and basic norms governing international relations, and to stop intervening in Hong Kong matters, which it said are purely China’s internal affairs.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, as protected under the law, and that the city’s media landscape has remained vibrant since the implementation of the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

It added that it rejects false content in the UK’s report in relation to Hong Kong’s laws and efforts to safeguard the SAR’s national security. In this regard, it highlighted that the UK, pursuant to its national security and counter-terrorism laws, arrested over 3,000 people in 2025, but nevertheless smeared the Hong Kong National Security Law and the city’s efforts to enforce it as “undermining rights and freedoms”.

The statement said such double standards and hypocritical behaviour are ugly and despicable.

It further stated that the implementation of the National Security Law has brought freedom, stability, a resumption of economic activity and improvements to the business environment in Hong Kong, with the city being recognised as the world’s freest economy in the world.

Stressing that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, the Hong Kong SAR Government said any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from the consequences of acting illegally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

As to the UK report’s mention of the verdict in the Lai Chee-ying case, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that he and other defendants were found guilty only after a fair trial, and that to suggest otherwise is a malicious smear. It said the court made it clear that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views of beliefs, and that there was absolutely no question of “political prosecution”.

Regarding the UK report’s claim that the Hong Kong SAR Government exerted “political pressure” on the judiciary as the court deferred to judgements made by the executive branch regarding national security matters, the Government said differing to such judgements is established practice in many locations, including the UK.

The Transport Department today urged members of the public not to be misled by messages on social media claiming that Hong Kong residents can apply directly for permanent "Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas" for their vehicles.

The messages are being referred to law enforcement agencies for follow-up.

The department clarified that applicants must first meet the application requirements stipulated by the competent Mainland authority, and submit to it documents such as business registrations for both Guangdong and Hong Kong. Upon receipt of Mainland Approval Notice, applicants can then apply to the department for a Closed Road Permit for designated land-based boundary control points.

Highlighting that the arrangements involve both Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities, the Transport Department advised applicants to refer to official announcements, verify messages carefully and stay alert against deception, in order to avoid disruption to their travel plans.

The Government today refuted unfounded media reports regarding the housing and rental arrangements for owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, reaffirming that support will continue until their long-term housing is finalised.

In a statement responding to reports that some residents would be required to vacate transitional housing within 30 days of receiving acquisition payments or new flat keys, the Government clarified that these claims are baseless. 

Affected owners will remain eligible for accommodation and rental grants throughout the transition period, including those participating in the Special Sales Exercise or "flat-for flat" arrangements. 

The Housing Bureau emphasised that operating organisations of transitional housing projects have consistently provided flexible move-out arrangements for residents.

While a 30-day move-out period is standard, the bureau clarified that operators will offer flexibly for residents with genuine needs, such as those awaiting completion of renovations or preparing to move into new homes. This arrangement applies to all Wang Fuk Court residents, regardless of whether they arrange their own long-term accommodation or opt for the Special Sales Exercise or a "flat-for-flat" arrangement.

The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced last December that it would provide owners with an annual rental grant of $150,000 for two years. The grant is disbursed semi-annually in instalments of $75,000.

For owners who choose to sell their titles for cash instead of participating in the Special Sales Exercise, the rental grants will be provided until the sale proceeds are credited to their account. While any rental grants received before the credit date do not need to be refunded, the Government clarified that no further grants will be disbursed after the funds have been credited.

For owners participating in the Special Sales Exercise, the Housing Bureau confirmed that rental grants will be provided until the intake date of their subsidised sale flats, which is the day the flat keys are collected. While any rental grants received before the intake date do not need to be refunded, the bureau clarified that no further grants will be disbursed after that date.

The Housing Bureau added that its engagement team will explain these arrangements to Wang Fuk Court owners. Residents with any questions are encouraged to contact the team directly for assistance.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau today clarified that information circulating online alleging that the Government would distribute half-price food vouchers to the elderly is completely false. 

Noting that such fake information is circulating online, the bureau said it has reported the matter to the relevant social media platform and reserves the right to pursue legal action.

The bureau also urged senior citizens not to trust any suspicious websites or believe unknown and misleading messages.

Those who suspect that they have fallen victim to any fraudulent acts should contact Police. 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today it vehemently opposes a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Hong Kong, and strongly condemns it for using the Lai Chee-ying case to make baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smear its laws safeguarding national security.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the European Parliament had made sweepingly generalised and grandstanding comments, completely disregarding the profound historical significance of the National Security Law (NSL) and its undeniably positive impact on Hong Kong.

The statement added that the European Parliament said nothing about the strict enforcement of national security laws by other governments, thereby laying bare its own double standard and despicable political manipulation. It said the European Parliament showed no respect for the independent judgment of Hong Kong’s courts in the Lai Chee-Ying case, and refused to acknowledge the evidence set out in the reasons for the verdict.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that it fulfilled its constitutional duty in 2024 by enacting, with broad societal consensus, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), thereby improving the city’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. It said the SNSO’s enactment has enabled Hong Kong's transition “from chaos to order” and advancement “from stability to prosperity”.

The statement added that in the five years of its implementation the NSL has restored the rights and freedoms Hong Kong citizens could not enjoy during the “black-clad violence” period, and returned livelihoods and the city’s business environment back to normal.

