Major Sports Events Committee awards "M" Mark status to HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026
The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:
The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded "M" Mark status to the HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 to be held from March 5 to 8 at the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club.
The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (March 2), "LIV Golf is making a triumphant return, holding its event in Hong Kong for the third consecutive year. The spotlight of global golf will once again shine on the Fanling Golf Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club. The tournament will continue to bring together the world's top players showcasing their exceptional skills alongside a variety of exciting entertainment activities, which will fully demonstrate Hong Kong's unique appeal as a capital of international sports events."
The "M" Mark System aims to encourage and help local National Sports Associations and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be considered for "M" Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events. The "M" Mark System aims to promote the development of major sports events, cultivate a sustainable sporting culture, enhance Hong Kong's image as a centre for major international sports events and bring tangible economic benefits to the community.
For details of "M" Mark events, please visit www.mevents.org.hk.
The poster of HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026, Photo source: mevents.org.hk
Man sentenced to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products
A man was sentenced today (March 2) at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts to two months' imprisonment for illegally importing alternative smoking products, including 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs on February 28 that 32 000 heat sticks and 40 heated tobacco devices had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.
Since the amendments to theTobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors,took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 16 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Eighteen persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to six months.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.
In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, and or visitwww.livetobaccofree.hkfor information on quitting.
