Hong Kong News Today: Customs Busts Major Smuggling Cases and Updates on Public Facilities
Hong Kong Customs has recently made significant progress in combating smuggling activities. In late May, through intelligence exchange and risk assessment, customs officers successfully detected two major cases of seaborne cigarette smuggling, seizing suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of approximately HK$238 million. This is one of the largest enforcement operations in recent times, demonstrating the authorities' determination to uphold trade regulations.
In addition to the major smuggling cases, law enforcement agencies have also taken action against other illegal activities. The Immigration Department launched an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Promote" across various districts in Hong Kong, arresting a total of 13 illegal workers suspected of engaging in renovation work. Furthermore, Customs seized smuggled silver with a market value of about HK$130,000 from an outbound private car at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Meanwhile, an incoming passenger was sentenced to imprisonment by the court today for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes without declaring them to Customs.
Regarding livelihood and public safety, as the weather remains hot, the Home Affairs Department continued to open 19 temporary heat shelters across Hong Kong today for citizens in need to rest. At the same time, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued an alert, urging the public to stay vigilant against recent fraudulent bank websites and online banking applications, reminding everyone not to provide personal information easily to avoid financial losses.
Regarding the latest updates on public facilities, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that the Hong Kong Science Museum will reopen tomorrow (June 5). The museum was previously closed temporarily due to a malfunction in the exhibition hall's air-conditioning system; repairs have now been completed, and it is ready to receive visitors. However, the North Kwai Chung Jockey Club Swimming Pool needs to be temporarily closed due to an unexpected situation. The LCSD reminds citizens planning to go swimming to take note of the relevant arrangements.
In terms of social welfare activities, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Cheuk Wing-hing attended the cheque presentation ceremony and awards presentation for The Community Chest Dress Casual Day today. In his speech, he thanked various enterprises and citizens for their enthusiastic support of charitable causes and commended the participating units that performed outstandingly in the event, emphasizing the importance of social solidarity and mutual help to Hong Kong's development.
Finally, regarding economic data, the government announced the latest effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar. On June 4, 2026, the Hong Kong dollar exchange rate index was 101.5, an increase of 0.1 compared to yesterday's index. This index reflects the overall movement of the Hong Kong dollar's exchange rate against a basket of major currencies and is one of the important indicators for observing the local economic environment.