Financial Secretary, John Tsang Chun-wah, urged the public not to ignore the importance of the four pillar industries of financial services, trading and logistics, tourism and professional services as growth engines and blindly support emerging industries. Tsang said he supports the development of new emerging sectors, including education services, information and technology, and creative and cultural industries, but there is no guarantee that these will be successful.
財政司司長曾俊華提醒各界不要忽略金融服務、貿易、物流及旅遊和專業服務等四大傳統支柱產業的重要性，而盲目追求發展新產業。曾俊華表示，他支持新產業發展，包括教育、知訊科技、文化及創意產業，但不保證一定成功。

Twenty-six people were injured after a jetfoil collided with a marker buoy as it was leaving Macau for Hong Kong. The accident happened about 15 minutes after the vessel departed from the ferry terminal in Macau. Most of the injured suffered minor injuries. The Macau Marine Authority said visibility at the time of the accident was poor. An investigation is underway.
一艘由澳門開往香港的噴射船，開船15分鐘左右，撞到浮標，有26人受傷，大部分受輕傷。澳門港務局表示，事發時海面能見度低，調查正在進行中。

The population of Hong Kong showed an ageing trend. The median age of the population rose from 26.3 in 1981 to 41.7 in 2011. The expectation of life at birth for males and females are 80.3 and 86.7 years respectively. Delay in marriage prevailed. In 2011, the median age at first marriage was 31 for bridegrooms and 29 for brides.
香港的人口呈現老齡化的趨勢。人口年齡中位數由1981年的26.3歲上升至2011年的41.7歲。男性及女性的平均預期壽命分別是80.3年及86.7年。遲婚情況在香港十分普遍。初婚新郎及初婚新娘的年齡中位數分別是31歲及29歲。

A 16-year-old girl who pleaded guilty to trafficking in ketamine was jailed for six years and seven months. She lost interest in her studies after her parents divorced. The defense had pleaded for leniency citing her age and also suggested she was merely trying to earn HK$300 to pay for a design course. But the judge said a non-custodial sentence may encourage drug runners to use youngsters to commit crimes.
一名十六歲少女承認販運氯胺酮，被判入獄六年七個月。在父母離異後，她失去求學興趣。辯方爭取寬大處理，舉出她的年齡及認為她只想賺三百元來報讀設計課程。法官指，判處被告非監禁式刑期，只會導致毒販利用年輕人犯案。

More than 2,000 people from the mainland and overseas have migrated to Hong Hong over the past six years under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme run by the Immigration Department. Since 2006 and up to last month, the Immigration Department had received 8,553 QMAS applications and approved 2,392 - 77percent from the mainland. QMAS is open to those aged 18 or over who have the right academic achievements and work experience.
過去六年半，二千多名內地及海外人士通過入境處「優才計畫」來港定居。自○六年至上月底，入境處累計接獲八千五百五十三宗「優才計畫」申請，近二千四百宗申請成功獲批，當中內地人佔77%。「優才計畫」是開放給那些年齡在18歲或以上有正確的學術成就和工作經驗。

A 39 year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal abuse. Staff from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had found that three dogs at a residence in Shau Kei Wan had had their snouts tied shut with plastic straps. A fourth dog was found with injuries to his snout. The owner received complaints of dog barks, so she tied the four dogs with plastic straps in order to make them quiet.
一名涉嫌虐待動物的39歲女子被警方拘捕。愛護動物協會的工作人員發現，有三頭狗在筲箕灣一住所口部被膠索帶封口，另一狗嘴部有傷痕。女狗主因狗吠遭投訴，用膠索帶綁緊4隻狗的嘴部令牠們安靜。

The government says it will sell six residential sites in Kowloon and the New Territories by tender in the first three months of 2013. The sites are in Kai Tak, Tseung Kwan O, Homantin, Shatin, Kau To and Tuen Mun, and can provide 3,000 flats to the market. The Government will implement the Hong Kong Property for Hong Kong People measure at the two Kai Tak sites as a pilot.
政府表示，明年首季將會有六幅位於九龍及新界的住宅用地透過招標出售。六幅用地在啟德、將軍澳、何文田、沙田九肚和屯門，可提供3千個住宅單位。政府在啟德兩幅地會採用「港人港地」措施作為試點。

About 250 people staged a slow drive yesterday, demanding Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying promise in his policy speech next month to introduce a universal retirement scheme to help alleviate a growing aging problem. They urge a universal pension of HK$3,000 a month for everyone over 65. The government's population forecast shows that by 2039 the elderly population is expected to soar 165percent to 2.5 million.
約有250人昨日參加慢駛遊行 ，要求行政長官梁振英在下月發表的施政報告中 ， 承諾會推行全民退休計劃，以幫助減輕人口老化的問題。他們呼籲給每個65歲以上的人每月3000元的全民退休金。政府的人口預測顯示，到2039年老年人口預計將飆升165%，至250萬。

Hong Kong's sole mainland beef distributor Ng Fung Hong announced its sixth wholesale price increase in the year. The retail price of beef is expected to go up to more than HK$100 per catty. The distributor has been criticised for raising prices too frequently. Ng Fung Hong said the latest increase was necessary as supply was strained. The government is considering whether to open up the supply of fresh beef to competition.
香港的唯一大陸牛肉分銷商五豐行宣佈今年第六度加價，牛肉的零售價預計將上升至超過每斤100元。經銷商一直被批評加價過於頻繁。五豐行表示，最新的加價是必要的，因為供應緊張。政府正在考慮是否開放新鮮牛肉供應市場以引入競爭。

The encouraging response to Greenview Villa, a subsidised Housing Society project in Tsing Yi, reflects people's housing demands, Secretary for Housing & Transport Prof Anthony Cheung says. Prof Cheung said the Government will consider how to make use of the land originally earmarked for constructing 5,000 flats under the My Home Purchase Plan.
運輸及房屋局局長張炳良表示，香港房屋協會資助房屋項目青衣綠悠雅苑的反應令人鼓舞，反映了人們的住房需求。張教授表示，政府會考慮如何利用原本預留作置安心計劃下興建5000個住宅單位的土地。

A postal worker was jailed for 26 months for using fake medical certificates to claim over 630 days of sick leave and HK$217,000 in pay over a two year period. The man felt alienated by his colleagues and was afraid of going to work. He claimed to suffer from back pain and an anxiety disorder as a result of a finger injury. He was arrested at his home, where 900 blank medical certificates and doctors' stamps were found.
一名郵政署員工用虛假的醫生紙，兩年幾內，騙取630日病假及逾21萬元工資。該男子感到遭同事排斥和害怕去上班。他聲稱背部疼痛和焦慮症是由於手指受傷的結果。他在家被逮捕，住宅內發現900張空白的醫生紙及印章。

Home prices continue to soar despite the recent cooling measures, with a new project in Sai Wan asking for around HK$30,000 per square foot. Stamp duties have deterred some foreign capital from entering the local market, but property prices continue to surge. The government said it does not rule out taking further measures if the trend continues.
儘管近期的降溫措施，住房價格繼續飆升，西環一個新項目，價格要求為每平方英尺約港幣30,000元。印花稅阻止一些外資進入本地市場，但房地產價格繼續大幅攀升。政府表示，如果這種趨勢繼續下去，不排除採取進一步的措施。

Four samples of cooking oil from two local companies that have been accused of selling gutter oil, have been found to contain high levels of a cancer-causing substance. Media reports last week accused the two firms of mixing in gutter oil with normal cooking oil. The Centre of Food Safety has asked the supplier to recall the product.  
從兩間被指控銷售地溝油的本地公司取得的四個食用油樣本，當中有兩個樣本被發現含有致癌物超標。上週有媒體報導指責這兩家公司將地溝油與一般的食用油混合。食物安全中心已要求供應商全面回收產品。

The police arrested a woman in connection with a revenge abduction. A two-year-old girl was abducted from Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday morning. The child was later found alone and unharmed outside a restaurant in Jordan. Police believe the abduction case involves a family dispute. The abduction was commissioned by someone wanting to punish the girl's mother.
一名女子因涉嫌報復性拐帶被警方拘捕。一名兩歲女童昨日早上在伊利沙伯醫院被拐帶，其後女童被發現單獨在佐敦一間餐廳外，沒有受傷。警方相信，拐帶案件涉及家庭糾紛，有人想懲罰女童的母親而僱人綁架。

A concern group's study estimated that as many as 280,000 people are living in 67,000 subdivided flats. The survey also reveals that residents of subdivided units spend from a third to half of their monthly pay on rent. The group urged the government to impose rent control and subsidise the residents to rent other accommodation.
有關注組調查推算多達二十八萬人居住於六萬七千個?房。調查還顯示，?房住戶每月花費三分之一到一半的工資於租金。該小組敦促政府實施租金管制和補貼居民租用其他住處。

The Audit Report has slammed the Environmental Protection Department because its subsidy scheme has replaced only 54 percent of the diesel minibuses, while another scheme has replaced almost all Hong Kong's diesel-powered taxis. The department explained that it faced difficulties in setting up liquefied petroleum gas stations in crowded areas, and so there was no compulsory requirement for minibus operators to use LPG vehicles.
審計報告批評環保署，因為的士資助計劃，成功取代幾乎所有柴油的士，但對小巴的資助計劃只取代54%柴油小巴。該部門解釋說，在人群聚集的地方設立液化氣站是有困難，所以沒有強制要求小巴營辦商使用石油氣車。

The Consumer Council says complaints about local guesthouses have doubled. So far this year, there have been 45 complaints - twice as many as in the same period last year. The Consumer Council said the complaints were mainly about overbooking, overcharging and poor conditions. It advised visitors to choose licensed guesthouses with a good reputation.
消委會表示，投訴本地賓館增加了一倍。今年到目前為止，有45宗 – 比去年同期多兩倍。消委會表示，投訴主要是關於過量預訂，濫收費用及環境惡劣，建議旅客選擇信譽良好的持牌賓館。

A study has found that one-in-four Hong Kong children - or 275,000 - are living in poverty. The problem is particularly acute among new immigrant and single-parent families. Such children have a higher chance of developing health and behavioral problems. The government is urged to come up with long-term policies to ensure these deprived children have equal education opportunities.
有研究發現，四分一或27萬香港兒童生活在貧困中，此問題在新移民及單親家庭尤其嚴重。這些兒童有較高的機會出現健康和行為問題。政府被要求提出長期的政策，以確保這些貧困兒童有平等的教育機會。

The minimum wage will be raised by HK$2 to HK$30 an hour. The government said the impact will be relatively mild and will not trigger large-scale ripple effects in the labor market. Catering-sector lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan said the wage level is unreasonable and will be a burden. However, Labour Party lawmaker Lee Cheuk-yan said the recommended wage level cannot even catch up with inflation.
最低工資將提高兩元至時薪三十元。政府表示，影響會比較溫和，不會掀起勞工市場大規模的令漣漪效應。飲食界立法會議員張宇人表示，工資水平是不合理的，將是一個負擔。工黨立法會議員李卓人表示，所建議的工資水平甚至無法追上通脹。

CLP Power will raise its price by 5.9 percent next year, while Hong Kong Electric will charge 2.9 percent more. Both companies introduced discounts for low users. Critics said it was meaningless to offer discounts for some while raising prices overall. The outlook for 2014 remains uncertain however, with CLP warning that its fuel costs will go up as it uses higher-priced natural gas.
中電明年將加價5.9％，而香港電燈就加2.9％。兩家公司都向低用電量客戶推出優惠。批評者說，對一些人提供折扣優惠，但同時全面加價，這是毫無意義的。然而2014年的前景仍然不明朗，中電警告說，因它使用價格較高的天然氣，燃料費將會上升。

The Cathay Pacific Airways Flight Attendants Union decided to offer limited services or work-to-rule for a short period of time as part of industrial action to press for higher pay. The union has pledged not to strike during the Christmas holidays so as not to affect holidaymakers. Cathay has offered a 2 percent pay rise next year, but staff want 5 percent.
國泰空中服務員工會決定短期內提供有限度服務或按章工作，作為增加工資工業行動的一部分。工會承諾聖誕節假期將不會罷工，以免影響度假者。國泰航空已提出明年加薪2％，但員工想要5％。

A quadriplegic man Ah Pun, who pleaded for the right to end his life, died at the age of 43. He had become paralysed from the neck down as the result of an accident during a gymnastics practice. He spent 19 years in Queen Mary Hospital before leaving two years ago to move into a public housing flat. The Health Secretary, Ko Wing-man, described him as a life fighter, despite his request for euthanasia.
一度要求結束自己生命的四肢癱瘓者「斌仔」病逝，終年43歲。「斌仔」因為體操練習時意外，導致頸椎以下麻痺。兩年前「斌仔」離開住了19年的瑪麗醫院病房，搬入一公屋單位。食物及衛生局局長高永文形容「斌仔」是個生命鬥士，儘管他曾要求安樂死。

The Motor Transport Workers General Union will file a complaint to the Ombudsman about the government's failure to provide any support to the families of two taxi drivers, who recently died in accidents. The union said the families couldn't get any compensation, as the labour law does not cover the welfare of taxi drivers. The group called on the government to set up a seed fund to increase labour protection for the trade.
汽車交通運輸業總工會將向申訴專員提交一份申訴，不滿政府未能提供任何支援兩名最近因車禍不幸身故的士司機的家庭。工會表示，家屬無法得到任何補償，因為勞動法不包括的士司機的福利。工會要求政府成立種子基金，加強對業界保障。

The government is to go ahead with implementing a new allowance for poor elderly people after claiming to have received approval from the Legislative Council's Finance Committee. The Old Age Living Allowance had been held up for over a month in the Finance Committee, by a filibuster launched by lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, in a bid to force the government to scrap a means test for the HK$2,200 a month subsidy.
政府聲稱已得得到立法會財務委員會批准，推行一個新的生活津貼計劃，舊生活津貼計劃在財務委員會被拖延超過一個月，梁國雄議員用拉布，以迫使政府放棄資產審查方式發放每月HK$2,200的補貼。

The Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood has urged the government to redevelop old public housing estates as a way to increase the supply of flats. It noted that many old estates are less than 20 storeys high. The party estimates that by knocking down 11 estates - built more than 40 years ago - they could be redeveloped to provide an extra 60,000 units.
民協促請政府重建舊屋?作為增加樓宇供應量的一種方法。民協指出，許多舊型屋?少於20 層。民協估計，拆毀11個樓齡逾40年的屋?，他們可以重建，以提供額外的60,000個單位。

A University of Hong Kong's investigation has revealed that staff members at the dental clinic forgot to turn on a sterilizing machine, exposing more than 200 patients to a risk of infection. The clinic missed at least four steps in standard procedures to clean dental tools after use. The report did not pinpoint any specific person for blame, but recommended tighter checking procedures.
港大調查顯示，牙科診所的工作人員忘記啟動一個消毒機，令200多名病人受感染的風險。診所遺漏至少四個使用牙科器具後的標準清潔程序步驟。報告並沒有明確指出誰人受責備，但建議更嚴格的檢查程序。

A truck driver has become the first person to be convicted under new drug driving laws. He was sent to a drug rehabilitation centre and suspended from driving for two years. The man lost consciousness after taking ketamine while inside his parked vehicle. His truck rolled forward to hit another lorry.
一名貨車司機成為毒駕新例下被定罪的第一人，他被判入戒毒所及停牌2年。該名男子把貨車停在路旁，吸食氯胺酮後失去知覺，他的貨車向前滾動，撞到了另外一輛貨車。

The government will launch the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign, which will raise public awareness of food waste problems. Last year discarded food made up 40 percent of rubbish sent to landfills every day. Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth said Hongkongers are increasingly supportive of a waste disposal charge and it suggested a monthly household fee of HK$45.
政府將推行「惜食香港運動」，以提高公眾對廚餘問題的認識。去年，每天送到堆填區的廢物中有四成與丟棄的食物相關。與此同時，「地球之友」表示，越來越多的香港人支持廢物處置費，「地球之友」建議每個家庭每月需付45元。

A survey has found that four in every five grassroots residents of Sham Shui Po are struggling to make ends meet. Soaring food prices is their biggest concern. Other matters causing them sleepless nights are rent, poor living conditions and the long waiting time for public rental housing. Overall, 80 percent said they are dissatisfied with their living conditions.
一項調查發現，每五名深水?基層市民，有四人努力以維持生計，他們最關心的是食品價格飛漲。其他事項令他廢寢忘食的是租金，惡劣的生活條件和過長的輪候公屋時間。總體而言，80％的受訪者表示對生活條件感到不滿。

A bride's warning to her friends not to come to her wedding party unless they paid more than HK$500 "gift money" each became the talk of Hong Kong. A recent survey shows that couples spend an average of HK$280,000 on weddings. One-third of the respondents said the money received could not cover the cost. Nearly six in 10 said their wedding exceeded their budget.
有新娘警告她的朋友不要參加她的婚宴，除非他們每人做「人情」超過五百港元，成了香港的熱門話題。最近的一項調查顯示，夫妻平均花費280,000港元於婚禮。三分之一的受訪者表示，收到的錢不足以支付費用。近十分之六的說，他們的婚禮超出了他們的預算。

The Family Network of the Hong Kong Christian Service urges the government to convert old schools or industrial blocks into temporary housing for subdivided flat tenants evicted by their landlords. It says that as rents continue to go up, many residents are no longer able to afford even these small units and are forced to move out.
基督教服務處要求政府，把舊校舍或工廈，改建為臨時家庭宿舍，給房東驅逐的?房租戶。它說，由於租金繼續上漲，不少居民不能付得起這些小單位的租金，而被迫遷出。

Kowloon Motor Bus has applied for a 8.5 percent fare increase next year. The company said it had recorded a loss of HK$15-million in the first half of 2012. The company said it had faced rising fuel, operating and maintenance costs, as well as a drop in passengers. If the application is approved, they will only break even next year.
九巴已申請明年加價8.5%。九巴表示，今年上半年虧損1500萬元。九巴表示，九巴面對不斷上漲的燃料，營運和維修費用，以及乘客下降。如果申請獲得批准，他們明年只會收支平衡。

An ATV executive director, James Shing, has dismissed allegations that a staff member has been sacked after publishing an article criticising ATV's management. Mr. Shing insisted this was just part of the station's normal business operation.
亞視執行董事盛品儒反駁指控，一名工作人員發表批評亞視管理層文章後被解僱，盛品儒堅持，這只是該台正常業務運作。

Bus drivers say forcing them to undergo more health checks is not enough to ensure road safety. Bus drivers and union members said the stress they face - long working hours, short breaks, complaints from passengers and conditions on the roads - should be taken into account.
巴士司機說，迫使他們接受更多的健康檢查是不足夠確保行車安全。巴士司機和工會成員表示，他們所面對的壓力- 工作時間長，短暫的休息，乘客投訴和路面情況 - 應該被考慮。

Employers will need to pay out up to HK$55.2 billion more a year in wages if standard working hours are introduced in Hong Kong, a government report says. Underemployment might also increase, with a rise in the number of part-timers and casual workers. Despite the warnings, the government will remain open-minded on the issue.
一份政府報告說，香港一旦推行標準工時，僱主每年將需要額外支付工資高達552億元。就業不足還可能增加，兼職及散工的數量上升。儘管有這些警告，政府在這個問題上保持開放的態度。

Parking spot prices are heating up as a parking spot in Tai Wai was sold for a record price of HK$1.3 million. An academic said after the government placed tightening measures on the residential market, speculators switched to investing in the non-residential market, especially parking spaces, the cost of which is relatively modest.
停車位的價格正在升溫，大圍一個車位以130萬港元的創紀錄的價格出售。有學者表示，政府對住宅市場實施緊縮措施後，投機者轉移投資非住宅市場，特別是停車位，其成本是相對不太大的。

Chief Executive CY Leung said at the Youth Summit 2012 that officials have views on social issues, but it is crucial that young people - as future leaders - express their views to the Government. As many young people express their thoughts on social media platforms, the Government will seek to garner their views and respond to them through these channels.
行政長官梁振英在「青年高峰會議2012」說，官員對社會問題有一定的看法，但至關重要的是，青年人作為社會的未來主人翁，向政府表達自己的意見。由於青年人現時多在社交網站發表意見，政府將在這些渠道收集他們的意見，並作出回應。

