Government launches public consultation on proposed amendments to Building Management Ordinance
The Government today (August 12) launched a one-month public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) (BMO). The proposals aim to further enhance the regulatory regime under the BMO following the enactment of the Building Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 to better cope with the changing needs of the building management and meet public expectations.
The Central Government Offices, Photo source: reference image
A Government spokesman said, "Good building management is an integral part of the improved district governance. It helps improve the living environment, foster community building and promote social harmony. The current-term Government has all along adopted a proactive approach to deepen building management reform and assist owners in enhancing the quality of building management. The proposed amendments are targeted at increasing owners' participation in the building management and enhancing the transparency of decision-making, as well as clarifying the handling of proxy instruments and meeting procedures to better safeguard owners' rights and interests."
The spokesman added, "In February 2026, the Government set out five major directions for amendments at the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, and subsequently conducted a series of preliminary consultation exercises with the property management sector and Legislative Council Members. We have incorporated the preliminary views collected and added a few proposals into the consultation document. We very much encourage members of the public to offer their views."
The five major directions for amendments are as follows:
(1) imposing a higher attendance requirement and voting thresholds for decisions on large-scale maintenance procurement and high-value procurement;
(2) improving the system for proxy instruments;
(3) optimising the system for declaration of interests;
(4) strengthening the powers of the authority; and
(5) clarifying meeting procedures.
The consultation document has been uploaded to the Home Affairs Department's website (www.had.gov.hk/en/whats_new/consultation_papers_bmo.htm). Members of the public may submit their views on or before September 11, 2026, by email (bm_consultation@had.gov.hk) or by post to Division V, Home Affairs Department, 31/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.
Photo source: reference image
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $5 million.
The first case involved a 45-year-old Mainland male passenger, and the second case involved a 52-year-old Mainland male passenger. Both arrived in Hong Kong from Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 12kg of suspected cannabis buds in their check-in suitcases respectively. The two men were subsequently arrested.
The two arrested men have eachbeen charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug respectively and the two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 14).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $5 million. Photo shows the arrested man involved in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $5 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $5 million. Photo shows the arrested man involved in the first case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 12) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $5 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the first case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
