Government Published Amendments to scheme for Mass Transit Railway - Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels

Amendments to scheme for Mass Transit Railway - Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels gazetted

The Government published in the Gazette today (August 21) the amendments to the scheme for the Mass Transit Railway - Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels under section 7 of the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519) (the Ordinance).

A Government spokesman said, "The Mass Transit Railway - Lantau and Airport Railway Phase II Hong Kong Station Extended Overrun Tunnels project mainly involves the construction of underground tunnels of around 500 metres long beneath Lung Wo Road to the east of Hong Kong Station with a ventilation building and its associated works at the east of Yiu Sing Street. The amendments, covering the General Layout Plan, the Creation of Rights of Temporary Occupation of Land Plan, and the Control of Building Plans and Commencement of Work Plan, are made mainly to reflect the latest layout and design of the railway scheme and facilities, and the infrastructure constructed in the surrounding environment since the gazettal of the original scheme in 2001.

"The amendments demonstrate the Government's dedication to advancing transportation infrastructure with an innovative mindset and a people-centric approach. Leveraging technological innovation, the Government has proactively responded to the public's aspirations for the project by optimising the layout, design and construction methods. The amendments to the scheme will enhance the capacity of the railway network and meet the transportation demands arising from the development of Lantau and Hong Kong as a whole, while minimising the impact on this precious piece of land at the Central Harbourfront."

The construction works of the project will commence after the authorisation of the amendments to the scheme with the main works expected to be completed by 2032.

Under the Ordinance, members of the public may object to the amendments to the scheme from today until October 20, 2026. Additionally, any person who has a compensatable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.

The Amendments to the Scheme and the Amendment Plans have been uploaded to the Highways Department (HyD) website (www.hyd.gov.hk/en/our_projects/railway_projects/tcle/index.html). They are also available for public inspection during office hours at the Central & Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the Wan Chai Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the District Lands Office, Hong Kong West and South; and the District Lands Office, Hong Kong East. A copy of the Amendments to the Scheme and the Amendment Plans may also be purchased from the HyD, which can be contacted at 2762 3976 for details.

The Central Government Offices, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 20) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of gold, silver and jewellery containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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).

Source: AI-found images