The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, has accepted liability for the construction of an illegal glass canopy at his home on The Peak. He insisted his earlier claim that the canopy was left behind by a former owner was merely a lapse of memory. Mr. Leung also said he did not know the structure was illegal, or he would have sought proper approval for it.
行政長官梁振英對他在山頂大宅非法加建玻璃棚承擔責任。對於早前宣稱花棚是上手業主留下，他堅持是記錯。梁振英亦表示，他不知道結構是非法的，否則他會尋求適當的批准。

A survey shows that half of the people interviewed say immigrants from the mainland exploit Hong Kong's welfare system, and over a third believe they take jobs from locals. Half of the respondents want a reduction in the number of immigrants. One academic says such negative sentiment could develop into discrimination.
一項調查顯示，半數受訪者認為內地新移民濫用香港的福利制度，三分一以上的人認為他們搶走本地人飯碗。有一半的受訪者希望減少移民的數目。有學者表示，這樣的負面情緒可能發展成歧視。

A survey by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner has revealed that smartphone users have low privacy awareness. It found that more than half do not know what kind of personal data stored on their phones could be accessed by the smartphone applications. The Privacy Commissioner said the low privacy awareness of smartphone users was worrying.
私隱專員公署一項調查顯示，智能手機用戶私隱意識低，有一半以上不知道甚麼存儲在自己手機上的個人資料會被智能手機應用程式取出。私隱專員表示，智能手機用戶的私隱意識薄弱，情況令人擔憂。

The government today launched a public consultation on the legislative proposals relating to formula products intended for infants and young children under the age of 36 months. Under the proposed law, 33 nutrients must be included in formula products. But six major formula-milk brands disputed the ingredient standards set by the government, saying this did not follow normal international practice.
政府今日就擬供36個月以下嬰幼兒食用的配方奶產品的立法建議展開公眾諮詢。根據建議的法律，配方奶產品必須包含33種營養素。但六大奶粉品牌對政府設定的成分標準表示異議，認為這沒有按照正常的國際慣例。

A taxi driver and his two passengers were killed on Chai Wan Road when a double-decker went out of control and collided with another bus and the taxi. Passengers saw the bus driver lose consciousness before their bus rammed into the taxi. Legislators voiced concern over the health of career drivers.
一輛雙層巴士在柴灣道失控撞向一輛的士及另一輛巴士，的士司機與兩男乘客死亡。乘客看見巴士撞向的士前車長失去知覺。立法會議員表示關注職業司機的健康。

A man and a woman were arrested in connection with the brutal abuse of a stray cat in Sau Mau Ping. The stray cat suffered severe internal bleeding and was later put down. A psychologist said the brutal acts may be related to the emotional and personality problems of the abusers. "People with low self-esteem may express themselves through violent acts.”
兩名男女因與秀茂坪殘酷虐待流浪貓有關被拘捕。流浪貓遭受嚴重內部出血，其後被人道毀滅。一名心理學家表示，殘酷的行為可能涉及到虐待者的情感和個性問題。「低自尊的人可能以暴力行為表達自己。」

The Education Secretary, Eddie Ng, has given an assurance that there will be no school closures or teacher redundancies amid an impending fall in student numbers over the next few years. Mr Ng said the administration would introduce measures to deal with what he said was a "transitional problem", including reducing class sizes.
面對迫在眉睫的學生人數下降，教育局局長吳克儉保証，在未來幾年不會有殺校和教師裁員。吳克儉表示，政府將採取措施，處理他說的"過渡性的問題"，包括減少班級人數。

A Hong Kong racing driver was killed during the qualifying trial at the Macau Grand Prix - the second death in two days. Phillip Yau was an experienced Macau competitor who had won two races at the street track. The two deaths have again raised questions about safety at the street circuit. But the Macau Grand Prix Committee insisted that the track is safe, and safety equipment conforms to international standards.
一名本港車手參加澳門格蘭披治賽車排位賽時身亡，這是兩日內第二名死亡的車手。丘永材是一名富經驗的澳門賽車競賽者，曾兩次奪得街道比賽冠軍。兩人的死亡再一次引發街道賽道安全的問題，但澳門格蘭披治大賽車委員會堅持認為賽道是安全的，設備符合國際安全標準。

Against Child Abuse says psychological abuse of children is on the rise. The group advises parents to be careful when using hurtful words to their children, as they may suffer from low self-esteem as a result. Some words such as `you are useless and you are not loved' or `someone is better than you' are degrading the value of a person and a child is a person.
防止虐待兒童會表示，心理虐兒呈上升趨勢。該小組建議父母對孩子使用刻薄的說話時要小心，因為這些說話會導致他們自尊受損。有些說話例如『你無用，我唔要你啦』或「睇?阿邊個幾叻」會令兒童覺得自己沒價值。

Soaring rents have pushed Causeway Bay ahead of New York's Fifth Avenue to become the world's most expensive shopping district. The bustling area along Russell Street with monthly rents of HK$1,700 per square foot is the world's most expensive shopping street. Central ranks second and Tsim Sha Tsui is third. Luxury retailing remains the driving force behind rent rises.
飛漲的租金令銅鑼灣超越紐約第五大道，成為世界上最昂貴的購物區。沿羅素街喧鬧的地帶每平方尺月租1,700港元，是世界上最昂貴的購物街。中環及尖沙嘴分別排第2及3位。奢侈品零售業仍然是租金上漲的推動力。

A study by Oxfam has found that a record 650,000 people in Hong Kong are living in poor working families. It says 60 per cent of the poor families' earnings are below the level of social security payments. Any four-member household earning less than HK$14,100 a month should be considered living in poverty, it says. Oxfam urges the government to introduce a low income family allowance.
樂施會研究發現，本港在職貧窮家庭人口，達到65萬多人，創歷史新高。六成在職貧窮戶月入低於綜援金額。樂施會表示，任何一個四人住戶入息低於14,100元應被視為生活在貧窮中。樂施會促請政府推行低收入家庭津貼。

A former airport security worker who lied to his employer about his educational qualifications was ordered to perform 150 hours of community service. In order to get the job, the man claimed he was a Secondary Five graduate although he only finished Secondary Three. The accused pleaded guilty, saying he only wanted to climb the social ladder and seek a better-paying job.
一名只有中三學歷的前機場保安，為應徵職位，向僱主撒謊，訛稱中五畢業生學歷，被判處社會服務令一百五十小時。被告承認控罪，他表示，他只是想在社會階梯上向上爬，尋找更高薪的工作。

The Confederation of Trade Unions has called on employers to increase the wages of their workers by at least six percent next year. It said the pay rise should reflect inflation and the contribution of workers to the economy. A pay trend survey recently showed that employers are likely to give workers a 4.5 percent raise.
職工盟要求僱主明年加薪最少百分之6，以反映通脹及工人對經濟之貢獻。最近薪酬趨勢調查顯示，僱主很可能給工人加薪4.5%。

About 4,000 people took part in Gay Pride Parade. The group was led by openly-gay legislator, Raymond Chan, and some pop stars. There were calls to end workplace discrimination and for the legalisation of gay marriage. There was also anger that lawmakers rejected a motion on Wednesday which called for a public consultation on new laws to protect the rights of sexual minorities.
約有 4000人參加由立法會同志議員陳志全及多名藝人領導的同志遊行，他們要求停止工作場所的歧視及同性戀婚姻立法，他們亦不滿上立法會議員於星期三否決同志平權作公眾諮詢的動議。

After meeting secondary school headmasters, the Secretary for Education, Eddie Ng, announced that the Education Bureau is going to extend the transitional period for surplus teachers from one year to three years and no teachers will lose their jobs because of falling student numbers. However, he did not give a positive response to smaller class sizes.
教育局局長吳克儉會見中學校長後宣布，教育局將超額教師的保留期，由一年延長至三年，沒有一個教師會由於學生人口下降而喪失教席。但他並沒有積極回應減少每班人數問題。

Police arrested a 28-year-old construction worker who posed as a female doctor online to persuade young women to send him nude photographs in return for free consultation. He then threatened to release the pictures if they did not have sex with him. Up to 40 young women fell prey to the scam.
警方拘捕一名 28歲建築工人，他在網上冒充女醫生，藉詞免費診症，誘騙少女提供裸照，復以公開裸照威脅性行為。多達40名少女墮入騙局。

The Legislative Council voted down a motion urging the government to consult the public on new laws to protect the rights for people of all sexual orientations. Supporters of a law said it would protect against discrimination those with non-main-stream sexual preferences. Opponents said it was a moral issue that would not be best solved through legislation and it might trigger reverse discrimination.
一項促請政府諮詢公眾有關立法保障不同性傾向人士的平等機會的動議被立法會否決。贊成立法者表示，立法可防止歧視非主流性喜好者。反對者認為這是一個道德問題，立法不能最有效解決，反而會激化逆向歧視。

The government has agreed to pay street sleepers HK$2,000 each to settle a dispute arising from the seizure of their property during a cleanup. The street sleepers said that their private belongings were unlawfully confiscated during a raid without prior notice. Many street sleepers lost not only clothes and blankets but also money, family photos and other possessions.
政府同意賠償露宿者每人2,000元，以解決由清洗街道期間沒收他們資產所引起的糾紛。露宿者表示，在沒預先通知下，他們的私人財產在一次突襲行動中非法地被沒收。許多的露宿者不僅失去衣服和毛毯，而且還失去金錢、家庭照片及其他財物。

A physical fitness test has found a majority of Hong Kong people did not have sufficient physical activity. Less than 40% of adults and the elderly were classified as physically active. The reasons for adults not taking part in physical activity were "lack of spare time", "tired", and "lazy". Adults registered significant drop in physical fitness and increase in exposure to various health risks as age advanced.
一項體質測試發現，大部分的香港市民沒有足夠的體能活動，只有少於四成的成人及長者屬活躍人士，成年不參與體育活動的原因是「缺乏時間」、「疲倦」和「懶惰」。成年人的體質普遍轉差，健康風險相繼增加。

The University of Hong Kong's dental clinic has admitted that its equipment had not gone through the proper cleansing procedures, and has called on 250 patients to undergo tests. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Tsui Lap-chee, sought to allay concerns about possible infection. He said the chances of patients being infected were not high.
港大牙科診所承認一批醫療器具未完成消毒程序，已要求250名病人接受測試。港大校長徐立之試圖減輕疑慮表示，病人受感染的機會不大。

Executive councillor Franklin Lam has been granted leave of absence from Exco. Mr Lam has come under mounting pressure to step down since he put two flats on the market just weeks before the government announced new measures to cool property prices. But the Chief Secretary, Carrie Lam, said there was no conflict of interest, as Mr. Lam could not have learnt about the measures in advance.
行政會議議員林奮強獲淮休假，林奮強在冷卻房地產價格數星期前出售兩住宅單位，他受到越來越多的壓力要求他辭職。政務司司長林鄭月娥表示，林奮強不涉任何利益衝突，因為他預先不知道新措施。

The Chief Secretary, Carrie Lam, said she was very anxious that if public distrust persists, governance will become very difficult in the coming years. But Mrs Lam maintained that the government should not cave in every time it encounters opposition over controversial policies.
政務司司長林鄭月娥表示，她十分憂慮，如果市民不信任持續存在，未來政府施政會困難重重。但她堅持，當每次爭議性政策遇到反對時，政府不應屈服。

According to a survey carried out by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources, Hong Kong workers could enjoy a pay rise of about 4.6 percent next year. Some firms are being cautious on pay adjustments, probably due to concerns about the flagging global economy. The biggest pay awards are expected to be made in the construction, property development and retail sectors.
根據人力資源管理學會調查顯示，香港打工仔明年可享有加薪4.6%。有些公司擔憂全球經濟萎縮，對薪酬調整持謹慎態度。預期建築、物業發展及零售業加薪幅度最高。

A green group Greeners Action has expressed concern over damage caused at Lung Mei Beach even before construction work begins on an artificial beach. Thousands of visitors are flocking to the beach during weekends for a last view of it. Before wildlife species are destroyed by the reclamation, the environment will be damaged by inconsiderate visitors. Visitors took seashells and clams away, and sliced apart starfish.
環保團體「綠領行動」憂慮龍尾灘未動工興建人造海灘前的毀壞，數以千計的遊客在週末成群結隊地去看海灘的最後景色。野生動物品種被填海破壞前，環境已被不為別人?想的人所毀壞，遊客帶走貝殼及蛤，把海星切開。

Funding for the new old-age living allowance will be delayed for two weeks after a special Legco meeting ended without a vote being taken. Councillors are split over a means test for the old-age living allowance, and the government has not secured enough votes for funding approval. Pan-democrats and the Federation of Trade Union insist that the subsidy should be given to everyone over 70 years old.
立法會一個特別委員會未能表決新長者生活津貼撥款，將會延至兩星期再作討論。議員對長者生活津貼資產審查問題上意見有分歧，政府未能取得足夠票數以通過撥款。泛民主派及工聯會堅決要求津貼應給與所有70歲以上的人。

An unmarried mother who fed her three-month-old baby son -- her fifth child -- with diluted milk that caused him to starve to death was jailed for six years. The judge criticized the woman for failing to provide sufficient food to the infant and not seeking any medical assistance. He also noted that the accused had shown no remorse.
一名育有五子女的未婚母親以稀釋的奶水餵哺三個月大的兒子，導致嬰孩餓死，被判入獄六年。法官批評該婦人沒有向嬰兒供應足夠食物及求醫。法官亦注意到被告毫無悔意。

A retired correctional services officer died yesterday during a bike ride with friends. Specialists said that cyclists should not be stretched to the limit. They are advised to take frequent breaks and stop immediately if they feel exhausted. They should have regular check-ups to ensure they are not suffering from heart disease or other life-threatening conditions.
一名退休懲教員與朋友踩單車期間死亡。專家表示，踩單車的人不要耗力到了極限，要經常休息，若感到精疲力竭，應該立即停止。他們應定期身體檢查，確保沒有患上心臟病或其他危及生病的疾病。

The Secretary for Development, Paul Chan, has expressed confidence that measures announced on Friday to cool Hong Kong's property market will work. He also said the authorities have other measures up their sleeves and will use them should the need arise.
發展局局長陳茂波表示，有信心星期五宣佈冷卻樓市措施會奏效。他又表示，政府仍有錦囊妙，有需要時不會採用。

The government has announced two new measures to curb short-term property speculation. Anyone who doesn't have permanent residency in Hong Kong will be required to pay the new Buyer's Stamp Duty; while anyone who sells a property within three years of buying it, will be taxed up to 20 percent. The new measures take effect from today.
政府宣佈兩項新措施，遏止短線投機。非香港永久居民需付新增買家印花稅;買入後三年內出售的物業，稅率增至二成。新措施今日起生效。

The plan to build an artificial beach at Lung Mei in Tai Po will push through despite opposition from environmental groups. The government has promised to relocate all marine life affected by the construction. However, conservationists said the government should not sacrifice the opportunity for all Hong Kong people to see marine life just because Tai Po residents want a beach. They also said relocation of marine life is not practical as they might die in the process.
儘管環保團體反對在大埔龍尾興建人工泳灘，計劃將會被通過。政府承諾把受工程影響的海洋生物搬遷。然而保育人士表示，政府不應因為大埔居民要求有一個泳灘，而犧牲港人觀賞海洋生物的機會。他們又說，從新安置海洋生物是不可行，因在遷移過程中海洋生物會死亡。

The largest fast-food stall for next year's Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair has been auctioned off for just over HK$300,000 - down 40 percent from the previous year. Bidding was not brisk because merchants believed that they would hardly break even. The low bids may reflect the bidders' uncertainty about the economy.
維園年宵市場競投，最大的快餐攤位，以約30萬元成交，較去年競投價大減四成。競投不活躍，因為商人相信他們難以收支平衡。出價低反映競投人士對未來經濟前景感疑惑。

The husband of a 46-year-old woman who died after undergoing a high-risk beauty procedure at DR beauty chain is demanding a thorough investigation. He accused the beauty clinic of treating his wife like a guinea pig. He was angry that there was a total lack of communication by the beauty clinic and an explanation for what went wrong with his wife.
一名46歲女子接受DR醫學美容集團一個高風險美容療程後死亡，其丈夫要求徹底調查。他指責美容診所把他的妻子當作白老鼠對待。美容診所完全缺乏溝通，沒有解釋他的妻子出了怎?事，他對此感到氣憤。

Members of the sports community yesterday registered their dismay after a government adviser suggested relocating the sports hub to make way for more housing. A leading sports official has warned that the sports community will "take to the streets" if the government abandons plans to build a new sports stadium at Kai Tak.
對一名政府顧問建議搬遷體育城，好騰出地方來興建更多住房，體育界昨日顯露出失望。體育界一名重要官員警告，如政府決意擱置啟德體育城計畫，不排除體育界會上街抗爭。

A record 1,700 swimmers took part in yesterday's cross harbour swimming race. The race turned out a great success despite some participants ending up with minor cuts and bruises. Last year's winners retained their titles despite fierce competition from a bigger field over a shorter course than last year's event. Participants came from all walks of life, including two disabled swimmers.
維港渡海泳昨日舉行，今年有破紀錄1700名泳手參與。賽事結果是非常成功，雖然一些參賽者擦傷。儘管今年全體參賽者增加及賽程較短令競爭激烈，去年冠軍泳手都能成功?冕。參賽者來自各行各業，包括兩名殘廢泳手。

The Transport and Housing Secretary, Anthony Cheung, says the government is reviewing its plan to build a Sports City at the Kai Tak site, and considering social reaction to the development and demand for residential property. But he said no concrete decisions have yet been made, and the government remains open-minded on the various options.
運輸及房屋局局長張炳良表示，政府正檢討啟德體育城的發展，及考慮社會上對發展的反應和對住宅用地的要求。他表示，政府目前未有具體的決定，會對不同的選擇保持開放的態度。

A British company, Flying Fox, has rejected criticism that its application to establish a zipline tour on Lantau is a gimmick. The Country and Marine Parks Board objected to the proposal, saying it was an inappropriate use of a country park and it would affect the ecosystem. The company said commercial activities had been allowed in country parks elsewhere in the world, although there was no precedent in Hong Kong.
郊野公園及海岸公園委員會否決英國公司Flying Fox在大嶼山興建飛索滑行，指出計劃不符合郊野公園土地使用原則，及影響生態系統。公司否認批評，表示計劃並不是一個噱頭。公司表示，在全球一些地區淮許郊野公園作商業用途，但香港沒有先例。

The Education Bureau says it expects less than five secondary schools to be at risk of closure next year due to a lack of new students. Schools will only have to admit 26 new students -- enough for two form one classes -- to remain open. Those that fall below this threshold can also apply for an exemption, if the institutions can prove that they provide a broad and sustainable curriculum.
教育局預計，少於5間中學有殺校危機。中學只要收2班26名新生就可以繼續營辦，未達開班門檻的學校，如果能夠證明能提供一個寬而可持續的課程，可申請豁免。

Addressing the Legislative Council, Chief Executive CY Leung says Hongkongers should not shut the door to mainland opportunities and must accept that our future lies in greater cross-border integration. He said some people have politicised the problems between Hong Kong and the Mainland, adding their behaviour and comments may hinder the normal development of its relationship with the nation.
行政長官梁振英在立法會說，港人不應關閉內地發展機會之大門，要接受香港之未來在於擴大跨境整合。他說，有些人把中港問題政治化，他們的行為和言論對妨礙香港和內地關係的正常發展。

The Caritas Addicted Gamblers Counselling Centre found that youngsters become pathological gamblers more easily than older people. Of 4,000 people who sought help from the centre since 2003, about 20 percent were aged less than 30. Some youngsters had gambled in hope of finding money to buy luxury items for themselves. The centre urges the government to raise the legal age for gambling to 21.
明愛展晴中心戒賭輔導服務發現年輕人較年長者更容易成為病態賭徒。2003年至今共有四千人到中心求助，近二成是三十歲以下青年。一些年輕人賭博，希望想?錢為自己買奢侈品。明愛展晴中心呼籲政府將法定賭博年齡提高至21歲。

Doctors treating cancer patients with chemotherapy at private clinics in commercial buildings should be regulated as the practice may put people's health at risk. There are 19 such centres throughout the city mostly in buildings that are not tailor-made for medical procedures and where tenants share a common air conditioning system.
醫生在商業大廈開設私家診所為癌症病人提供化療服務應該被規管，因為這做法會危害他人的健康。本港共有19間此類位於商業大廈內的私家治療中心，建築物大多數不是為醫療程序的需要而專門設計的，租?共用中央冷氣系統。

