DotDotWeekly | HK news highlights from Nov. 18 to 22
Welcome to DotDotWeekly. Every Friday, we take you on a journey through the latest local news and captivating stories from DotDotNews this week.
10 years for Benny Tai! Summary of sentences for 45 defendants in subversion case
On November 19, sentencing was carried out in the subversion case, where 45 defendants, found guilty of attempting to subvert state power and endangering national security, received sentences ranging from 4 years and 2 months to 10 years.
This case, being Hong Kong's first of its kind, has garnered significant public attention due to the large number of defendants involved.
Among those sentenced, Benny Tai received a 10-year prison term.
Strengthening cooperation with Peru can Help HK consolidate its shipping route advantages: Sunny Ho
Hong Kong and Peru have officially signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Sunny Ho, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shippers' Council, believes that Hong Kong's port has advantages over nearby ports, particularly in terms of density and shipping routes, and strengthening cooperation with Peru will help Hong Kong consolidate these advantages.
He anticipates that markets such as ASEAN and South America will become major development areas for the shipping industry, with growth rates exceeding those of traditional markets and significant potential.
First 'document free' channels go live for HK, Macao, and mainland travelers
Starting Nov. 20, China's first batch of "document-free" channels has begun trial operations at the Shenzhen Bay Port and Gongbei Port in Zhuhai, adjacent to Macao.
This convenient boundary-crossing initiative primarily targets frequent travelers between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Eligible travelers include:
- Hong Kong and Macao residents holding valid Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (including non-Chinese nationals).
- Mainland residents over the age of 14 holding valid Exit-Entry Permits for Traveling to and from Hong Kong and Macao, with multiple-entry permits for purposes such as stay, family visits, business, talent exchange, or other categories, who have consented to the collection and verification of biometric data such as facial features and fingerprints by boundary inspection authorities.
Citybus denies 'sky-rocketing fare increase'
Citybus has earlier proposed a 9.5% fare increase, while KMB and New Lantau Bus (NLB) have applied for a 6.5% increase.
Citybus Senior Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager Andy Tsang said in a radio program on Nov. 21 that it has been more than a year since Citybus last increased its fares due to rising fuel and wage costs.
As to whether there is a need for an annual fare increase, he said that wage cost is a major consideration, accounting for 60% of the total cost.
Regarding the application for a 9.5% fare increase, Tsang does not agree that it is a "sky-rocketing fare increase", stating that this is the fourth application for a fare increase since 2009, and that there has been no fare adjustment from 2009 to 2018, and that even with this fare increase, the fares will still lag behind the cumulative inflation rate.
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