With regard to the conviction of Lai Chee-Ying, the statement said the verdict was entirely free from any political considerations.

It outlined that the court made clear in a well-founded and reasoned verdict that he was not on trial for his political views or beliefs, and iterated that the court made its decision strictly in accordance with the law and evidence, free from any interference and absolutely free of any political considerations.

The statement added that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from the legal consequences of their illegal acts amounts to advocating for special privileges to break the law, which runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

Further, it stressed that the Lai Chee-ying case had nothing to do with freedom of the press, and that the defendants involved had used journalism as a guise over the years to commit acts that brought harm to the country and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said Lai Chee-ying's health has been properly cared for, highlighting that the senior counsel representing him said in court that he had been receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison, and that he had made no complaint regarding his custodial arrangements.

The statement added that anyone seeking to use the case to vilify Hong Kong’s rule of law and human rights situation is guilty of twisting the facts and lacks any integrity.

It emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of residents in accordance with the law to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

Hongkong Post today appealed to the public to stay alert to a fraudulent job advertisement published on a recruitment website falsely claiming that postmen are being recruited to work in Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay.

The advertisement claims that duties include delivering mail and parcels and performing office duties.

Hongkong Post clarified that it did not publish the job advertisement and has reported the case to Police. The recruitment website has also been asked to take follow up action.

Hongkong Post reminds the public that it does not use third-party platforms for government job advertisements. Information on job vacancies for government positions is only published on the Hongkong Post website and the Civil Service Bureau website.

Those who have provided personal information to suspicious websites or unknown persons through the advertisement should contact Police.

For enquiries, call Hongkong Post at 2921 2222 or write to hkpo@hkpo.gov.hk.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for a deliberate and unfounded report on Lai Chee-ying's health condition in an attempt to fabricate facts to mislead the public by intentionally portraying him as a victim to cover up his offences and conviction by the court.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the court's verdict was entirely free from any political considerations, noting that reasons for the verdict, including the court's analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, are fully open for public inspection.

The court's verdict is well-founded and reasoned, fully demonstrating that its decision was made strictly in accordance with the law and evidence and free from any interference, the statement said.

The court clarified that Lai Chee-ying's only intent, whether pre or post National Security Law, was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the citizens of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong.

Additionally, the court found that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the conspiracies charged in all three counts, and his actions showed his intent to pursue these conspiracies, which constituted a threat to the national security in the PRC and the city, the statement added.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable, noting that Article 5 of the security law and section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly state that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security.

Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a privilege to break the law, and is totally contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, it added.

The statement dismissed the claims regarding Lai Chee-ying's health condition as reported by BBC, noting that the Hong Kong SAR Government has repeatedly insisted that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) handled the custodial arrangements for him in the same manner as other persons-in-custody.

It said that Lai Chee-ying has received adequate and comprehensive medical attention. All correctional facilities, equipped with hospitals or sick bays, maintain 24/7 staffing by medical officers seconded from the Department of Health and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications.

The Hospital Authority and the Department of Health’s medical specialists visit correctional institutions regularly to give persons-in-custody specialist consultation and treatment, including dental treatment. Those with dental health issues are referred to dental specialists, and in serious cases are transferred immediately to a public hospital for treatment, the statement added.

The statement noted that during the public court hearing in August 2025, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying informed the court that he had consistently received appropriate treatment and care in prison.

The statement said that daily medical check-ups were arranged for Lai Chee-ying, and he raised no complaints about the care he received. Consequently, the court commended the CSD for its medical arrangements.

On December 15, 2025, when the court handed down its verdict, the senior counsel representing him stated in response to questions from the media that everyone in the court could clearly see his health condition, the statement added.

The CSD provided dental treatment for Lai Chee-ying in 2021 and 2022 based on his needs. Since then, Lai Chee-ying has had no dental health problems and has made no further requests for dental treatment, the statement noted.

Separately in 2025, Lai Chee-ying notified the CSD of problems with his fingernails. However, he fully recovered after treatment with ointment prescribed by the institution's medical officer, with no loss of fingernails as alleged in the media reports, the statement added.

In August 2025, before the public hearing, the CSD arranged for him to wear a cardiac monitoring device and prescribed heart medication for heart palpitations, to be used as needed. The statement emphasised that since then, Lai Chee-ying has made no further complaints to the department about his heart palpitations.

The statement stressed that the allegations made by Lai Chee-ying's daughter and relevant media reports, including those by BBC, are completely baseless.

The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that individuals with ulterior motives, including Lai Chee-ying's family members and certain media, have ignored the facts and continue to spread lies and engage in despicable acts.

The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today alerted members of the public to fraudulent WSD website addresses that encourage recipients to pay water bills via a hyperlink provided.

The fraudulent websites are: “wsd.govi[.]qpon/hk”, “wsd[.]giov[.]lat/hk” and “wsd[.]pijhhsj[.]sbs”.

The WSD stresses that these websites have no connection to the department, which has reported the cases to the Police.

The department said that people who have registered for the WSD's electronic services account and e-billing service must complete verification on the department website before they can view their e-bills and obtain the Faster Payment System QR code on the bill to make payments.

People who have provided personal information to these or other suspicious websites should contact the Police. Call 2824 5000 for enquiries.