According to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the number of people stuck in poverty in Hong Kong decreased last year, but more elderly people were afflicted by poverty. One third of the elderly were living below the poverty line. One in seven Honkongers aged 60 and above still had to work to support themselves. Only 57 per cent of the elderly people were assisted by their children.
根據社會服務聯會所說，去年本港貧窮人口減少，但受貧窮折磨的長者，人數卻上升。三分之一長者生活在貧窮線下，七分之一60歲或以上港人仍需工作以維持生計，只有57%長者受子女幫助。

The Housing Secretary, Anthony Cheung, says the newly set up Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee will conduct an in-depth study on the housing needs of young people in Hong Kong. Professor Cheung noted that there has been an increasing number of people queuing for public housing, many of whom are single, and aged under 30.
房屋局局長張炳良表示，新近成立的長遠房屋策略督導委員將會深入檢視年輕人的住屋需求。張教授注意到，輪候公屋的人數持續增加，不少是單身人士及30歲以下。

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam has revealed that she will be heading a new committee set up under the future Commission on Poverty. She said two of the commission's tasks are related to retirement protection: one is to draw a poverty line, the other is to set up a committee on social security and retirement protection. She will lead this committee.
政務司司長林鄭月娥透露，她會親率重新設立的扶貧委員會轄下設立一個新小組。她表示，扶貧委員會有兩樣工作與社會保障及退休保障有關，一是訂立貧窮線，另一是設立社會保障及退休保障小組，由她親自領導。

Author Mo Yan made history yesterday by becoming the first Chinese national to win the Nobel Prize for literature. Mo was named the winner by the Swedish Academy for his writing that mixes folk tales, history and the contemporary. Mo Yan's Nobel prize was hailed by the public as a sign that contemporary Chinese literature has finally won global recognition.
作家莫言昨日創造歷史，獲得今年諾貝爾文學獎，成為首位獲獎的中國籍作家。瑞典文學院提名莫言為獲勝者，因為莫言將民間故事、歷史與當代社會融合在一起。民眾為莫言得諾貝爾獎而喝采，標誌當代中國文學終於贏得舉世公認。

A study has found that many of the post-80s are hard hit by credit card debts as they tend to pay the minimum charges. About half of the post-80s respondents said they hope to have a more flexible repayment scheme so that they can keep more cash to themselves. They ignored the fact that compound interests are charged on credit card debts.
一項調查發現，許多80後遭受到欠卡數的沉重打擊，因為他們傾向只償還最低還款額。一半80後受訪者表示，他們希望還款計劃更有彈性，以保留現金周轉，但他們忽略了信用卡利息以複式計算的事實。

East Rail yesterday introduced a rule restricting luggage to 32 kilograms. It is aimed at cracking down on parallel traders. Electronic weighing scales have been placed at 4 stations. However, many scales were frequently out of order, causing long queues. Some parallel traders were well aware of the weight restrictions and made more trips with smaller loads.
東鐵限制乘客不可攜帶超過32公斤行李的規則昨日生效，目的在打擊水貨客，東鐵四個車站放置電子磅。但許多電子磅屢次發生故障，導致長隊。有些水貨客深知重量限制措施，將貨物減少，多走幾程。

The Chief Executive, C.Y. Leung, has shelved the curriculum guidelines for National Education, but has refused to withdraw the subject completely. He explained that since schools have full autonomy to decide whether to introduce the subject, the government will not demand the use of the guidelines. He hoped the scrapping of the guidelines will put an end to the controversy.
行政長官梁振英擱置國民教育科課程指引，但拒絕撤科。他解釋，由於學校有完全自主權決定是否推行國民教育，政府不會要求學校使用課程指引。他希望擱置課程指引後能夠平息爭議。

Chief Secretary for Administration Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said scrapping the means test for the new old age allowance will not be in Hong Kong's long-term interest. Under the new plan, qualified old folks would get an extra 2,200 dollars a month but elders over 70 will need to go through a means test. Major political parties are opposing the mandatory means test.
政務司司長林鄭月娥說，撤銷長者生活津貼資產審查，不符合香港的長遠利益。按照新計劃，合資格長者每月可多領到2200元，但70歲以上長者需要通過資產審查。主要政黨反對強制的資產審查。

Dr Stephen Chow, who founded the DR beauty chain, has apologised to four women who are in hospital after undergoing beauty therapy at a clinic in Causeway Bay. He said some 40 patients had undergone the procedure and they had signed disclaimers saying they understood the treatment was not for medical purposes.
四名女子在DR醫學美容集團接受美容治療後入院，集團創辦人周向榮醫生向四人致歉。他表示，有40名病人已接受療程，她們已簽署免責聲明，清楚了解療程並非醫療行為。

Four women have ended up in hospital after undergoing treatment at the DR beauty clinic in Causeway Bay. Three of the women are critically ill with septic shock after having blood transfusions. The Health Secretary Ko Wing-man said the treatment was a medical procedure which must be performed under the supervision of a doctor. He pledged to investigate the matter.
有四名女子在銅鑼灣DR醫學美容集團接受療程後結果入院，其中三人在輸血後引致敗血性休克，病情危重。食物及?生局局長高永文表示，療程是醫療程序，必須有醫生在場監督，他承諾會調查事件。

People across the city observed three minutes of silence at noon yesterday to mourn the victims of the Lamma ferry tragedy. Flags at government buildings flew at half mast. People signed condolence books at condolence points set up by the Home Affairs Department and many brought bouquets of white flowers and paper cranes to leave behind.
全港市民在昨日正午默哀三分鐘，悼念南丫島海難遇難者。政府建築物下半旗致哀。市民帶同白鮮花和紙鶴到民政事務處市民設立的弔唁處簽弔唁冊。

The government plans to clamp down on unlicensed dog dealers and puppy farms. It wants to make it compulsory for anyone trading in dogs to hold a permit. The government wants to increase the maximum penalty for illegal trading of animals from HK$2,000 to HK$100,000. Traders may have their licenses revoked if they are convicted of harming or mistreating animals.
政府計劃取締非法狗隻售賣商及狗隻繁殖場。政府建議任何人士出售狗隻必須領取許可證，又擬就非法售賣動物加重刑罰，最高罰款由現時二千元，大增至十萬元。傷害及虐待動物罪成的動物售賣商會被撤銷牌照。

Police yesterday arrested seven crew members over the fatal Lamma ferry crash. Hong Kong goes into three days of official mourning from tomorrow in memory of the 38 people killed in the ferry tragedy. An independent committee will be established to conduct a thorough investigation into the disaster and make recommendations to prevent similar accidents.
警方昨日拘捕兩船共七名船員與南丫島災難性撞船事故有關。香港由明日起，一連三日定為全港哀悼日，紀念在撞船悲劇事件中罹難的三十八人。政府成立獨立委員會進行徹底的調查，作出建議，避免同類事件發生。

A vessel collision incident involving two passenger vessels occurred at the seafront of Lamma Island last night. A HK Electric vessel which ferried 124 passengers on board to watch the fireworks in Victoria Harbour was hit by a ferry and sunk quickly after the collision. At least 36 people were killed. The Fire Services Department said the low visibility and many obstacles on board made it difficult for rescue.
南丫島對開海面昨晚發生一宗撞船事故，涉及兩艘載客船隻。一艘載有一百二十四人港燈渡輪，準備開往維港看煙花時，遭一艘小輪撞及，渡輪迅速下沉，至少36人死亡。消防處表示，因為能見度低，船隻內雜物眾多，阻礙救援。

The Travel Industry Council has said the number of mainland tour groups visiting Hong Kong is expected to rise by about 10 percent during China's Golden Week holiday. More individual travellers are also expected, but visitors are expected to spend less on average this year as they will purchase more cosmetics and electronics products and less jewelry and brand-name products.
旅遊業議會表示，在內地十一黃金周假期間，訪港內地旅客團增長約一成。自由行旅客估計亦會增加，但今年人均消費可能會減少，因為內地旅客會多購買化妝品及電子產品，而少買珠寶及名牌產品。

The Community Drug Advisory Council's study found that gay men are suffering discrimination in the school or the workplace. The gay men they interviewed admitted having abused drugs to cope with pressures or the fear of discrimination for being gay. They had sought assistance but often the response was negative. The Council is urging the government to provide more resources and training to teachers and social workers.
社區藥物教育輔導會調查發現，男同性戀者在學校或工作地方受到歧視。受訪男同性戀者承認濫毒，以應付壓力和歧視男同性戀者的恐懼，他們曾尋求協助，但回應常常是消極的。輔導會促請政府提供教師及社工更多資源及培訓。

Kowloon City Court ordered a taxi driver to perform 100 hours of community service and suspended his licence for six months, after he admitted overcharging an undercover policewoman who posed as a mainland tourist. The magistrate said the accused man's behaviour had tarnished Hong Kong travel industry' reputation.
一名的士司機承認濫收喬裝內地旅客的女警車資，在九龍城裁判法院被判100小時社會服務令及吊銷駕駛的士牌照6個月。裁判官指被告行為影響香港旅游業聲譽。

The Equal Opportunities Commission has urged the government to develop Chinese as a second language curriculum for ethnic minority students. It said these students have great difficulty in learning Chinese. Low level of Chinese hinders their access to higher education and employment opportunities in Hong Kong.
平等機會委員會促請政府為少數族裔學生設置中文為第二語言課程。平機會表示，少數族裔學生學習中文有很大困難，低中文程度妨礙他們入讀高等教育及就業的機會。

The government is taking all necessary precautions against a new virus that has recently appeared in the Middle East. The virus is genetically different from the SARS virus that hit Hong Kong in 2003. Guidelines on infection control have been sent to numerous institutions, including hospitals, schools, elderly homes and airlines.
政府正採取一切必要的預防措施，防備最近在中東地區出現的新型病毒，新型病毒的基因與○三年侵襲香港的沙士病毒不同。政府向醫院、學校、老人院舍、航空公司等機構發出病毒感染控制的指引。

Minimum Wage Commission agreed to raise the minimum wage from HK$28 per hour to $30, but the decision was criticized by some workers and bosses. Employers say the 7.1 per cent increase will lead to price rises, especially for food, and higher management fees. Unions say it will do little to ease poverty and will soon be eaten up by inflation.
最低工資委員會同意將最低工資水平由目前的28元調升至30元，但部分工人和老闆都批評這決定。雇主表示，百分之七點一加幅會令物價上漲，尤其是食品及管理費飆升。工會表示，加薪不足以減輕貧窮，很快就被通脹蠶食。

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says land supply in urban areas and new towns is saturated and new lands must be developed to meet the needs for housing and supporting facilities. It is not in the city's interest to stop or delay the North East New Territories New Development Areas.
政務司司長林鄭月娥說，巿區土地和新巿鎮開始飽和，必須開拓新土地，以滿足香港房屋和配套需求。要政府停止或延遲新界東北新發展區土地，並不符合香港的利益。

Universities have been wasting electricity by keeping some parts of campuses at temperatures as low as 18 degrees Celsius, according to Green Sense's investigations. It also discovered that the air conditioners and lights had been left switched on overnight in some vacant classrooms. Green Sense described the situation as a waste of electricity and taxpayers' money. 
根據環保觸覺調查，大學部分校園溫度低至十八度，環保觸覺亦發現一些空的課室，冷氣及燈是通宵開啟。環保觸覺形容這情況是在浪費電力和納稅人的金錢。

Scuffles broke out in a public consultation forum yesterday between supporters and opponents of Northeast New Territories New Development Area project. Secretary for Development Paul Chan said the main objective of developing the project is to address housing needs. He stressed the project is neither a 'backyard for Shenzhen' nor for rich Mainlanders to shop.
昨日在一次公眾論壇上，支持和反對新界東北新發展區規劃的兩派屢起衝突。發展局局長陳茂波說，規劃的主要目的是回應市民對住屋的需求。他強調，新發展區絕對不是「深圳的後花園」，亦不是給內地有錢人來購物的地方。

Under the on-site meal-portioning projects in schools, it is estimated that the use of 62,000 disposable containers can be avoided every day and schools' food-waste generation can be reduced by 50%, Secretary for the Environment KS Wong says. He made the remarks on a visit to a primary School, where he saw its on-site meal portioning project and on-campus environmental facilities.
環境局局長黃錦星到訪一間小學，視察該校的「學校現場派飯項目」，並參觀校內各項環保設施。項目推出至今，估計每天可避免使用約62,000個即棄飯盒，平均減少50％廚餘。

A 24-year old Open University student was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service for e-mailing hoax bomb threats to the Legislative Council and the MTR Corporation. The man was angry about the MTR fare rise and the filibustering in Legco. The magistrate said the man's behavior was naïve but he had shown remorse.
一名24歲公開大學學生，因為不滿港鐵加價及立法會拉布，透過電郵發放虛假炸彈恐嚇，被判120小時社會服務令。裁判官表示，該名男子行為幼稚，但他已表示出悔意。

Hong Kong's 300,000 foreign domestic helpers will get a pay rise to HK$3,920 a month. The 4.8 percent increase is their biggest in years. Some employers of helpers are complaining that they face hardship from the pay rise as it comes alongside an increased cost of living. But domestic helpers' unions say the increase still falls short of their demand.
香港三十萬外籍家庭傭工將獲加薪至每月三千九百二十元，增幅百分之四點八為歷年最高。部分外傭僱主抱怨加薪令他們吃苦，因為會同時增加生活費用﹔但外傭工會認為加幅仍低於他們的期望。

Doctors at the Chinese University have introduced a new way for bowel cancer screening by just swallowing a pill with a camera inside it. The test is simple, quick, user-friendly and causes very minimal discomfort to users. Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in Hong Kong with more than 4,300 new cases and 1,700 deaths per year.
中文大學醫護人員引進新的內視鏡技術檢查大腸癌，患者只需吞下裝有鏡頭的「藥丸」狀膠囊，便可拍攝影像。有關檢驗方式簡單、快捷、容易使用及為使用者帶來極小的不適。腸癌是本港第二最常見的癌症，每年新增逾四千三百宗個案，一千七百人死亡。

Protests against Japan over its control of the Diaoyu Islands broke out in 85 cities in the mainland yesterday. In Hong Kong thousands of people took part in an anti-Japanese march. Organizers called on participants to boycott Japanese products but not to damage stores selling Japanese goods. They wanted the rally to be staged in a rational and peaceful manner.
內地85個城市昨日爆發反日示威，抗議日本侵佔釣魚台。香港有數千人參與反日遊行，主辦者號召參與者抵制日貨，但不要毀壞售賣日貨的商店，他們想集會以理性、和平方式舉行。

About a hundred people staged a protest at Sheung Shui MTR Station to express their anger at the parallel traders and accused them of causing congestion. They chanted "Recover Sheung Shui! Protect our homes!". Demonstrators said many parallel traders buying goods in the neighbourhood had created a disturbance and pushed up prices. Parallel traders take products ranging from milk powder, mobile phones and cosmetics over the border to sell in the mainland.
逾百人在上水港鐵站舉行了抗議活動，表達他們對水貨客的憤怒，指責他們造成阻塞。示威者高呼「光復上水，還我家園」的口號。示威者表示，大量的水貨客在上水火車站鄰近買貨，干擾市民，並推高物價。水貨客所帶過境，在大陸銷售的產品，包括奶粉、手機和化妝品。

Financial Secretary John Tsang said the third round of US quantitative easing might lead the market to expect property prices will rise further. This may increase the risk of a bubble forming. To cool the property market, the Monetary Authority has announced new measures which tighten the approval criteria of mortgage applications by persons holding more than one mortgaged property and require that the tenor of a mortgage loan cannot exceed 30 years.
財政司司長曾俊華說，美國聯儲局推出第三輪量化寬鬆，有可能令市場預期樓價會進一步上升，令泡沫風險大為增加。為樓市降溫，金管局宣布新措施，收緊對擁有多個按揭物業人士的新按揭申請，以及限制按揭年期不能超過30年。

The parents of a young swimmer have made an urgent appeal for a heart donor to save their daughter, who has only days to live without a transplant. The 13-year-old got the flu after swimming and then developed acute myocarditis. She used to be healthy and has won lots of swimming awards. Her parents urged the public to help them find a donor.
一名年青女游泳健將的父母發出緊急呼籲，徵求捐贈心臟者，挽救女兒的生命，若無心臟移植，女兒活不了多長時間。十三歲女孩游泳後得感冒，然後再發展為急性心肌炎。女孩一向身體非常健康，獲游泳獎項無數，她的父母呼籲公眾幫助他們找尋捐贈者。

A study has found that nurses and policemen have higher suicide rates than other employed people. These professionals tend to face high expectations from society and some of them may work in a highly stressful environment; thus their mental wellbeing may be at stake. Furthermore, their care giving roles may prevent them from seeking help from other professionals.
一項研究發現，護士及警察自殺率較其他在職人士高。這些專業人士時常面對來自社會的高度期望，部分從事這類行業的人可能在高壓環境下工作，心理健康自然成問題。此外，他們的助人角色也許會妨礙他們向其他專業人士求助。

"Occupy Central" campaign ended yesterday when security guards cleared the last of the protesters from the plaza beneath the HSBC headquarters. The protesters had been camping out at HSBC since last October as part of the global anti-capitalist movement. They were voicing their dissatisfaction with the financial system and big business.
「佔領中環」運動昨日結束，保安人員在匯豐銀行總行廣場將最後一批抗議者驅趕。「佔領中環」行動人士，去年十月起在中環?豐銀行總行地下紮營，響應全球反資本主義運動，表達他們對金融體制和大企業的不滿。

The pro-establishment Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong remains the largest party in Legislative Council following success in the election.  Radical democrats made gains at the expense of more moderate Democratic Party. Radical democrats will be able to exert more influence in the Legislative Council and will make CY Leung's governance even more difficult.
建制派的民建聯在今屆立法會選舉成功，繼續成為立法會第一大黨。激進民主派取得進帳，但損害溫和派的民主黨為代價。激進民主派將會在立法會發揮更大影響力，令梁振英的管治更困難。

A total of about 1.83 million electors cast their votes in the directly elected seats in the 2012 Legislative Council elections, representing a near-record 53% rate. The high turnout may have been connected with the national education issue and the higher number of candidates that parties fielded. Another contributing factor was the creation of five "super seats" in the new district council functional constituency.
2012年立法會選舉共有約183萬名地區直選選民投了票，投票率近新高的53%。高投票率可能與國民教育爭議有關及政黨推舉較高數目的候選人。另一促成因素是新設的五個區議會「超級議席」。

Chief Executive CY Leung announced that the Government will let schools and school-sponsoring bodies decide whether to launch moral and national education and there will be no so-called 'deadline' after a three-year initiation period. Mr. Leung hoped after his announcement, school lives will return to normal and protesters can stop expressing their demands through hunger strikes, class boycotts and gatherings.
行政長官梁振英宣布，政府決定交由辦學團體和學校決定是否開展德育及國民教育科，亦不存在三年後推行該科的死線。梁振英希望在宣布政策修改後，校園生活回復正常，抗議者也可以結束以絕食、罷課和集會的方式表達他們的訴求。

The Government plans to revise regulations, to allow owners to convert their industrial buildings so they can house small 'transitional flats'. The conversion of hundreds of industrial buildings, many of them vacant, could help tackle the city's housing shortage in the short-term.
政府計劃修訂條例，讓業主把工廈改成小型過渡性住房。將數以百計空置的工廈改變用途，可以在短時間內解決住房供給不足的問題。

Under the "Hong Kong land for Hong Kong people" policy flats built on two plots on the old Kai Tak airport site will be reserved for permanent residents. Resale of the units will be restricted to local people for 30 years. The policy aims to control mainland buyers who have helped drive up property prices.
在「港人港地」政策下，兩幅舊啟德機場用地的單位，將保留給永久居民。30年內的轉手對象，限制為本港永久居民。政策旨在控制助長推高房地產價格的內地買家。

