Banking industry further extends loan repayment grace period for affected individuals of Tai Po Fire
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), having maintained close communication with the banking industry to follow up on the needs of individuals affected by the Tai Po fire, announced today (September 28) a further extension of the credit support measures.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Photo source: reference image
Recognising that some affected residents may need time to complete their housing and financial-related arrangements, the banking industry agreed to continue providing the below support measures following discussions with the HKMA and HKAB:
(1) Extend the repayment grace period for various loans: All 28 retail banks will further extend the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for existing mortgages, personal loans, credit card loans, etc, of affected individuals by an additional six months to the end of May 2027. Such extension aims to alleviate the financial burden of affected individuals and provide them with greater flexibility in making long-term housing arrangements.
(2) Flexibly handle Wang Fuk Court (WFC) mortgage matters: All the WFC mortgagee banks will continue to assist WFC mortgagors and borrowers who sell their property rights to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The banks will handle their mortgages in a flexible manner, including further extending the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for the original mortgage loan until the newly-purchased unit is ready for intake. The relevant banks will also maintain close communication with the mortgagors and borrowers to facilitate a smooth transition to their long-term housing arrangements.
In March this year, the HKMA and HKAB introduced measures in support of the Government's long-term housing arrangements for WFC. The banking industry has since actively communicated with relevant Government departments and stakeholders to implement the various details of the mortgage arrangements. The HKMA, HKAB and the banking industry will continue to closely follow up on the needs of affected residents through the existing communication mechanism and provide appropriate assistance to each individual case in an empathetic and flexible manner.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo source: reference image
Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2026 National Day Fireworks Display
The Marine Department (MD) today (September 28) reminded the public that with regard to the 2026 National Day Fireworks Display to be held on October 1, the MD will strictly enforce marine traffic control and step up the inspection of spectator vessels on the event day to ensure that safety requirements are met.
The Marine Department, Photo source: reference image
The MD will establish a Closed Area in the waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai,where barges for the fireworks display are to be anchored, from 2pm to about 10pm on the event day. A Restricted Area will be established in the Central Harbour from 7pm to about 9pm on the event day. Other than authorised vessels, no vessels will be allowed to enter the Closed Area and the Restricted Area. Scheduled ferry vessels with permission may continue services until 7.40pm.
The MD will also establish a Specified Area in the Central Harbour. Spectator vessels could stay inside the Specified Area other than the Restricted Area and the Closed Area, for viewing from 6pm to about 9pm (specified period) on the event day. To enhance marine safety during a major event at sea, coxswains of spectator vessels in the Specified Area during the specified period must ensure that children on board are accompanied by an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains must also keep a passenger and crew list on board for emergency purposes. The MD will strengthen vessel inspections. Any vessel that fails to meet these requirements will face prosecution initiatedby the department.
In addition, to ensure vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Eastern and Western Cordon Lines of the Restricted Area will be lifted in stages after the event. The Western Cordon Line will be lifted first at about 9pm. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line and those wishing to move east must follow the instructions of officers from the MD and the Police at the scene. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted later, depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Area will be lifted by about 9.15pm.
For landside crowd control, the public landing steps No. 1 to 4 at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed temporarily from 6pm to about 9pm, and the public landing steps No. 5 and 6 will be closed temporarily from 6pm to about midnight. Other public landing steps within the Restricted Area will be closed temporarily from 6.30pm to about 9pm. Buffer zones at Kowloon Public Pier, Kwun Tong Public Pier and Central Piers No. 9 and 10 will be established immediately after the event for the safe and orderly disembarkation of passengers.
Officers from the MD and the Police will also maintain order at major landing facilities after the event. To enable smooth disembarkation,coxswains and crew members should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels arrive alongside the landing steps and assist passengers in disembarking. Coxswains and passengers should follow the instructions of the MD and the Police officers at the scene.
The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen law enforcement, especially on conditions of life-saving appliances, speeding and overloading. Coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels should check again and reconfirm that the operating licence, the certificate of survey and the third-party risk insurance are valid before setting sail, and that relevant crew members are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
MD Notice No. 171 of 2026 on the marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and is available for viewing on the MD's website (www.mardep.gov.hk).
The design image of the 2026 National Day Fireworks Display, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