Turnout for Sunday's Legislative Council election will likely surpass the 45 percent rate in the previous 2008 poll, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam predicts. He said competition will be intense in view of the record-high number of candidates. He reminded the public that each elector has two votes - one for a geographical constituency and one for a functional constituency.
政制及內地事務局局長譚志源預言，星期日立法會選舉的投票率會高於上屆的45％。他說，鑑於今屆候選人數目是歷史新高，競爭會十分激烈。他提醒市民，選民一人有兩票 - 地方選區和功能界別各有一票。

Basic Law Committee vice chairwoman Leung Oi-sie worried that making demands using radical means would only lead to anarchy. She called on all parties concerned to discuss the national education issue in a rational manner. Meanwhile, thousands of people calling for national education to be withdrawn continued to rally outside the government headquarters.
基本法委員會副主任梁愛詩擔心，使用過激的手法去提出要求，只會造成無政府狀態。她呼籲所有有關各方以理性方法討論國民教育科問題。與此同時，數千人繼續在政府總部外集會，要求撤回國民教育科。

A Secondary Three student was so obsessed with a 12-year-old girl that he went on YouTube and threatened to kill her and everyone at her school after she rejected him. The 16-year-old student pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal intimidation against the girl and her teacher. He admitted posting the videos because the girl had fooled him.
一名中三男生，因為迷戀十二歲女生被拒絕，上載短片至YouTube 網站，威脅要殺死女生及她全校每一個人。十六歲男生承認兩項刑事恐嚇女生及老師罪，他承認因被女生愚弄而上載短片。

Each day of her first month in the job as chief secretary felt like a year, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor says of the troubled weeks of the new administration. The 55-year-old Lam admits she felt deeply emotional and wondered whether she could cope as a sea of criticism broke against Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. She said she had regained her working pace.
政務司司長林鄭月娥形容新一屆政府波折重重，首月有「度日如年」的感覺，55歲的林鄭月娥承認她情緒十分激動，懷疑自己能否妥善處理對特首梁振英如潮湧般的批評。她表示，現時工作總算重回正軌。

The government is investing HK$10 million to build a district bazaar in Tin Shui Wai which provides 200 stalls. Tin Shui Wai residents have complained that a lack of shops in the district has driven up the price of daily necessities. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals will operate the market and social enterprises will be encouraged to run the businesses there.
政府投資一千萬元在天水圍興建一個墟市，提供200個攤擋。天水圍居民抱怨天水圍區缺乏店鋪，令日用品價格上升。墟市由東華三院營運，並鼓勵社會企業營辦。

The mainland has agreed to delay a plan to relax travel restrictions for millions of Shenzhen residents for at least three weeks. This follows mounting concern in Hong Kong that local facilities would be overrun by tourists. The looser rules could bring millions more visitors to Hong Kong which we cannot handle. Hong Kong received 28.1 million mainland visitors last year, a 23.9 percent rise over the year before and almost 70 percent of total arrivals.
內地同意，未來三個星期暫緩放寬深圳居民來港旅遊的計畫。這個措施引來越來越多的憂慮，深恐本地設施被旅客佔用。放寬規則可能會增加多數百萬旅客，令香港不能承受。去年內地訪港旅客約2,810萬人次，較2010年上升23.9%，亦佔全年訪港旅客近七成。

New steps to cool the red-hot housing market were announced yesterday as Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying presented a package of 10 short and medium-term measures. The 1,000 units under My Home Purchase Plan will be sold to buyers. There will be the sale of 830 Home Ownership Scheme surplus flats. Hundreds of industrial buildings will be converted to residential units.
行政長官梁振英公布10項中長期措施冷卻熾熱的樓市，包括將「置安心」一千個單位，全數出售，並推售830個剩餘居屋。數百工廈將轉做住宅。

The police are placing two life-sized cut-out police officers on three major highways tomorrow in a bid to persuade motorists to lower their speed. The force are hoping that the new approach can reduce the number of traffic accidents. Drivers, however, questions the metal cops' worth.
警方明天開始在三主要快速公路放置與實物大小一樣的警察模型，提醒司機減慢車速，希望這新方法能減少交通意外。不過，司機普遍對鐵板交警的價值表示懷疑。

The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, has pledged to keep the number of mainland visitors to the city under control, as Shenzhen prepares to relax travel restrictions for millions of non-permanent residents from Saturday. Mr. Leung said the government would also ensure there were enough facilities to cater for the visitors, including restaurants and shops.
由星期六起深圳放寬數百萬非戶籍居民來港自由行，行政長官梁振英承諾會控制入境人數，當局亦會增加設施配合旅客，包括餐館及商店。

Hackers are suspected of attacking TVB's Miss Hong Kong beauty pageant server on Sunday, thwarting the broadcaster's attempt to have the audience choose the winner online for the first time. A panel of judges had to pick the winner as usual after the server crashed. Netizens condemned the judges' choice and others complained to the Communications Authority.
星期日無線電視香港小姐競選懷疑受到駭客入侵，導致伺服器癱瘓，令無線首創網上選港姐受挫，改以評判分數決定結果。有網民譴責評判的選擇，另有網民向通訊事務管理局投訴。

Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok said the government noticed a growing trend of hidden youth drug problems. He said young people fall prey to criminals easily when they frequent entertainment establishments. Mr. Lai called on parents to care more for their children. Meanwhile, the Government would step up its anti-drug publicity efforts to promote public awareness of the hidden nature of youth drug abuse.
保安局局長黎棟國表示，政府留意到青少年吸食毒品有隱蔽化的情況。青少年流連娛樂場所，容易成為不法分子的目標。黎棟國呼籲父母要多關心子女。同時，政府會繼續加強宣傳，提高公眾對吸毒問題隱蔽性的關注。

A spokesman for the anti-national education alliance, Andrew Shum, said the new head of the Examinations and Assessment Authority Mr Rock Chen was a key facilitator of the National Education curriculum. He said he was worried that the marking scheme for the Liberal Studies exam would be influenced. In response, the education bureau said exam papers are drafted by independent moderation committees, and the chairman would play no role.
民間反對國民教育科大聯盟發言人沈偉男表示，新任考評局主席陳仲尼是促成國民教育科的重要人物，擔心他日後會影響通識科的評分準則。教育局回應，公開考試的試題制訂工作由獨立的審題委員會負責，考評局主席不會參與。

Politics does not usually feature in the activities of athletes. But this was not the case for China's London Olympic gold medallists, when they arrived in Hong Kong for a three-day visit. They were peppered at a news conference with questions about the issue of national education. Two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan said he hoped to inspire more young people in Hong Kong to pursue their dreams with persistence.
政治通常不會在運動活動中佔重要地位，但對於抵港展開3日訪問之倫敦奧運金牌國家奧運健兒，情況絕非事實。在記者會上，運動員多次被問到香港推行國民教育的問題。兩屆奧運金牌運動員林丹表示，他來到香港，希望能激勵更多香港年輕人，堅持不懈地追求自己的夢想。

A restaurant owner described by a District Court judge as a black sheep of the trade and a cancer to society was jailed for three years for cheating his workers and lying to the liquidator. The accused was convicted of hiding his restaurant's assets from liquidators and deliberately not settling unpaid salaries before opening a new outlet, forcing his workers to seek money from the government's Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.
一名酒樓東主被區域法院法官形容為害群之馬，批評其行為有如癌細胞般，蠶食社會。他被裁定詐騙員工及清盤人罪成，判監3年。被告向清盤人隱瞞公司資產，拖欠員工薪金，後重開酒樓，令員工向政府破欠基金代為支付欠薪。

Seven activists who sailed to the Diaoyu Islands to assert China's claim to sovereignty there arrived at the public pier at Tsim Sha Tsui in their protest boat, the Kai Fung 2. They were given a rousing welcome by supporters and well-wishers. The owner of the boat disclosed that Kai Fung 2 had set off with enough food, water and fuel for a one-way voyage only.
七名保釣人士完成到釣魚台宣示主權的旅程，乘保釣船「啟豐二號」返抵尖沙嘴碼頭，獲支持者熱烈歡迎。保釣船船主透露，出發時只預備了單程的食物、水和燃料。

The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, has announced a multimillion-dollar plan to build elevators at footbridges and pedestrian subways at more than 200 locations across Hong Kong to help the elderly and those with disabilities. Chairman of Equal Opportunities Commission, W K Lam, said he was glad the government had recognised the importance of universal access and that it had moved away from the mindset of simply satisfying minimum requirements.
特首梁振英昨日宣布在全港二百多個地點的行人天橋及隧道，加裝升降機，以協助長者及殘疾人士，計畫首年會動用1億元。平機會主席林煥光說，很高興見到政府轉變思維方式，不再只做最低要求，而是認同人人「暢通易達」的重要性。

Two Correctional Services Department officers admitted swapping the urine samples of drug addicts to show they had been rehabilitated. The two officers failed to monitor 10 released addicts and pay monthly visits to their homes and workplaces. Both filled in false information in the reports of visits. One said officers have an unwritten rule - to boost the department's success rate.
兩名懲教署人員承認換釋囚的尿液樣本，顯示他們已康復。兩人未有每月到須受監管的十名釋囚居所或工作地點探訪，在探訪記錄上填寫虛假的資料。其中一人表示，同事有不成文規定 — 提升部門的成功率。

The Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools says it supports the implementation of moral and national education. But the body also says there are unresolved problems that need to be addressed. Michael Wong, an advisor to the committee, said schools and teachers should be given more flexibility to teach the subject.
中學校長會表示不反對推行德育及國民教育，但仍有間題需要解決。校長會顧問黃謂儒表示，應給與學校及教師更多彈性去教這科。

The government is studying ways to identify athletes with potential in secondary schools. The Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said it wants to help these elite students balance sports training with their studies. Mr. Tsang added that the government would continue increasing resources for promoting sports development and improving sports facilities in the territory.
政府正研究在中學發掘有潛質運動員的方法。民政事務局局長曾德成表示，當局會協助這類精英學生兼顧培訓和學業。曾德成補充說，政府會繼續?加資源，發展體育運動及改善體育設施。

Seven activists and journalists who were detained in Japan after sailing to the Diaoyu Islands, returned to Hong Kong. They were greeted on their arrival in Hong Kong with cheers, applause and bouquets from dozens of supporters at the airport. A member of the Action Committee for Defending the Diaoyu Islands said the activists' journey was a success because of the level of public support it had helped to raise.
七名登陸釣魚台被日本扣留的保釣人士及記者回到香港。返抵本港時，得到不少支持者送上花環迎接，歡呼聲響。保釣行動委員會一名成員表示，這次保釣行動是勝利，因為行動提升市民對保釣的支持。

A study found that of all those tested 42 percent of people were suffering from what is known as "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease". It also found that people with a bigger waist were at greater risk. The study organisers described the findings as surprising and alarming. Non-alcoholic fatty liver typically shows no symptoms.
一項研究發現，受檢查的參加者，四成二人患「非酒精性脂肪肝」，腰圍愈粗，出現非酒精性脂肪肝的風險愈高。研究負責人稱結果出人意外及令人擔心。「非酒精性脂肪肝」通常沒有病徵。

A number of Hong Kong people landed on the Diaoyu Islands to assert China's claim of sovereignty. As they were detained by the Japanese authority, the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, summoned the Japanese Consul General to urge the Japanese government to release the 14 people being held as soon as possible. He said the Diaoyus had been China's territory since ancient times and that local people had strong feelings on the islands.
一些香港居民登陸釣魚島宣示中國主權，被日本當局拘留，行政長官梁振英召見日本駐香港總領事，促請日本政府盡快釋放被拘留十四人。他表示，釣魚島自古以來就是中國領土，香港居民多年來對這些島嶼有強烈感情。

Conservationists have criticised Ocean Park's decision to stage an extra daily dolphin show this month. The theme park says that six shows are needed to accommodate the surge in summer visitors. But conservationists say the park is neglecting the dolphins' well-being. Ocean Park said they were checked daily to ensure they were physically able to perform.
保育專家斥海洋公園今月起每日加開一場海豚表演。海洋公園表示，為容納激增的夏季遊客，需要一日做足六場，但保育專家認為海洋公園忽視海豚的健康。海洋公園表示，每日檢查海豚，確保海豚身體健康，有能力表演。

A High Court judge has ordered the protesters camped beneath HSBC's Central headquarters to leave within two weeks, saying there was no legal reason why the Occupy Central movement should be allowed to stay without the bank's permission.  The protesters - mostly students and young people - pitched tents there last October following similar anti-capitalist protests around the world.
高等法院法官下令在中環�擢袬`行地下大堂紮營露宿之示威者兩星期內離開，認為「佔領中環」行動沒有法律理據支持他們未得銀行批淮而繼續佔用。示威者 – 大多數是學生和年青人- 於去年十月開始紮營，響應全球反資本主義示威。

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said the row over the introduction of national education in primary schools is the result of a misunderstanding. Leung insisted the introduction of national education is not an attempt to brainwash children. He said the curriculum comprises five main parts - individuality, family, society, country and world. The controversial part on China is only 5 percent of the whole national curriculum and that leaving it out of the curriculum will produce a "gap" in children's knowledge, Leung said.
特首梁振英表示，對小學引入國民教育科的爭議，很大原因是誤解。他堅持設立德育及國民教育科目的並不是要向學童「洗腦」。課程包括五個範疇:個人、家庭、社群、世界和國家，最受爭議的國情部分只佔課程二十分之一，若將有關中國部份抽起，會令學童的知識出現斷裂。

The Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng, encouraged students to model themselves on the visiting astronauts and scientists and strive to realise their own dreams. Commending the achievements of the astronauts and scientists, Mr Ng said, "With team spirit, a pragmatic work attitude, hard work, perseverance and devotion, they have scaled new heights in aerospace science and technology."
教育局局長吳克儉勉勵學生以訪港的航天人員和科學專家為榜樣，實現夢想。吳克儉在讚揚航天員和科學家的成就時說：「他們以團結協作的精神，以務實和艱苦奮鬥的工作態度，以奮發圖強和勇於奉獻的志氣，一步一步將國家的航天技術引上高峰。」

The People's Alliance for Minimum Wage wants the statutory minimum wage raised from HK$28 to HK$35 dollars an hour. A survey by the Alliance found that financial difficulties faced by small and medium-sized enterprises were mainly caused by high rents, not labour costs.
民間爭取最低工資聯盟要求，最低法定工資水平由時薪28元，調高至時薪35元。聯盟一項調查發現，中小企面對財政困難主要是租金，而不是勞工成本。

Mainland oil giant Sinopec says it will set aside HK$10 million for cleaning up tonnes of plastic pellets that spilled from a ship two weeks ago and contaminated local beaches and fish farms. But Sinopec repeatedly sidestepped questions on liability and compensation, saying that the polypropylene pellets were given over to China Shipping Container Lines at Hainan for transport.
內地巨型石油企業中石化表示，將撥款一千萬元清理兩星期前由一艘船上墮海數以噸計膠粒，污染本港各處海灘及漁場。但中石化多次規避責任及賠償問題，表示聚丙烯膠粒是交給中海集運承運。

Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man has advised parents not to feed their babies two Japanese brands of infant formula, which are deficient in iodine. Low intake of iodine in milk may slow the production of thyroid hormone and affect brain development. The Government will provide blood tests for babies up to eight months old at designated Maternal & Child Health Centres from August 10.
食物及衛生局局長高永文建議家長停用兩款碘含量不足的日本嬰兒奶粉，嬰兒的碘攝入量低會減低甲狀腺素的製造，可能影響腦部發育。政府八月十日開始，會在指定母嬰健康院為1至8個月的嬰兒驗血。

The Prince of Wales Hospital has set up an investigation panel to examine why gauzes were left inside four women after they had given birth. An intern was involved in three blunders while the fourth one was made by a resident doctor. The two doctors involved failed to follow established guidelines. The hospital has strengthened the guidelines, which now require the doctor to count the number of gauzes used with a nurse after the procedure.
沙田威爾斯親王醫院成立調查委員會調查為什麼紗布遺留在四名產婦體內，其中三宗錯誤涉及一名實習醫生，另一宗為一名駐院醫生所犯。兩名有關醫生未有遵循既定的指引。威院現已加強指引，要求醫生及護士在程序完成後齊齊點算已使用過的紗布數目。

Sport For All Day organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department attracted over 210 000 people to enjoy the free use of LCSD's leisure facilities for a healthy weekend. Adopting "Stay Active. Exercise For Half an Hour Daily" as the event slogan, Sport For All Day this year encouraged members of the public to nurture a habit of doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day.
由康樂及文化事務署主辦的「全民運動日，有超過二十一萬人次在週末享受免費使用多項康體設施。今年「全民運動日」的口號為「日日運動半個鐘，健康醒神人輕鬆」，鼓勵市民大眾養成每日做最少半小時體能活動的好習慣。

The Government said almost half of a 150-tonne cargo of plastic pellets which spilled into the sea during a typhoon last month has now been cleaned up from the territory's waters and beaches. Friends of the Earth said marine species will die after consuming the pellets, threatening a disaster for the marine environment. It was outraged over the government’s failure to take prompt action.
政府表示，上月颱風襲港期間有150 噸膠珠散落海面，至今已在本港水域及沙灘清理約一半墮海膠珠。地球之友表示，海洋生物會誤服膠粒而死，造成生態大災難，對政府未能採取迅速行動非常憤怒。

The Chief Executive CY Leung said the government was now focusing its attention on finding suitable land for the construction of Home Ownership Scheme flats. Mr. Leung said the scheme is an important part of the housing system and is most people's first step in buying a flat, so he will resume it as promised.
行政長官梁振英說，政府和數個部門現正努力尋找市區現有土地興建居屋。梁振英表示，居屋是房屋體系的重要部分，亦是大多數市民置業梯階第一步，因此會履行承諾復建居屋。

The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung extended his warmest congratulations to Lee Wai-sze for winning the first bronze medal in the Women's Keirin event of the London Olympic Games for Hong Kong. “We are all very proud of our cyclist Lee Wai-sze who has tried her utmost to strive for excellence in the Women's Keirin event. Her perseverance and tenacity has best exemplified the can-do spirit of Hong Kong. Hong Kong people are all graced by Lee Wai-sze's outstanding achievement,” Mr Leung said.
單車選手李慧詩在女子凱琳賽中為香港贏得首面銅牌，行政長官梁振英致以熱烈祝賀。行政長官說：「李慧詩在女子凱琳賽中奮力作戰，為香港創造佳績，我為她感到自豪。她的鬥志和拼勁是香港精神的最佳體現，每位香港市民都會為李慧詩的超卓表現引以為傲。」

A single mother who bit her five-year-old daughter as punishment for misbehaving has been put on 18 months' probation. The court heard that she bit her daughter on the limbs and back because she had been naughty. A psychological report revealed that the defendant was incapable of withstanding pressure and her emotions fluctuated. The magistrate said she should receive treatment for her condition.
一名單親媽媽，為教訓5歲頑皮女兒，咬傷女兒背部和四肢等，被判18個月感化令。心理報告顯示被告受壓程度低，情緒容易受波動。裁判官判表示，被告應接受治療。

Eight women badminton players, including two China's world champions Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, were disqualified by the Badminton World Federation yesterday for deliberately trying to lose at the Olympics and manipulate the draw. China's delegation said the behavior by Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli on court violated the Olympics ideal and the spirit of fair competition.
八名女羽毛球選手，包括兩名中國世界冠軍王曉理與于洋，於奧運賽事中故意落敗，操控抽簽走線，結果被國際羽毛球聯會取消資格。中國代表團表示，王曉理與于洋在場上的行為違反奧林匹克理念和公平競技的精神。

Hong Kong's population could reach 8.47 million in mid-2041, according to the latest Census & Statistics Department projections. The ageing trend is expected to continue. The proportion aged 65 and over is projected to rise from 13% in 2011 to 30% in 2041. The number of males per 1,000 females is projected to fall noticeably, from 876 to 712. Life expectancy for males at birth rose from 80.5 in 2011 to 84.4 years in 2041, and for females from 86.7 to 90.8 years.
政府統計處推算，香港的人口在2041年中將達到847萬。人口持續老化，65歲及以上人口的比例推算，將由2011年的13％升至2041年的30％；人口的性別比率，即男性數目相對每1,000名女性的比率，將由2011年的876，顯著跌至2041年的712。2011年男性出生時的平均預期壽命為80.5年，女性則為86.7年，至2041年男性出生時的平均預期壽命將升至84.4年，女性也升至90.8年。

The national education outcry has damaged public confidence in the new government, a survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong shows, with 47 percent of respondents holding negative views. The administration gained some goodwill through district visits by ministers and new welfare policies. The illegal structures issue does not pose much of a threat as 57 percent said their confidence had not changed.
中大調結果顯示，國民教育科爭議令公眾對新政府管治信心減弱，逾47％港人對國民教育科持負面看法。新班子頻頻落區，以及公布一系列民生措施，贏得聲譽。僭建事件並不構成多大威脅，57%受訪者表示信心無改變。

The environmental group, Friends of the Earth, has repeated its call for supermarkets not to dump food that is still edible. The group said it was estimated that at least 87 tonnes of foods was being dumped by the four supermarket chains every day, and about a third of that amount could be safely eaten. The group calls on supermarkets to undertake social responsibilities and donate the unsold food to people in need.
環保團體地球之友重複要求超級市場不 要傾倒可食用的食物。團體表示，估計本港4大連鎖超市每日棄置約87公噸食物，三分一可安全食用。地球之友呼籲超市履行社會責任捐出未售出的食物予有需要者。

The National Education Parents' Concern Group walked out of a meeting with the Education Secretary, Eddie Ng. Mr Ng had told them that he could not see any reason to withdraw the proposal. Some parents and teachers have expressed fears that the subject may amount to political indoctrination. A protest march is due to be held on Sunday.
國民教育家長關注組與教育局局長吳克儉會面不歡而散。吳克儉對家長說，看不到有特別理由，要撤回國民教育科。有家長及老師表示擔心國民教育科相當於政治教化科目，星期日預期舉行遊行。

A study by ASIAHEP Hong Kong has found that one in five people in Hong Kong are infected with hepatitis B. Over half of the carriers were aware of their condition. However, they did not undertake any further action or seek medical advice. Many patients believed incorrectly that it is not necessary to have regular check-ups and they therefore miss the opportunity to receive therapy to treat the disease.
香港亞洲肝炎會調查發現，每5個香港市民，約有1人患有乙型肝炎，一半帶菌者自知情況，但沒有跟進及尋求醫生意見。很多病人錯誤地認為毋須接受定期檢查，因此錯過控制病情及治療的良機。

For the first time, Hong Kong women are the world's longest-living. A Japanese government report says Hong Kong women are now expected to live for an average of 86.7 years. Hong Kong men also top the world list with an expectancy of 80.5 years. As Hong Kong people have a longer life, the government needs to be prepared to provide better health and medical services, welfare and more recreational activities to cater to the aging population.
日本政府報告指本港女性平均壽命達到八十六點七歲，首次成為全球最長壽女性地區，本港男性亦以八十點五歲平均壽命位列全球最長壽男性排名第一位。港人壽命愈來愈長，政府需要做好準備，提供健康及醫療服務、福利及娛樂活動滿足老化人口的需要。

The MTR Corporation admitted that some of its staff gave cash handouts to certain stranded passengers to take a taxi home after train services were suspended during severe typhoon Vicente. Some citizens criticised the action, saying staff should have urged passengers to stay in the station where they would be safe. Others said the MTRC needed specific guidelines so as not to give random handouts.
港鐵承認，強颱風韋森特襲港期間，列車服務暫停，個別車站職員為被滯留的乘客付款轉乘的士。有市民批評這做法，認為職員應該勸喻乘客繼續留在車站較為安全，亦有市民說，港鐵要有明確的指引，不應胡亂付款。

Writing in his blog, Education Secretary Eddie Ng said students would not have to take exams on National Education, and it would not therefore affect their future studies. He said the assessment is only part of the learning process to cultivate students' moral quality, and labelling students was not their aim. Chief Secretary Carrie Lam maintained that the introduction of national education would not lead to brainwashing.
教育局局長吳克儉在網頁撰文指出，國民教育科不屬考試科目，所以不影響學生升學。他表示，評估是學習一部分，培育學生品德，目的不是要為學生貼上標籤。他堅持，國民教育科不是洗腦教育。

Hong Kong Quality of Life Index fell last year, the second drop since 2009. Researchers attribute last year's drop to a sharp decline in the economic sub-index because housing affordability has fallen to its lowest level in the past decade. The government performance index also dropped to its second lowest. Improvement was recorded only in the environmental sub-index, indicating that water quality, noise pollution and the recycle rate of solid waste had improved.
香港去年整體生活質素指數下跌，僅次○九年的下跌。研究員把去年下跌歸因於經濟分類指數急挫，因為市民負擔物業能力為十年新低。政府表現指數亦下跌至第二新低。只有環境指數改善，顯示水質、噪音污染及固體廢物循環再造的情況有改善。

Employers are confused by the gradings in the first Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examinations. Some employers wrongly thought level 1 rather than 5** is the highest level of performance. Employers also doubt if the gradings could really reflect students' ability. In liberal studies, a new compulsory subject, 90.8 percent of students obtained Level 2 or above.
首屆文憑試評分標準令僱主困惑，有僱主誤以為1級是最高分，5**是最低分。僱主亦懷疑評分未能反映考生真正能力，在新必修科通識科，90.8%考生取得2級或以上。

A seven-year-old mainland boy ran off from his mother, got into a lift to the 31st-floor at a public-housing block and fell over railings before plunging to his death. A resident said King Lai House did not have ceiling-high railings in the common areas, and said this posed a safety risk. It has been the scene of several suicides and falls in recent years.
一名七歲內地男童走離母親，衝入一公屋電梯，直上三十一樓，越過欄杆墮樓身亡。有景麗樓居民表示，景麗樓大堂沒有到頂欄杆，造成安全風險。事發地點近年曾發生數宗自殺及墮樓意外。

Four boys and one girl scored top gradesn seven subjects in the first Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination. More than 26,000 candidates have met the minimum entrance requirements for local universities. They will vie for 15,000 government-funded university places. The rest will have to pay more for non-subsidized private courses, repeat Form Six or pursue further studies on the mainland or overseas.
四男一女在首屆中學文憑試取得7科最高成績，2萬6千多人考獲高等院校入學資格，他們競爭約一萬五千個資助大學學位，其餘的人要報讀自資課程、重讀中六或到內地或海外升學。

The total number of candidates who entered the first HKDSE Examination amounts to 73,074. This year 26,431 day school candidates have met the general entrance requirements for local four-year undergraduate university programmes. A total of 47,831 day school candidates obtained level 2 or above in five subjects, including Chinese Language and English Language.
首屆文憑試共有 73,074 名考生報考，今年有26,431 名日校考生的成績符合本地四年制學士學位課程的基本入學要求。有47,831 名日校考生於包括中國語文及英國語文等五個科目中考獲第2 級或以上成績。

The mortality rate among couch potatoes is just as high as that for smokers, a new study suggests. A report published in the Lancet medical journal claims about one-third of adults are not exercising enough, leading to 5.3 million deaths worldwide each year. The WHO recommends that adults exercise a minimum of 150 minutes a week.
英國《刺血針》醫學期刊發表研究指出，全球三分之一成人活動量不足，每年約530萬人死於「沙發馬鈴薯」的生活形態，致命程度已相當於吸煙。世界衛生組織建議成人每星期最少運動150分鐘。

Three local television stations have reached a consensus over broadcasting arrangements for the London Olympic Games. TVB and ATV have agreed to pay i-Cable an undisclosed amount to buy 200 hours of Olympic events, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Hongkongers will be able to see at least 200 hours of Olympic broadcasts on free-to-air TV.
三間電視台就轉播倫敦奧運達成共識，無線及亞視願意付出一筆不公開的款項，向有線購買二百小時奧運賽事，包括開幕和閉幕禮，香港市民最少可收看二百小時免 費奧運賽事。

The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, announced the plan to raise the Old Age Allowance or "fruit money," to HK$2,200 a month. The value of medical vouchers they receive will also be doubled from HK$500 to HK$1,000 a year. Meanwhile, the government will fund the construction of youth hostels for the younger generation, and allow aspiring homeowners to buy second hand Home Ownership Scheme Flats without paying a government premium.
特首梁振英宣布將生果金加碼增至二千二百元及雙倍長者醫療券至1000元。同時，政府提供基金興建青年宿舍，有意置業人士可免補地價購買二手居屋。

About one in three diners are able to finish their meals when eating out, according to a survey by an environmental group Greeners Action. In a similar survey in 2006, 13 percent of those polled said they could finish meals. The spokesman said the survey was encouraging as it reflected the rise in public knowledge toward food-waste reduction. He said the government should focus on reducing waste at source and consider building more organic waste-treatment centres.
根據環保團體綠領行動調查，逾三成市民能夠吃清外出用膳所有食物，2006年同樣調查，只有13％受訪者能吃清所有食物。綠領行動發言人表示，調查結果令人鼓舞，反映市民減少廚餘的知識提高。他又表示，政府應該集中於源頭減少廚餘和考慮加建有機廢物處理中心。

Education Secretary Eddie Ng has reiterated that national education will be introduced in primary classes in Hong Kong from September. Mr Ng said the government will then assess how the teaching of the subject is progressing before carrying out any review. But students from a social concern group, Scholarism, said the subject should be withdrawn as it is aimed at brainwashing.
教育局局長吳克儉重申國民教育課程會在9月初如期在小學推行，之後評計教學進度再檢討。但學生關注組「學民思潮」要求當局撤回國民教育科，因為該科以洗腦為目的。

The Clean Air Network studied government data on pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and suspended particulates and found that air pollution levels at nearly all of Hong Kong's monitoring stations exceeded recommended World Health Organisation limits in the first half of the year. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, to which vehicle emissions are a significant contributor, proves that the city's roadside pollution to be the main culprit. The group urges the government to tighten up the air quality objectives.
「健康空氣行動」分析今年首六個月全港各空氣監測站之污染物如二氧化氮及懸浮粒子數據，發現大部份監測站錄得的污染水平超過世?標準。二氧化氮是由車輛排放的廢氣，它的濃度證明路邊空氣污染是元凶。該組識促請政府收緊空氣污染指標。

The Development Secretary, Mak Chai-kwong has been arrested by the ICAC for allegedly violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. The offence relates to claims for government rent allowances more than 25 years ago. At the same time, Mr Mak has resigned as a minister. He had earlier said that he and a current assistant director of highways Tsang King-man had cross-leased flats to each other in the 1980s, while claiming government rent allowances.
發展局局長麥齊光涉嫌違反《防止賄賂條例》被捕，他所犯的罪涉及二十五年前政府的租屋津貼。同一時間，麥齊光辭任局長一職。他早前表示與現任路政署助理署長曾景文在80年代申領政府的租屋津貼時互相租住對方單位。

Lam Woon-kwong will remain as convener of the Executive Council and chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission. But he will not continue as head of the Equal Opportunities Commission when his current term expires in January. Mr. Lam said there was only a very slim chance of a conflict of interest arising, and if it did mechanisms existed to deal with such an occurrence. Mr Lam said it would irresponsible to quit either job hastily.
林煥光將會繼續兼任平機會主席及行政會議召集人的職務，但到明年一月與平機會約滿後將不會續約。他表示，相信出現角色衝突的機會很微，即使出現這個情況，仍然有機制處理。林煥光表示，貿然辭去何任一職，是不負責任的做法。

An unemployed man was ordered to perform 210 hours of community service and fined HK$3,000 for cruelty to animals. He received HK$40,000 a month from a wealthy old woman. The money was meant for the maintenance of 80 stray cats in two cubicles in a subdivided flat in Wan Chai. The units, about 350 square feet combined, were found in a disgusting condition. Most of the cats were kept in cages and displayed abnormal behaviour.
一名無業男子被裁定虐畜罪成，被判二百一十小時社會服務令及罰款三千元。他獲一名富裕的老婦每月資助四萬元，在灣仔兩間面積共約三百五十呎板間房飼養八十隻流浪貓。房內環境惡劣，大部分貓隻被困籠中，行為異常。

A survey of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong found that, of the 240 single Hongkongers interviewed, 57 percent said they would choose expatriates as lifelong partners. "Hongkongers are more receptive to foreign culture," the organizer of the survey said. "This is well exemplified by the fact that, increasingly, local female artists prefer marrying foreigners over locals."
民建聯調查發現，受訪二百四十名單身男女，有57%表示會選擇外籍為終身伴侶。調查組織者表示 ﹕「港人樂於接受西方文化，越來越多本地女藝人喜歡嫁外國人甚於本地人是好的例證。

The Food Donation Alliance singled out ParknShop for refusing to donate unsold fresh food. The environmental group revealed in May that four supermarket chains dumped about 29 tonnes of unsold edible food every day. Around 550,000 people a year visit food banks run mostly by NGOs. A ParknShop spokeswoman said they do not intend to donate unsafe food to any organization, adding that food safety is one of its primary concerns.
《食物回收捐助聯盟》指百佳超級市場拒絕捐贈賣剩食物。該環保組織在五月揭露四大連鎖超級市場每曰丟棄29噸可食用的食物。每年約有55萬人求助由私人團體運作的食物銀行。百佳超級市場發言人表示，他們不打算捐出不安全的食物，食物安全是其中一個主要關注的事。

Chief Secretary Carrie Lam says the government will set up four task forces to study how to implement policies proposed by the Chief Executive C Y Leung. The groups, to be led by Mrs Lam, will focus on constitutional development, land use, social welfare and environmental issues. She said they would provide a platform for bureau directors to interact and discuss matters.
政務司司長林鄭月娥表示，政府將成立四個政策小組，由政務司司長林鄭月娥主持，將行政長官梁振英的政策綱領具體化。四個政策小組分別處理政制發展、土地發展、社會福利和環境問題，小組提供平臺加強各個決策局局長互動及?討問題。

The Customs & Excise Department reminded parents of the hazards posed by some stuffed toys. Customs officers found the zipper pullers of two toys were detachable in tension tests, posing a choking hazard if accidentally swallowed by young children. The thickness of the elastic plastic packaging of two other models were found to be less than the required 0.038mm, posing a suffocation danger.
香港海關提醒家長小心留意一些有潛在危險的毛公仔。海關發現兩款的拉鍊扣會脫落，幼兒若不小心吞下，會構成窒息危險。另外兩款毛公仔包裝膠袋厚度少於安全標準規定的0.038毫米，容易引致窒息。

Playing games on smartphones or tablets can lead to serious eye damage, an eye specialist has warned. He said symptoms include blurred vision, retina damage or bleeding, along with neck pain and memory lapses. In the worst-case scenario, a person could go blind. Radiation from smartphones and tablets can also lead to fatigue and hair loss and affect reproductive systems.
用智能手機及平板電腦玩遊戲可造成眼睛嚴重損害，一名眼科專家警告。他表示，病徵包括視力模糊、視網膜損傷或出血，還有頸痛和記憶力下降，可能出現的最壞情況是失明。智能手機及平板電腦玩釋放的輻射可造成疲勞、脫髮及影響生殖器官。

European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) claimed the discovery of a new subatomic particle yesterday, calling it the Higgs boson – also known as the God Particle. The God Particle is seen as the key to understanding the universe. It is thought to give particles their mass and bind the universe together.
歐洲核子研究組織昨日聲稱發現一種新的次原子粒子，稱為希格斯玻色子（又稱「上帝粒子」）。希格斯玻色子被認為是了解宇宙之關鍵，它給與粒子質量及將宇宙結合起來。

A judge strongly criticized a 32-year-old mother whose three-month-old boy died of starvation. The judge said the boy in the photo looked even more dreadful than children in the third world. The mother pleaded guilty to one count of ill-treatment of a child. The unemployed mother had five children and survived on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance of HK$6,300 a month.
法官強烈批評一名三十二歲的母親，她的三個月大男嬰被餓死。法官形容照片中的男嬰比第三世界兒童還恐怖。失業的母親昨承認一項虐兒罪名，她育有五名子女，每月領取六千三百元綜援維生。

The Chief Executive, C Y Leung, said he would "seriously and humbly" listen to Hong Kong people's demands and would work with the people to fulfil their demands. Chaos erupted as C.Y. Leung attended a district forum in Tuen Mun. Leung was cornered and trapped in a community centre for 45 minutes by a group of young people accusing him of putting on a show.
行政長官梁振英表示，他會認真、虛心聆聽市民的訴求，共同實現市民的訴求。梁振英出席屯門區論壇時，爆發混亂，一群年青人指責他「做戲」，他被困社區會堂四十五分鐘。

President Hu Jintao urged the fourth-term Government to administer Hong Kong under the law in a sincere and united manner, to serve the community tirelessly and rule with vision. He hoped the new Government could enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and build a better society.
國家主席胡錦濤促請香港特區第四屆政府--- 依法治港、精誠團結、勤政為民、登高望遠。他期望新政府使香港的競爭力不斷提高，把香港建設得更加美好。

At a welcome dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, President Hu Jintao said Hong Kong faces both favourable development opportunities and many daunting challenges. Its continued success in increasingly fierce international and regional competition requires its people to sustain the spirit of striving hard relentlessly, of unity, and of innovating.
國家主席胡錦濤在香港特區政府歡迎晚宴上表示，香港既面臨有利的發展機遇，也面對許多嚴峻挑戰，要在日趨激烈的國際和地區競爭中，永遠立於不敗之地，香港要進一步弘揚拼搏精神、團結精神和創新精神。

Sheer determination paid off for two visually impaired students who achieved outstanding results in this year's A-levels. Cynthia Zhang Ying-chan received As in geography and history. Her classmate Wong Ka-ho also scored an A in history. Wong took his exams in Braille and could input his answers via a computer, while Zhang used a magnifying glass. The pair conquered their fears and disabilities to reach their goals.
兩名視力受損的學生全憑毅力，在本屆高考勇奪佳績。張穎嬋世界歷史及地理考獲A，同校的黃嘉濠在歷史科奪A。黃用凸字考試，而張用放大鏡。兩人戰勝恐懼和殘障，達到目標。

Chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying yesterday unveiled his new cabinet. Fourteen of the 20 principal officials are serving members of the old administration. Leung said the new team members are experienced and capable talents in their respective fields and are committed to serving Hong Kong. Leung said his government team shares the same vision with him – seeking changes while preserving stability.
候任行政長官梁振英公佈新班子，二十個主要官員中，十四個由舊政府過渡。梁振英表示，新班子經驗豐富，在各自的範疇中有出色的表現，忠誠服務香港，他 與新班子理念一致，穩中求變。

According to a survey of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, more than 45 percent of respondents said their children, aged between two and seven, are fussy eaters. About 30% of fussy eaters shun meat because they find it hard to eat. Doctors warned that not eating sufficient meat may result in a lack of concentration, weak immune system and fatigue.
中大一項調查顯示，四成半受訪者指其二歲至七歲子女偏食，三成偏食兒童拒吃肉類，因為肉類難於咀嚼。醫生警告，拒吃肉類會導致專注力不足、免疫系統虛弱及容易疲倦。

A growing uncertainty about marriage and childbearing among young adults cast a shadow over the Hong Kong population which is already challenged by aging and low fertility, according to the Family Planning Association’s latest study. About half of the respondents were undecided about getting married. When asked whether they would have children in the future, about one-third were undecided.
香港家庭計劃指導會最新研究顯示，越來越多青年對婚姻及生育的取態不明確，香港所面對低生育率及人口老化的問題將更趨嚴重。大概一半受訪者表示將不確定會否結婚。被問到將來會否生育，約三分一受訪者回答未決定。

The chief executive-elect, C Y Leung, has once again apologised for letting down the people of Hong Kong, following the controversy over illegal structures at his home. Mr Leung said he was disappointed with himself, conceding he had been seriously negligent. He added that he would work to prove himself to be a suitable and trustworthy chief executive.
候任特首梁振英再次就寓所的僭建事件向公眾道歉，他說事件令市民感到失望，他承認自己有嚴重疏忽。他又說，自己會努力改善，證明他是有誠信的特首。

A survey of 2,800 pupils and 800 teachers found most thought Liberal Studies was too much to handle. More than 80 per cent of the pupils said the subject involved excessive material, and 40 per cent of pupils said the subject was hard to understand and a waste of time. The Professional Teachers' Union and Lingnan University urged the government to narrow the Liberal Studies curriculum.
一項調查訪問800名教師和2800名學生，發現大部份認為通識科難於應付，八成學生認為新高中通識科內容偏多，四成表示難理解及浪費時間。教協及嶺南大學促請政府精簡通識科課程範圍。

According to a WWF-Hong Kong survey, local companies are still lukewarm to the idea of promoting a green economy, with only 25 percent of them investigating and securing resources to run green operations. WWF-Hong Kong urges the Hong Kong government to scale up its domestic green expenditure to at least one percent of GDP and promote green employment.
世界自然基金會香港分會調查結果顯示，本地企業對發展綠色產業意念冷淡，只有25%的公司會仔細研究及撥出資源支持綠色營運模式。世界自然基金會促請政府將環保開支至少提高至佔本地生產總值1%。

A survey of the Hong Kong Specialist Medical Association has found that most patients with type 2 diabetes do not know how to effectively control the disease. One third of them never self-monitor their blood glucose levels. Only 9 per cent of respondents know that 7 per cent is the ideal blood glucose level. A group of doctors, the Target7 alliance, is launching a campaign to educate the public on the target level for blood glucose.
香港專科醫生學會調查發現，大部分二型糖尿病人不知怎樣有效控制糖尿病，三分一受訪者從沒有自我監控血糖水平，只有不足一成人知道理想的血糖水平為7％。Target7關注血糖水平聯盟正發起一個運動，教育市民血糖水平目標。

A professor tipped to become the next housing chief says local property prices are so high in popular urban areas that he cannot afford to live there. Anthony Cheung -- the outgoing president of the Institute of Education -- will lose his staff quarters in Tai Po after he steps down at the end of the month. But he says he'll stay in the district because it's more affordable. Professor Cheung said the government should consider assisting homebuyers if property prices remain at a high level.
盛傳將出任下屆政府的房屋規劃及地政局局長的張炳良教授表示，市區樓價高企 ，自覺負擔不起市區樓宇，卸任教育學院校長後將搬離職員宿舍，會繼續在大埔區居住。他表示，若樓價持續高企，政府應該考慮協助市民置業。

A study by the Family Planning Association has found that junior secondary school students have insufficient knowledge about sex. They found that form one and two students got low scores when questioned about conception, sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. The association said parents should take the initiative to educate their children about sex.
香港家庭計畫指導會研究發現，初中學生性知識不足，當問及有關成孕、性病及避孕的問題，中一至中二學生的得分低。家計會表示，家長應採取主動，教導子女性知識。

The gap between the rich and poor in Hong Kong has widened steadily since the handover 15 years ago. Hong Kong’s Gini coefficient has reached 0.537, which is the highest in the developed world. Officials say that income disparity is likely to worsen in coming years as the aging population removes more people from the workforce.
本港的貧富差距自回歸十五年以來續漸擴闊，堅尼系數達到0.537，冠絕發達地區。政府官員表示，由於人口老化，更多人離開勞動隊伍，未來數年收入差距仍很有可能惡化。

A survey of the DAB has found that more than four out of ten people have found it difficult getting through to government's general out-patient clinics to make an appointment and about 15 percent said it took them more than a week to make a booking by telephone. The DAB has called on the government to set up more outpatient clinics and to extend their hours.
民建聯調查發現，四成多市民認為，公立醫院普通科門診預約過程困難，另有近一成半人認為，電話預約服務要用一星期多的時間。民建聯建議政府增設門診地點及延長服務時間。

The Chief Executive-elect, Mr C Y Leung, congratulated the country on the successful launch of Shenzhou-9 manned spacecraft. "The launch is of symbolic significance as it is Shenzhou spacecraft's fourth manned space mission and for the first time a Chinese woman astronaut has participated in the flight mission," Mr Leung said.
候任行政長官梁振英熱烈祝賀國家成功發射神舟九號飛船。他說：「今次是神舟飛船第四次載人飛行，並首次有中國女宇航員參與飛行任務，具標誌性意義。」

The number of job-related scams reported to the Consumer Council more than doubled last year. Most of the victims were students or new school leavers who were misled, or came under intense pressure to spend tens of thousands of dollars or even take out loans for training and products, with a promise that they would get a job afterwards.
消費者委員會去年接獲求職者投訴的數目比前年增加逾一倍，這類投訴個案的受害人，多為學生或初出茅廬的畢業生，在應徵過程中，被無良商人誤導或施以高壓手段，導致付出大量金錢甚至借錢去購買訓練課程或產品，務求得到工作。

Looking back at his last seven years as chief executive, Donald Tsang admitted that there had been some failings, involving the accountability system, housing and the wealth gap. Tsang said he has learned his lesson and how to better meet job expectations. Tsang said every day of the past three months has been miserable.
行政長官曾蔭權回顧七年的特首生涯，承認自己在問責制、房屋政策及解決貧富差距的問題上有缺失。曾蔭權表示，他從過失中學習，及怎樣更能符合工作期望。曾蔭權又說，近三個月每日都很淒涼。

The government will proceed with its plan to demolish the West Wing of the government's old headquarters in Central to make way for a new office block, even though an expert panel has concluded that the entire compound is of high conservation value. Three international heritage concern groups say the West Wing is arguably the most sophisticated component and is an indispensable part of the city's Government Hill.
政府按原定計畫進行拆卸政府總部西座以重建為商廈，儘管專家小組斷定西座有甚高的保育價值。三個國際保育組織表示，西座是三幢建築物中最精細的，是政府山不可或缺的一部分。

The former Chief Executive of the Monetary Authority, Joseph Yam, - who for three decades staunchly defended the peg as the best safeguard for Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability - has called for a review of the US-dollar peg to curb inflation and asset bubbles. He said the local currency could be linked to a basket of currencies.
近30年來一直堅定地捍衛聯繫匯率制度以保障香港長久繁榮安定的金管局前總裁任志剛，建議本港檢討聯匯制度，以控制通脹及資產泡沫。他表示，港元可改與一籃子貨幣掛?。

Queen Elizabeth Hospital yesterday admitted a medical blunder in which a pregnant woman was given a transfusion with two bags of blood that came from a malfunctioning refrigerator. A short circuit in the refrigerator's compressor is suspected to be the cause of the malfunction. The patient is now in a stable condition in hospital. The hospital has reminded staff to be on alert and pay special attention to alarm systems of all critical equipment to prevent a recurrence.
伊利沙伯醫院承認一宗醫療錯誤，一名產婦被輸兩包來自有故障雪櫃的血液。故障疑因電力「跳掣」引起。伊利沙伯醫院提醒職員對重要儀器警報的警覺性，避免同類事件再次發生。

The Caritas Family Crisis and Support Centre has found that the calls it received from professionals rose fourfold over five years. It is worrying that the problem of debts caused by addiction to shopping has become more severe among the educated with solid jobs. Social workers blame the problem on the widespread use of credit cards and an empty life caused by long working hours.
明愛向晴軒發現，過去5年因欠債而求助的專業人士增加四倍。有穩定工作的高學歷人士購物成癖而欠債，問題變得嚴重，令人擔心。社工把問題歸咎於信用卡使用普遍及因工時長引致生活空虛。

Executive councillor, Leong Che-hung, said the legislature today is different from that of 20 years ago. He said back then legislators may have had different political ideologies, but they shared the same goal; to press the government to work for the common good. But Doctor Leong said lawmakers today only focus on attacking each other.
行政會議成員梁智鴻表示，今天的立法會有別於廿多年前的立法局，當年議員即使有不同政治思想，都有共同目標，希望推動政府做共同利益的事，不過今天立法會議員卻 只顧互相攻擊。

Good progress had been made in electric vehicle development. The Government has been liaising with the franchised bus companies to implement the scheme of electric vehicles in the public transport sector. Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau said: "The introduction of electric vehicles in the public transport sector will help improve roadside air quality, making our environment cleaner and greener."
本港推動使用電動車的良好進展。政府已積極與專營巴士公司商討落實推廣使用電動車在公共運輸。環境局局長邱騰華說：「在公共運輸方面引入電動車能改善路邊空氣質素，令環境更清潔和環保。」

Over half of Hongkongers living on welfare payments cannot afford some basic necessities of life, according to a study by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Deprivation is more common among the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients who have children. The council urged the government to improve welfare services and review the CSSA rates.
社聯調查發現，逾五成領取綜援的受訪者買不起基本的生活必需品。有孩子的綜援人士匱乏更普通。社聯促請政府改善社會福利服務及檢視綜援標準金額。

A Legislative Council inquiry has blamed lax regulation, banking malpractice and government inaction for the great losses suffered by Hong Kong investors in Lehman Brothers minibonds. The report singled out former Monetary Authority Chief Executive Joseph Yam for particular blame. It said he should shoulder the 'ultimate responsibility' for failing to take action over the selling of complex products to uninformed investors.
立法會調查雷曼迷債事件委員會，指寬鬆規章、銀行銷售手法不當及政府無行動令香港投資者遭受重大損失。報告特別譴責金管局前總裁任志剛，指他未有採取行動阻止銀行向無知的投資者銷售結構性產品，要負上最終責任。

Hongkongers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Venus cross the sun today. The next transit of Venus is 105 years away. Venus will appear as a tiny black disc moving across the surface of the sun and will be visible from Hong Kong from several observation sites. The public are reminded that looking directly at the sun can cause permanent eye damage.
百年難得一見的金星在太陽表面掠過現象，今日香港人可見到，下次「金星凌日」在一百零五年後。今早六時至中午十二時，市民將會在香港數個觀察點看見金星有如是一個小黑點慢慢橫過太陽的表面。市民切勿以肉眼觀看太陽，這會造成眼部永久損傷。

The Financial Secretary, John Tsang, says that an increase in speculation and foreign money has led to the recent sharp rise in property prices. He warned of significant downside risks to Hong Kong's economy, because of the spreading European debt crisis. He also repeated the caution that the government stands ready to further tighten mortgage lending if necessary.
財政司司長曾俊華昨日表示，投機增加及外來資金氾濫，致使本港樓市最近急升。他警告，香港經濟有急轉直下的風險，因為歐債危機擴散。他重複警告政府時刻準備再收緊按揭。

A group of school heads has threatened to boycott the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence next week unless Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen turns down an invitation to be guest of honor. Education Convergence said Tsang lacks moral authority to officiate at the award ceremony. The group is deeply disappointed with Tsang for accepting tycoons' treats and staying in presidential suites during duty visits.
一群校長揚言拒絕參加在下星期舉行的「特區行政長官卓越教學獎頒獎典禮」，除非特首曾蔭權避席典禮不做嘉賓。香港教育評議會表示，曾蔭權缺乏道德威信去主持儀式。評議會對曾蔭權多次接受富豪款待及外訪入住總統套房等深表失望。

A two-year-old boy infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus is now in serious condition in hospital. Preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had visited a wet market with live poultry in Guangzhou in mid-May. The Health Secretary, York Chow, has described the case as an isolated incident, and urged the public not to panic.
香港兩歲男童確診H5N1禽流感入院，現在情況嚴重。初步調查顯示，男童於五月中曾到過廣州的一個活家禽市場。食物及?生局局長周一嶽形容個案是個別事件，市民毋須過份恐慌。

Hong Kong has been ranked the world's most competitive economy for the second consecutive year. Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah said openness to trade, rule of law, a business-friendly environment, sound fiscal policy, mature institutional framework, well-functioning financial market, and global city image are key factors underpinning Hong Kong's success.
香港連續第二年，被評為最具競爭力的經濟體。財政司曾俊華表示，貿易自由開放、法治、營商環境便捷、財政政策穩健、體制架構成熟、金融市場運作良好、以及世界城市的形象，都是香港成功的關鍵因素。

An independent review committee says it's totally inappropriate for the Chief Executive to be above anti-corruption laws, and it should be made a criminal offence if the Chief Executive receives favours without approval. It said it was a "fundamental defect" that the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance didn't apply to him. On the other hand, Director of Audit's report revealed that Donald Tsang stayed mostly in priciest hotel rooms without good reasons while travelling overseas.
一個獨立檢討委員會表示，反貪污法例，不適用於行政長官，是不恰當，建議行政長官未得到許可而得到任何利益，列為刑事罪行。委員會表示，防止賄賂條例 不適用於行政長官是基本缺陷。另一方面，審計署報告披露曾蔭權任內外訪，入住酒店最貴的套房，而且大多未能提供要住特級套房的理據。

The problem of an ageing population has sped up, with less Hongkongers being expected to participate in the labour force, according to the latest government population-policy report. It warned that a shrinking labour force, caused by an ageing population, could hinder the city's development. The aging population is mainly due to a persistently low fertility rate of local women and longer life expectancy.
根據政府最新人口政策報告，本港人口老化問題加快，預期缺乏港人補充勞動力。報告警告，因人口老化造成勞動人口萎縮，會妨礙香港的發展。人口老化主要是由於本港婦女生育率持續偏低及平均壽命延長。

A study of more than 1,300 employers and workers shows that about a third of workers are not very happy, especially professionals. Results also showed that those with a secondary school education or below were the happiest at work. The study also found that employers' lack of awareness about corporate governance contributed to staff unhappiness.
一項調查逾1300名僱主和僱員，發現約三分一打工仔不快樂，尤其是專業人士。調查結果顯示，中學程度或以下的員工最快樂。調查亦發現，僱主缺乏認識企業管治造成員工不快樂。

A study has found that 83 percent of Hong Kong university students are keen to work in the mainland. About 81 percent of students believe that the mainland will have better economic prospects in the next five years, while around 47 are concerned about Hong Kong's economic prospects. About half of the respondents want to work in finance and insurance, followed by the service sector and government agencies.
一項調查發現，八成三受訪大學生熱衷於回內地工作，八成一認為未來五年內地的經濟前景較佳，而四成七則憂慮香港經濟前景。約半數受訪者想入金融及保險業，其次是商用服務業及政府部門。

Green group Friends of the Earth found that Hong Kong's supermarket chains are throwing out 87 tonnes of food every day, about one third of it is edible. The discarded food was enough to feed 48,000 three-person families. The group urged the government to bring in waste disposal fees and a landfill ban on food waste. It also urged supermarkets to donate edible items to food banks and turn expired food into compost or animal fodder.
環保團體地球之友發現，本港連鎖超級市場，每日棄置87公噸食物，三分一尚可食用。被丟棄的食物足以養活四萬八千個三人家庭。地球之友呼籲政府實行垃圾按量收費和禁止將廚餘送往堆填區。地球之友亦促請超市捐贈仍可食用的食物予食物銀行，過期的則用作堆肥或動物飼料。

A DAB party's survey suggests that most apartment block owners' corporations who hire security guards want the statutory minimum wage to remain unchanged at 28 dollars an hour. Some said they had employed fewer guards because they were struggling to afford pay increases. They said they hoped there would be a grace period of up to nine months, even if the government decided to raise the wage level.
民建聯調查顯示，大部分有聘用管理員的大廈業主立案法團希望最低工資維持現有每小時28元水平。部份立案法團勉力支付上升的薪酬而聘用較少的管理員。即使政府決定增加薪酬，他們希望設有多至九個月的緩衝期。

The chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings, Li Ka-shing, believes local property prices will remain stable. He warns that building costs are bound to increase, given the shortage of construction workers and the large number of infrastructure projects that are underway. He said the current property market is healthier than it was in 1997.
長實主席李嘉誠相信未來樓市應該安定。他警告，由於建築工人短缺及大量基建計劃在進行中，建築成本一定會上升。他表示，現時樓市比97年更健康。

Most workers believe standard working hours should be legislated at 45 hours a week, a survey by City University shows. They gave the proposal an average score of 3.6 on a five-point scale. Respondents agree that standard working hours will help improve their quality of life. When asked if legislation will impair the competitiveness of Hong Kong, their score was 2.75.
城市大學調查顯示，大部分在職人士認為標準工時立法，每周工作時數應該為45小時。以5分為滿分，贊成立法滿意度平均有3.6分，受訪者同意標準工時會改善生活素質。當問到立法會否削弱香港的競爭力，受訪者認為是的有2.75分。

The Community Care Fund has approved a HK$90-million subsidy scheme to help N-nothing people living in poor conditions. These include those who are living in bed spaces, cubicles, temporary housing, or those who are homeless. Those eligible for assistance will receive lump-sums ranging from HK$3,000 to HK$8,000. The plan is expected to benefit 30,000 poor people.
關愛基金通過津貼計劃，向居住環境惡劣的N無人士，發放9千萬元。這些人士包括居住在床位、板間房、臨時房屋和露宿者等。合資格人 士可獲一次付款3千元至8千元，預計3萬名貧窮人士受惠。

A survey has found that nearly 3 per cent of the respondents admitted dependence on painkillers and many users may not be aware of the risks of taking such drugs. Overusing painkillers could cause liver trouble and the habit might be linked to mental problems. The survey also found 15 per cent of the respondents displayed emotional disorders, but only about one in four sought professional help.
一項調查發現，近3％受訪者依賴止痛藥，許多服藥者不知道服止痛藥的風險，過量服用止痛藥傷及肝臟，服藥習慣可能與精神病有關連。調查亦發現15％受訪者有明顯情緒病，但只有四分一人尋求專業幫助。

The Housing Department plans to impose a 10 percent rise in rents for 700,000 public housing tenants from September. A rent review takes into account an index which reflects changes in household income for tenants. Following the implementation of the minimum wage, the income index has increased by 16.2 percent. The Housing Department therefore recommended a maximum increase of 10 percent in rent.
房屋署建議全港七十萬公屋租戶，九月加租一成。公屋租金檢討是按公屋租戶家庭入息指數調整。在實施最低工資以後，家庭入息指數上升一成六，房屋署因而建議加租最高一成。

About 7 in 10 Accident and Emergency doctors and nurses may leave next year, according to a survey. Nearly 90 percent of respondents said the workload is overwhelming. They said morale is extremely low due to work-related stress and unhealthy working conditions. The Hospital Authority plans to deploy more manpower and resources at the emergency wards, including the recruitment of 40 new medical graduates.
據一項調查顯示，約有七成急症室的醫生及護士未來一年會離開現職，九成受訪者表示工作量過大，由於工作相關壓力及作環境不健康令士氣低落。醫院管理局計劃調動更多的人力資源往急症室，包括招聘四十位新畢業醫生。

A High Court judge refused Leung Kwok-hung’s application for a judicial review of a ruling by the Legislative Council's President, Tsang Yok-sing, to end a 30-hour debate on the by-election bill. The filibuster was an attempt by opponents to block the passage of the bill that would prevent lawmakers who resign midterm from standing in a by-election within six months.
高等法院不受理梁國雄就立法會主席曾鈺成終止30小時辯論補選草案提出的司法覆核申請。「拉布戰」是反對者試圖阻截遞補草案通過，草案是防止中途辭職的立法會議員於半年內參選。

A healthy and happy workplace can boost staff morale, enhance their sense of belonging and job satisfaction, raise productivity and establish a positive corporate image. This was the message from Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Thomas Tsang, speaking at the Health@work.hk Pilot Project Recognition Ceremony.
衛生防護中心總監曾浩輝出席「先健康在職先導計劃」嘉許典禮時表示，一個健康和愉快的工作間，不但可提高員工士氣、增加歸屬感和工作滿足感，亦可提升生產效率、有助建立良好的企業形象。

Research by a non-profit organisation called Community Business has found that more than half of the employees it surveyed say they accept homosexual people as colleagues. However, almost 80 percent of those in the group say they still face work discrimination, and 60 percent were not open with their colleagues about their sexual orientation. Equal Opportunities Commission chairman Lam Woon-kwong has called on the government to legislate for homosexuals' rights.
非牟利組織社商賢匯研究發現，逾半數受訪在職人士表示，他們接納同性戀人士為同事，但有近八成同志表示，他們受到工作歧視，六成人沒有向同事公開性取向。平機會主席林煥光要求政府立法保障同性戀人士權利。

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Denise Yue, told legislators that her bureau allowed the hiring of mainlander Chen Ran as a project officer in C Y Leung's transition team because the post was short term and required knowledge of Mr. Leung's manifesto. However, some legislators criticised the hiring, saying that it would open the door to hiring mainland people for low-level positions. Ms Chen's appointment has also come under fire because she is a former member of the Communist Youth League.
公務員事務局局長俞宗怡告訴立法會議員，她的局批淮聘請內地人陳冉擔任候任特首辦梁振英的項目主任，因為有關職位屬短期聘任，有關人士亦需熟悉梁振英的政綱。然而，有立法會議員批評聘用，表示這會給內地人在港任低層職位的機會。聘任陳冉遭受抨擊，因為她曾為共青團的成員。

After the government announced an 8.1 per cent rise for ministers, the pay trend survey suggests that civil servants stand to receive pay increases of between 4.6 and 5.8 percent this year. Many public workers say that it is less than what they expect. They call on the government to consider the state of the economy and civil servants' morale before making a decision.
繼政府宣佈問責官員加薪8.1%，薪酬趨勢調查建議公務員今年加薪4.6%至5.8%。許多公務員表示建議加幅較預期低，他們要求政府決定加幅時顧及經濟情況及公務員士氣。

The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against elderly people having to meet residency requirements to obtain old age allowances. It ruled that "fruit money" is not a fundamental right of elderly residents because old people don't depend on the allowances for subsistence as they can also obtain welfare payments. Currently, only those aged 70 or older who have not been out of the territory for more than 56 days in a year may qualify for the "fruit money" of HK$1,090 a month.
高等法院駁回高齡津貼申請前的居港規定的司法覆核，高等法院裁定生果金並非長者居民的基本權利，因為長者並非以生果金保障長者的生計，長者可申請綜援。現在，香港居民年齡在70歲或以上，一年內離港不超過56天，才有資格領取每月1,090元生果金。

A poll of 486 women conducted by the Federation of Trade Unions found that 90.5 per cent felt heavy pressure in their daily lives. More than a third said they faced financial pressure and 25 per cent complained of work stress. The Federation called on the government to promote ‘Home Office’ measures so that mothers can look after their children and work in their home.
工聯會訪問四百八十六位女性，發現九成受訪女性認為生活壓力大，逾三成承受經濟壓力，二成五抱怨工作壓力。工聯會要求政府推行「在家工作」措施，讓母親可在家照顧小朋友兼工作。

The Education Bureau will launch the new Yi Jin Diploma Programme from the 2012/13 academic year to provide an alternative pathway for secondary 6 school leavers and adult learners aged 21 or above to obtain a formal qualification for the purposes of employment and further study. The Yi Jin Diploma is comparable to obtaining Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language in the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination.
教育局在2012/13學年推出新毅進文憑課程，為新學制下的中六離校生和年滿21歲的成年學員，提供另一學習途徑，取得就業和進修所需的正式學歷。學員修畢毅進文憑課程後，相當於包括中英文科的香港中學文憑考試五科第2級的程度。

Hong Kong's economy has grown at its slowest pace in over two years. First quarter GDP rose by just 0.4 percent, dragged down by a 5.7-percent decline in exports. However, inflation eased off slightly, and domestic spending remains strong. The government expects the economy to pick up for the remainder of the year, saying the low point has already been reached.
本港經濟增長創逾兩年來新低。今年第一季本地生產總值輕微增長0.4%，主要是受出口下跌5.7%所拖累。不過，通脹回落，內部需求保持強勁。政府預測今年餘下的日子經濟好轉，今年低點已過。

A study by the Equal Opportunities Commission has found that many males still feel stressed about traditional stereotypes. The EOC has called on the government to replace the Women's Commission with a Commission for Gender Equality, to better reflect problems faced by men. The EOC says society still considers women as a suppressed group and social policies favour women. Males, on the other hand, do not receive any protection and support in dealing with stress.
平機會調查發現，不少本港男性對傳統性別觀念感到有壓力，建議當局將婦女事務委員會改組成「性別平等事務委員會」以反映男性面對的問題。平機會表示，社會仍然將女性定為受壓迫的一群，社會政策協助婦女為主﹔但男性得不到任何保護和支持以處理壓力。

The row between the education officials and textbook publishers intensified yesterday after a meeting at the Education Bureau broke down. The publishers accuse the government of making an about-turn in policy. They vowed to ignore the government's demand that they revise their textbook price lists by today and insisted on charging for basic teaching materials.
政府與教科書出版商的爭議變得激烈，雙方在教育局的談判破裂。出版商指責政府政策朝令夕改，誓言不理會政府的要求，今日遞交新的書單定價，他們堅持教師用書要收費。

A survey by the Caritas Addicted Gamblers Counselling Centre has found that most children of gambling mothers have faced emotional problems and illnesses such as insomnia and depression. More than 80 percent said they feel insecure and have arguments with their mothers, while more than two-thirds said their performance at work suffers.
明愛展晴中心調查發現，大部份爛賭母親的子女情緒受困擾及患病如失眠及情緒低落。八成受訪者表示感到沒有安全感，與母親爭吵，三分二表示影響工作表現。

More than 90 percent of adults are said to be suffering from some form of gum disease. But many are either unaware of their condition, or don't act until the problem gets worse. The Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong urged people not to wait until the gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart and other health problems. People should maintain good oral hygiene and visit a dentist twice a year.
逾九成本港成年人患不同程度牙周病，不少人沒覺察到症狀，或問題嚴重時才處理。香港大學牙醫學院呼籲公眾不要等待，直至與牙周病有關的糖尿病、心臟病及其他健康問題出現。市民應保持口腔衛生及每年兩次看牙醫。

Chief Secretary Stephen Lam has decided to quit politics after his term ends in July, to study theology at Oxford University for a year. Mr. Lam said his decision was made a long time ago, and has nothing to do with his low popularity. He said he has a clear conscience about his work as a public servant, and will in future dedicate himself to serving the church.
政務司司長林瑞麟決定在七月任期完結後退出政壇，往牛津大學進修神學一年。林瑞麟表示，他早已有這個決定，與他民望低無關。他表示，自己的公務生涯是問心無愧，將來會奉獻教會。

The Executive Council gave the green light for a plan by the chief executive-elect, C Y Leung, to restructure policy bureaus. Mr. Leung's administration will appoint deputies to the Chief Secretary and the Financial Secretary, and increase the number of bureaus from the current 12 to 14.
行政會議通過候任特首梁振英提出的政府重組政策局建議，包括增設政務司副司長及財政司副司長，又會把現時十二個政策局增加至十四個。

More than one-million elderly and disabled people may be able to travel on the MTR for only HK$2 as early as the end of next month. The government says that public transport fare concessions will be introduced in phases. It will cover travel on franchised buses and ferries at any time.
多於一百萬名長者和合資格殘疾人士，最快六月底起可以每程兩元車費乘搭港鐵。長者及殘疾人士乘車的優惠計劃分階段落實，計畫亦將會涵蓋專營巴士及渡輪。

A blind woman has partially regained her sight after University of Hong Kong doctors implanted a HK$1 million microchip into her retina in a first for Asia. The chip which was developed by a German firm Retinal Implant is capable of reconstructing lights into images. The firm chose the HKU Eye Institute as part of the third phase of clinical trials for the device.
港大醫生為一名失明婦人植入價值100萬元的人工視膜網，令她恢復部份視力，成為亞洲第一人。晶片由德國公司 Retina Implant研發，晶片能將光重建成影像。公司選擇港大眼科研究所作為第三階段臨床研究。

A District Court judge described a man as "cold-blooded" over a hit-and-run accident, while sentencing him to four years in jail. The accused man was speeding at a bend on Tai Mo Shan and hit a motorcyclist but he ignored the agony of the seriously injured victim by fleeing. He attempted to destroy the evidence by setting fire to his car. The judge said the stiff sentence will be a warning to others who disregard the law.
一名男子撞傷他人不顧而去，被判入獄4年，法官形容他冷血。被告男子在大帽山彎位超速駕駛，撞倒電單車司機，但他不顧重傷者的痛苦就逃跑了，他企圖燒車毀證。法官表示，法庭必須嚴厲處理以儆效尤。

May Day protests in Hong Kong saw trade unions demand raising the minimum wage to $33 per hour and reducing working hours to 48 a week. But employers say the law is shaking up the labour market. The minimum wage has allowed dishwashers, couriers and taxi drivers to find easier options, leaving physical toil to older workers who lack qualifications and have few alternatives.
昨日正值五一勞動節，多個勞工團體發起遊行，爭取提高最低工資水平至三十三元，減少工時至每周四十四小時。但僱主表示，最低工資令勞工市場劇變。最低工資容許洗碗工、快遞員及的士司機找到較易做的工作，留下需要體力勞動之苦工給較年長工人，他們缺乏資歷及幾乎沒有選擇。

The government has delayed the introduction of the moral and national education programme until 2015. All public primary schools will start teaching a course in moral and national education in 2015. Public secondary schools will follow in 2016. The subject would take up no more than 5 per cent of class time. Education Bureau officials say the subject was modified to heed concerns that pupils might be brainwashed.
政府延遲推行「德育及國民教育科」至2015年，所有小學於2015 年上德育及國民教育科，而中學於2016年推行，國民教育佔課堂時間不超過百分之5。教育局官員表示，注意到學生可能被洗腦的憂慮而修訂課程。

A study by the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation has found that about seven out of 10 people do not sleep well at night. A doctor at Shatin Hospital said one should avoid watching TV, surfing the Internet or playing online games before bed. Chronic lack of sleep can lead to problems including high blood pressure and heart disease, stress and impaired job performance.
香港復康會調查發現，逾七成港人睡眠質素差。沙田醫院一名醫生表示，睡前不要看電視、上網或打機。長期失眠會引起問題，包括高血壓、心臟病、緊張及工作表現變差。

A 29-year-old Mainland woman involved in arranging non-local pregnant women to come to Hong Kong to give birth was jailed 11 weeks. She had been employed in a maternal and child services company in the Mainland and was responsible for escorting pregnant women to Hong Kong for medical checks. This is the third case of its kind since the successful convictions of two other Mainland 'birth agents'.
一名非法從事安排非本地孕婦來港分娩工作的29歲內地婦被判入獄11星期。她受聘於一間內地母嬰服務公司，負責陪同內地孕婦到香港醫院作產科檢查。這是第三宗成功檢控內地中介人。

The Hague Conference on Private International Law will open a regional office in Hong Kong. Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung said the Hague Conference's decision is a significant vote of confidence in Hong Kong's position as a regional legal services centre by an international institution of high repute.
海牙國際私法會議將在香港成立亞太區辦事處。律政司司長黃仁龍說，海牙會議的決定，標誌�茬o個享負盛名的國際機構對香港作為區域性法律服務中心的地位，投下重要的信心一票。

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Greg So, says amendments to the copyright ordinance will not be aimed at curbing satire and parody or limiting freedom of expression on the internet. Sharing a hyperlink online will not incur criminal liability. Mr. So reiterated that there was no need for netizens to be over-concerned.
商務及經濟發展局局長蘇錦樑表示，版權修訂條例並不是針對網上惡搞或二次創作/戲仿作品，不會削弱言論自由。透過在社交網站分享超連結的行為，不會招致刑責。蘇錦樑重申，網民無須過分擔心。

A kidnap attempt happened near the ESF International Kindergarten (Hillside) on Stubbs Road yesterday. Four men, armed with pistols and knives, surrounded a seven-seater vehicle soon after the girl got in. An alert teacher shouted at the kidnappers, who then fled in a panic. The school has already urged parents to be careful when they take their children to school.
昨日司徒拔道英基屬下的半山曉新國際幼稚園附近發生企圖綁票。一名女童登上一輛七人車時，四名男子分持手槍及刀將七人車包圍。一名醒目教師呼救，匪徒驚慌逃去。校方已提醒家長接送子女上學時要格外小心。

A young woman who died in a traffic accident has saved the lives of six people. She had not signed a donation card, but her husband and parents decided her organs should go to people in need. The grief-stricken husband said his wife was a keen volunteer in helping the underprivileged and by donating her organs the family has preserved her spirit.
一名交通意外死亡的年輕少婦令六名病者重燃生命曙光。死者生前沒有簽捐贈器官卡，但她的丈夫及父母決定捐出死者器官給與需要的人。極度悲傷的丈夫表示，他的妻子生前熱心幫助貧困的人，捐出死者器官以延續她的精神。

The DAB has criticised the TVB reality show "Bride Wannabes", saying it is an insult to women and has a bad influence on teenage girls. About 67 percent of women surveyed disagree with the social label of "old spinster" for unmarried women. The reality show features five "blossomed women" willing to change their looks and their lifestyles to find love. The party's spokeswoman said teenage girls with relatively weak judgment and independent thinking would be easily brainwashed by such distorted values.
民建聯批評無線電視真人騷節目《盛女愛作戰》，認為內容侮辱女性及對少女有壞影響，受訪六成七人女士介意被標籤為「剩女」。在真人騷中，5位「盛女」願意改造外形及生活方式以追求愛情。民建聯發言人表示，少女判斷力及獨立思考較弱容易被扭曲價值觀洗腦。

The Hong Kong Institute of Family Education chairman Tik Chi-yuen said many have earned the nickaname "monster parents" because they concentrate on their kids' academic performance. He said this has given rise to "Kong kids" - a term for children who are unable to look after themselves and are ill prepared to face adversity. He said parents should also place importance on their children's character and build up their values in life.
家庭教育學院主席狄志遠認為，香港父母被形容為「怪獸父母」主要是他們較為緊張子女學業成績。他說這樣子女容易形成港孩性格，「港孩」是泛指自理能力低和抗逆力低的香港孩子。他認為家長亦應要重視子女的品德，建立他們的人生價值觀。

A No.3 alarm fire broke out at a five-star hotel in North Point just after 3am yesterday. The blaze is thought to have started in an LED display on the roof of the hotel before spreading to the third floor and later the seventh floor. Guests forced to flee said they did not hear alarms, sprinklers were not activated and that staff handled the dangerous situation poorly.
北角一間五星級酒店在昨日上午近三時發生三級火警，起火地點為天台的液晶顯示屏，其後波及三樓和七樓。慌忙逃生的住客表示，他們沒有聽到火警鐘聲，自動灑水系統沒有正常運作，職員處理危險情況不善。

The government has failed to win support from lawmakers for its plan to build an incinerator off Shek Kwu Chau. Most members at a Legco panel meeting voiced their opposition to the proposal. They also raised doubts over whether the incoming government would back it.
政府未能爭取立法會議員支持石鼓洲建焚化爐計劃，立法會一個委員會的的會議上，大部分委員表示反對計劃，他們質疑焚化設施方案未獲下屆政府支持。

Responding to reporters' questions over C Y Leung's decision to ban mainland pregnant women from giving birth in the city next year, the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, insisted that his government is not a lame duck and it has been working on a smooth transition with the incoming administration of Leung Chun-ying.
在回應記者提問有關梁振英禁止內地孕婦明年到港生育的決定，行政長官曾蔭權表示，他的政府並非跛腳鴨，他與候任梁振英政府致力於順利交接。

The issue of mainlanders giving birth in Hong Kong will be Leung Chun-ying's top priority when he takes office as chief executive on July 1, and he would use legal channels to solve the abode issue for children born to mainlanders without Hong Kong husbands, said Liberal Party chairwoman Miriam Lau Kin-yee, speaking after a meeting between Leung and her party.
自由黨主席劉健儀與候任行政長官梁振英會面後表示，梁振英在七月一日上任後會優先處理，並以法律途徑解決雙非嬰兒的居留權問題。

Of the 49 Asian cities assessed by a human resources agency, Hong Kong has jumped from fifth most livable city in Asia to third behind only Singapore and Kobe. However, Hong Kong's rise in the ranking was largely due to problems in Tokyo and Yokohama in the aftermath of last year's earthquake and tsunami. Hong Kong scored well on most criteria, but air quality is among the worst in the world.
人力資源分配供應商調查顯示，四十九個受評估的亞洲城市中，香港在最理想居住城市排名中，僅在新加坡和神戶後，由第5位升上第 3位。不過，香港的排名提升，只因東京及橫濱受地震和海嘯影響。香港在大部分的標準取得高分，但空氣質素卻是全球最差。

A group of academics and professionals have set up an alliance to fight what they call the "distorted values" of a new TVB reality series. Bride Wannabes brands single women "leftovers" (old spinsters) and tramples on women's dignity, an academic said yesterday. The 10-epsiode series follows five single women searching for "Mr Right", with the help of advice from life coaches and beauty experts.
一群學者及專業人士組成聯盟反對無線真人騷節目《盛女愛作戰》扭曲價值觀。一名學者說，《盛女愛作戰》將單身女士標籤為「剩女」，踐踏女性的尊嚴。共有10集的《盛女愛作戰》，是關於5位單身女士追求如意郎君，由人生教練及美容專家指導。

"A Simple Life", a heart-warming drama film depicting the relationship between an elderly loyal servant and her young master, swept all five major categories of the Hong Kong Film Awards including best film, director, screenplay, actor and actress. "I grew up here and I received my education here. This city has given me a lot of inspirations," said Ann Hui after grabbing the best director award.
《桃姐》一部描述忠心老僕與少爺之間的一段觸動人心的主僕情電影，囊括香港電影金像獎5項大獎，包括最佳電影、最佳導演、最佳編劇、最佳男及女主角。奪得「最佳導演」的許鞍華說：「我?香港長大，接受教育，呢個城巿給我許多靈感。」

Chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying has spelled out the criteria for being in his cabinet. They should share similar governing ideas, have competency in fulfilling political duties and be capable of communicating with residents effectively and canvassing support for policies.
候任行政長官梁振英就下屆內閣閣員開出條件，他們要有共同理念，亦要擁有政治工作的能力，做好溝通，有效地向居民解釋政府政策，爭取支持。

Three ICAC officers have been found guilty in the district court of coaching a witness to give false evidence. They were accused of coaching the star witness in a fraud trial to give false evidence against the so-called "king of warrants", Raymond Ng.
廉署3名調查員被控教唆證人作假口供，在區域法院分別被裁定罪名成立。他們被指控在「窩輪天王」吳鎮濤造巿案時，教唆重要證人提供假証據。

A study by the Chinese University shows people here consume on average 10 grams of salt a day, double the maximum recommended by the World Health Organisation. Health experts have warned a high salt intake will lead to a higher risk of strokes and high blood pressure. A stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Hong Kong.
中大研究發現，本港市民每日平均攝取10克鹽分，高於世衛建議攝取量的一倍。健康專家警告，攝取過量鹽分會增加中風和高血壓機會。中風是香港第四大死因。

The Federation of Trade Unions accused Wellcome and ParknShop of colluding on fixing prices. It also said discounted products sold on Fridays at the two supermarkets are more expensive than the day before. It called on a faster passage of the Competition Bill to ensure fair and genuine competition to protect consumers and smaller retailers.
工聯會質疑惠康和百佳合謀定價，又指兩大超市在星期五推出的優惠貨品價格較前一日還要貴。工聯會促請政府盡快為公平競爭立法，確保真的公平的競爭，保護消費者和小零售商。

Premier Wen Jiabao has urged Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying to serve as a clean political leader and to set an example by running a corruption-free government while continuing to unite the people of Hong Kong. Mr. Wen said he hopes the new government will put economic development and improving livelihood as its priority.
國務院總理溫家寶勸勉候任行政長官梁振英要做一個清廉的政治領袖，以身作則去營運一個廉潔政府，同時要團結港人。溫家寶希望新政府優先發展經濟及改善民生。

A study conducted by St James Settlement and Pfizer Nutrition has found that about three-quarters of children from lower-income families lack access to healthy food as parents cannot afford healthy, organic food that is usually more expensive. Furthermore, parents do not have enough time to monitor their youngsters' nutritional needs, and lack the relevant knowledge about proper nutrition.
聖雅各福群會眾膳坊調查發現，約四成三受訪基層家庭的子女未能進食足夠建康食物，因為家長未能支付較昂貴的建康有機食物。更且，家長沒有足夠時間監控兒童的營養需要及缺乏適當營養有關的知識。

The ethnic minorities support group, Unison, has said the education needs of ethnic minorities have been ignored for years and it hopes the new government would propose measures to help children from minorities to learn Cantonese. Unison may not rule out taking legal action against the government for discrimination if it fails to act.
援助少數族的裔融樂會表示，政府多年來，均忽視少數族裔教育問題，期望新一屆政府上場後，提出支援少數族裔學童學習中文的措施。若新政府無解決問題，融樂會不排除以法律途徑控告政府。

The minimum wage ofHK$28 an hour introduced last year should be reviewed by the government, trade unionist legislator Lee Cheuk-yan says. Lee said the minimum wage was a success, but inflation necessitated an increase. Anthony Lock Kwok-on, chairman of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said the catering industry could face more problems if it had to raise pay.
去年實施最低工資，法定時薪為二十八元，職工盟李卓人認為是成功，但應要檢討，因通貨膨脹而需要增加。香港餐飲聯業協會主席駱國安指出，工資增加會令飲食業面對更多問題。

About two dozen members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions staged a protest, calling on chief executive-elect C Y Leung to increase the number of paid holidays for blue-collar workers. They said 60 percent of the territory's three million workers don't get paid for a day off on all 17 public holidays each year because only 12 of them are classed as statutory holidays.
二十多名職工盟成員發起遊行，要求候任行政長官梁振英上任後，增加藍領職工有薪假期。他們表示，現時300萬打工仔之中，6成人未能享有17日公眾假期，因為法定假期只有12日。

ICAC's annual survey found that the majority of people in Hong Kong have zero tolerance against corruption and they think that keeping the territory corruption-free is crucial to its overall development. An ICAC spokesman said the survey shows a high degree of public vigilance against corruption, and the community's trust in the anti-graft agency.
廉政公署周年民意調查顯示，大多數市民對貪污採取「零容忍」態度，並認同維持社會廉潔對香港整體發展至為重要。廉署發言人說，調查顯示，市民對貪污警覺度高，社會大眾信任廉署。

According to a survey, about 82 percent of the students rarely say "excuse me" to domestic helpers or the elderly. Next on the list of impolite behavior is rushing for seats in trains and buses, and this is followed by the distinct lack of "thank you," even after receiving a gift. One reason for this lack of courtesy is the lack of family education on politeness. Parents should be role models on manners and politeness through daily example.
根據一項調查，八成二學生不會向長輩或家傭說「唔該」，無禮貌行為其次為衝入車廂霸佔座位，之後為學生收到禮物時，甚少主動說「多謝」。缺少家教，成為子女無禮貌主要原因，家長日常應以禮貌行為作榜樣。

The Consumer Council has reported a 27 percent jump in complaints about unfair contracts - to 1,185 last year. As the contracts are drafted by suppliers, they are inherently one-sided and a business may seek to tilt the balance towards itself, at the expense of consumer interests. The Consumer Council proposes the implementation of a cooling-off period to safeguard consumer rights.
消委會去年接獲 1185 宗涉及不公平合約條款的投訴，較前年增加兩成七。有關的合約文本，一般由供應商草擬，本質上側重供應商的利益，而損害消費者利益。消費者委員會建議加入冷靜期保障消費者權益。

Candidates taking the compulsory liberal studies subject in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education exam yesterday faced a question asking their views on party politics. Some students fear their results may be adversely affected if their views do not tally with those marking their papers. The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, however, said a candidate's political views will not affect their marks.
文憑試必修通識教育科昨日舉行，考生面對其中一條題目，要求考生表達對政黨政治的觀點。有考生擔心他們的觀點與閱卷員的觀點不相符合而影響評分；但考評局表示，考生不會因政治立場影響評分。

A survey of Friends of the Earth has found that separating food waste can help households reduce the volume of total garbage by up to 60 percent. Much of household waste is mixed with other non-recyclable waste, rendering it unsuitable for recycling. The green group called on the government to offer more collection facilities at housing estates and more compost facilities to handle organic waste.
地球之友一項調查發現，有做廚餘分類的家庭，每月減少垃圾量約六成。大部份家居垃圾混合不可循環再用的廢物，不適合循環再用。地球之友要求政府在屋?提供更多廢物收集和堆肥設施以處理有機廢物。

The Secretary for Development, Carrie Lam, has called on villagers in the New Territories to declare any illegal structures on their properties. A declaration system will come into force today for a period of six months. Some villagers have said they will boycott the system, hoping the next government will show greater leniency.
發展局局長林鄭月娥呼籲新界村民申報違規僭建物。僭建物申報計劃今日開始落實， 申報期6個月。有村民表示，他們將會抵制計劃，期望下任政府更寬大處理。

The Transport Secretary, Eva Cheng, says when reviewing the MTRC's fare adjustment mechanism, other factors like the MTRC's profit and performance will be taken into account. She said the proposal of setting up the fare stability fund should be given careful consideration as it may reduce the incentive of transport operators to use their resources efficiently.
運輸及房屋局局長鄭汝樺表示，在檢討港鐵票價可加可減機制時，會考慮加入港鐵盈利和表現等因素，對於票價穩定基金的建議，就認為要小心考慮，因為營運者會失去有效運用資源 的誘因。

Hong Kong's richest man, Li Ka-shing, says it is important to protect freedom and the rule of law, which he called Hong Kong's core values. He said democratisation is provided in the Basic Law, and he believes it can be developed gradually. He also pledged to cooperate with the government. He said the government does not hinge on one person, and should be viewed as a whole.
香港首富李嘉誠表示，最重要是保障自由、法治，他稱之為香港核心價值，而民主按基本法逐步落實。他又承諾與政府合作。他表示，政府是整體，並不是取決於個人。

The Privacy Commissioner, Allan Chiang, has found that two magazines breached data protection principles when their photographers secretly took pictures of three TV personalities in their homes. Chiang said people should be protected from unwanted intrusion into their private lives and "the complainants in question should not be deprived of this right just because they are celebrities."
私隱專員蔣任宏發現兩份周刊違反保障個人資料規定，偷拍三名電視藝人家中的活動。他說：「個人的私生活應獲得保護，不被打擾，不應因為投訴人是名人，就被剝削其私生活受到保護的權力。」

Chief executive-elect Leung Chun-ying met representatives of 10 main civil service groups and the disciplined forces yesterday. Leung Chun-ying sought to gain the confidence of the city's 160,000 civil servants by promising to forge a new partnership with them and to guarantee their political neutrality. "We are in the same boat," he said.
候任特首梁振英昨日與十個公務員團體及紀律部隊代表會面，試圖獲得十六萬公務員的信心。他承諾與公務員團隊締造新夥伴關係，及保證他們政治中立。他說:「我們同坐一條船。」

A 53-year-old cleaner who intimidated a university student he met through a wrong call and drove her to the point of suicide was jailed for 28 months. The accused man ordered the victim to perform humiliating acts and to pay him money or he would reveal details of her love life to her parents. The victim was deeply traumatized and suffered from depression. The judge described the man's conduct as despicable.
一名五十三清潔工人因為打錯電話認識一名女大學生，恐嚇對方到要自殺的地步，被判入獄28個月。被告男子指令受害人作出恥辱性行為，並付款給他，否則會將受害人情愛生活告知她的父母，受害人精神深受創傷，並患上抑鬱症。法官形容被告行為相當卑劣。

Chief executive-elect C Y Leung appealed for unity and vowed to defend Hong Kong's core values, which he identified as the rule of law, human rights, clean government, and freedom of the press, speech and assembly. Leung also listed the five top priorities for his administration: tackling the uneven distribution of income, housing, medical services and education.
候任特首梁振英呼籲團結及誓言維護香港的核心價值，他表明是法治、人權、廉潔政府、新聞言論及集會自由。他列舉施政五大優先考慮的事:處理收入分配不勻、通脹、房屋、醫療服務及教育。

Tuberculosis cases fell to a record low of 4,900 last year, a rate of 70 cases per 100,000 people. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 2012 World TB Day, Acting Director of Health Dr. Thomas Tsang urged members of the public to stay vigilant against TB by taking precautions and seeking timely medical attention if they develop symptoms.
結核病個案去年約有4,900宗，即每十萬人就約有70人染病，創歷年染病數字的新低。署理衛生署署長曾浩輝出席2012年世界防癆日典禮時，提醒市民對結核病時刻保持警覺，做好防護工夫，發現病徵時應及早求醫。

Political commentator Johnny Lau criticised the Sing Pao Daily News for unfairly editing and distorting his column on the chief executive election. Mr. Lau said they had twisted his words, and turned his column from a balanced critique of both C Y Leung and Henry Tang, to one that favours Mr. Leung. He was shocked by the self-censorship of the Hong Kong media.
時事評論員劉銳紹批評《成報》不正當地修改和扭曲他有關特首選舉的專欄文章，劉銳紹表示，《成報》扭曲他的用字，將客觀評論梁振英和唐英年的文章，轉為挺梁。香港傳媒的自我審查令他震驚。

The language barrier makes it difficult for South Asian minorities to integrate into the Hong Kong community, a survey by the Equal Opportunities Commission has found. Their inability to speak or understand Cantonese is depriving them of employment and an education. Government should design effective programs for ethnic minorities to overcome the language barrier.
平等機會委員會一項調查發現，語言障礙使南亞少數族裔難於融入香港社區。因不能書寫中文，令他們喪失就業和教育。政府應制定有效的計劃，使少數族裔克服語言障礙。

A survey of Friends of the Earth has shown that over half of respondents support a waste charge. Nearly two-thirds say they will actively separate recyclable material from waste if a charges system is in place. The spokeswoman accused the government of dragging its feet on the issue. There has been little to no promotion by the government to encourage positive responses to the consultation.
地球之友調查顯示，逾半數受訪市民都支持廢物收費，有近三分二被訪市民表示，會因為收費計劃而更積極進行廢物分類回收。發言人譴責政府在這問題上遲遲不採取行動，宣傳近乎零，未能鼓勵積極回應諮詢。

League of Social Democrat lawmaker, Leung Kwok-hung, could be thrown out of the Legislative Council after being jailed for two months for criminal damage and acting in a disorderly manner. The magistrate said the protest was chaotic and out of control, posing a danger to hundreds of citizens taking part in the forum. "You can lock up my body, but you can't lock up my soul," Leung said. "I have no regrets."
社民連立法會議員梁國雄被裁定刑事毀壞以及在公眾地方作出擾亂行為被判囚兩個月，梁因被判囚可能去立法會議席。裁判官表示，示威引起混亂及失控，罔顧數百名參加論壇的市民人命安全。梁直言「鎖得住我個人，鎖唔住我既靈魂」，又對其行為不感悔意。

League of Social Democrats legislator, Leung Kwok-hung, and four other activists were found guilty of criminal damage and acting in a disorderly manner, after they barged into a consultation session on the government's proposed replacement mechanism for Legislative Councillors. Leung said he only exercised his civil rights to oppose the issue.
社民連立法會議員梁國雄及另外四名社運分子，去年衝擊立法會議員替補機制諮詢會，被控刑事毀壞以及在公眾地方作出擾亂行為，罪名成立。梁國雄表示，當日只是行使公民權利，反對替補機制。

Over 500 people took to the streets to oppose plans to build an incinerator at Shek Kwu Chau. Living Islands Movement - organisers of the protest - say the government has not explored other options, like waste management and recycling. Its spokesman says the incineration technology is being considered outdated and environmentally harmful.
逾五百名市民上街示威，反對計劃在石鼓洲興建垃圾焚化爐。組織這次遊行的「島嶼活力行動」表示，政府未有探索其他選擇，例如廢物管理和垃圾回收利用。發言人表示，焚化爐技術被認為過時的，損害環境。

A survey carried out by Hong Kong Unison finds many people in Hong Kong regard those with darker skin less favourably. They had negative views of people from Southeast Asia and Africa. Some associated them with words like "violent" and "dirty". The findings are an embarrassment for Hong Kong, which calls itself "Asia's world city, executive director of Hong Kong Unison said.
香港融樂會一項調查顯示，港人對膚色較深的人接受程度較差，他們對來自南?及非洲的人觀感負面，把他們和「暴力」及「污穢」的字聯想在一起。香港融樂會總幹事表示，調查的結果令自稱為「亞洲國際都會」之香港難堪。

At a live televised debate hosted by 11 local electronic media, chief executive candidate Henry Tang accused his rival C Y Leung of advocating the use of tear gas against protesters opposed to national security legislation. However, Mr. Leung flatly denied the allegation. Albert Ho Chun-yan, the third CE candidate, demanded a deeper probe into Tang's allegations which were shocking to him.
十一間電子傳媒舉行現場電視直播行政長官選舉論壇，特首候選人唐英年指責對手梁振英主張以催淚彈對付反對國家安全法立法的示威者。但梁振英斷然否認指控。另一特首候選人何俊仁指唐英年的指控令他震驚，要求深入徹底調查。

Chinese University studies found that local children sleep 90 minutes less a day than their American peers. Children sleeping fewer than nine hours are more likely to suffer from hyperactivity and short attention span. It may also increase cardiovascular problems, obesity and the risk of diabetes. Doctors suggest those aged between five and 12 should sleep 10 to 12 hours a day, while those aged 12 or older may sleep one hour less.
中文大學研究發現，港童較美國同齡兒童每日少睡一個半小時。睡眠不足九小時的兒童較易有活動過度和專注力不足，亦會增加心血管疾病、肥胖和糖尿病的風險。醫生建議五歲至十二歲兒童每日睡眠十至十二小時，十二歲以上可少睡一小時。

Young children are drinking too much milk, raising the chances of obesity and an unbalanced diet, a government survey shows. It has found that 27% of parents see milk as a big part of a two-year-old's diet. Some parents have the misconception that milk formula provides enough nutrients. Drinking too much milk affects children's appetite for other food. Parents should introduce solid food to their babies when they are 18 months old.
政府一項調查顯示，幼兒飲奶過多，增加肥胖及食物不均衡的機會。27%的家長相信牛奶是兩歲童的主食。不少家長誤解奶粉提供足夠營養。飲奶過多令兒童沒有胃口吃其他食物。嬰兒到了歲半，家長應提供固體食物。

Present and former leaders are piling the pressure on the University of Hong Kong's students union over its decision to spend over HK$300,000 on newspaper adverts questioning chief executive candidate Leung Chun-ying. Union President Dan Chan insists that the full-page adverts were aimed at upholding a "core value" – that politicians must not collude with triad societies.
港大新舊學生領袖對港大學生會施加壓力，港大學生會日前動用超過30萬元，在報章刊登廣告，質疑特首候選人梁振英。港大學生會會長陳冠康堅決認為，刊 登全頁廣告，目的是維護「核心價值」-- 政治人物不能串通黑社會。

The three chief executive candidates will take part in the two-hour debate at Radio Television Hong Kong on Friday evening. The event organized by 11 electronic media organizations is aimed at giving the public an opportunity to hear the three election platforms. A highlight will be a "cross-fire" section in which each candidate will directly question their rivals.
三名特首候選人將參加本周五晚在香港電台舉行的電視辯論。全長2小時的論壇由11間電子傳媒機構舉辦，目的是讓全港市民有機會了解候選人的政綱。最精彩的部分是互相質詢環節，每名候選人將會直接向對手質詢。

A survey of the Hong Kong Kidney Foundation has shown that half of the respondents had doubts over living donor transplants, and some feared their kidney functions and reproductive capabilities would be seriously affected. Inadequate knowledge about kidney transplants deters the public from becoming donors. The probability of complications in living donors is less than 1 percent these days.
香港腎臟基金會調查發現，一半受訪者對移植活腎有疑慮，又誤以為捐腎會影響個人腎功能及男士生育。對腎臟移植認識不足嚇阻市民成捐腎。現今捐腎者出現併發症的可能性少於百分之一。

In the light of the recent media reports concerning allegations of improper activities in the Chief Executive Election, Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr. Barnabas Fung Wah, stressed that the commission will not tolerate any activities which discredit Hong Kong's clean electoral culture, which has long been established. He said law enforcement agencies are following up on the reports and will handle them in accordance with the law.
對於近日有報道聲稱行政長官選舉涉及不當的選舉行為，選舉管理委員會主席馮驊強調選管會絕不容忍任何活動破壞本港建立已久的廉潔選舉文化。馮驊表示，執法機關正跟進有關報道，並依照法律處理。

Chief Executive candidate Henry Tang has made a complaint to the police, claiming that his life was at risk. A supporter of his election rival C Y Leung said that he had met an alleged former gangster to obtain information about Mr. Tang's dealings with powerful businessmen. Tang has written a letter to election committee members warning against what he called "black-gold" politics.
行政長官候選人唐英年報警，聲稱人身安全受到威脅。他的競選對手梁振英的一名支持者表示，為收集唐英年與有影響力商人交易的材料，他會見一名前黑幫份子。唐英年向選委發信，警告告誡「黑金政治」。

Speaking during a meeting with Hong Kong delegates to the National People's Congress, Vice President, Xi Jinping, has called on Hong Kong people to unite and set their sights on the long-term interests of the territory. Politicians said Xi's remarks were intended to remind the supporters of both front runners, Henry Tang Ying-yen and Leung Chun-ying, to refrain from further smear campaigns.
國家副主席習近平會見香港人大代表時，呼籲港人包容共濟，以香港長遠利益為重。政治學家表示，習近平的講話是想提醒領先的特首候選人唐英年及梁振英的支持者，避免再有抹黑行動。

The wife of Chief Executive candidate, Henry Tang, says that despite his unfaithfulness, she would still marry him if she had her time again. During a radio interview, Liza Kwok sought to defend her husband against the rumours that he has an illegitimate child. She also said that Tang had made mistakes in life but he was willing to admit them and face up to them.
行政長官候選人唐英年的太太唐郭妤淺在一個電台訪問中試圖為丈夫私生子傳聞作辯護。她表示，儘管他有不忠，如果從頭再來，也會嫁給唐英年。她又說，唐英年做錯肯認，肯面對。

A Chinese University's study shows that anger at business has overtaken the wealth gap as the biggest cause of social disharmony. Anti-government feeling is also on the rise, having overtaken "political disputes" as the third biggest conflict. The academic behind the research said that the city needs a "smart politician" who is open to listening to dissenting voices.
中文大學一項研究發現，對大財團憤怒超過貧富差距，成為社會不和諧的最主要原因。反政府的情緒亦上升，取代了「政治紛爭」首次成為社會三大矛盾之一。負責研究的學者表示，香港需要一個精明的政治家，能開放地聽取不同意見。

One of Henry Tang's top advisors, former Monetary Authority chief Joseph Yam, said Tang is willing to learn from his mistakes and would not make the same mistakes again. He also rejected the notion that there could be lopsided policies if Tang won just because his heavyweight nominators include property tycoons and big wheels in finance and commerce.
金管局前總裁兼唐英年競選辦高級顧問任志剛表示，唐英年知錯能改，不會故態復萌。有見解認為唐英年的重量級提名人包括地產、金融及商界大亨，當選後會令政策歪斜，任志剛不認同這個見解。

A survey conducted by the Young Women's Christian Association revealed that more than 60 percent of female respondents want to take a more significant role in society by accepting leadership responsibilities and making key decisions. However, they are burdened by too many family obligations. The association has urged the government to set up more training opportunities to enhance their community participation.
基督教女青年會調查發現，近六成受訪女士希望在社會扮演更重要的角色，擔任領導者或決策者。然而，她們要負擔太多的家庭責任。女青年會要求政府為婦女提供更多的培訓，以增加她們的社區參與。

Thousands of people staged a march to the Central Government Offices from Victoria Park, in protest against the small circle election. Many protesters also called on the chief executive Donald Tsang to resign. They refused to accept Mr. Tsang's apology and criticised him for not being sincere.
數千人參加遊行反對小圈子選舉，遊行人士由維園出發，至政府總部。有示威者要求曾蔭權辭職，他們不接受曾蔭權的道歉，並批評他沒有誠意。

Seven people received suspended jail sentences for their part in vote-rigging during last November's District Council elections. They had pleaded guilty to making false statements when registering as voters. The magistrate said it was a very serious offence, and their actions had damaged the voter registration system.
七人於去年區議會選舉種票，被判緩刑。他們承認在登記選民時作出虛假陳述。裁判官指種票是非常嚴重的罪行，是對選舉制度的破壞。

Donald Tsang Yam-kuen made a public apology to Hongkongers yesterday as lawmakers probed his integrity and asked about his trips with tycoons and the lease of a luxury flat in Shenzhen. But he said he will not quit his post. Pan-democratic lawmakers said Tsang showed no remorse about his trips with tycoons, simply admitting that his behavior fell short of public expectations.
曾蔭權昨日接受立法會議員調查他的誠信及詢問他與富商外遊和租住深圳豪宅事件時，向港人公開道歉，但他表示不會離職。泛民立法會議員表示，曾蔭權對於與富商外遊一事，沒有表示一絲悔意，完全地顯示他的行為未達公眾的期望。

Nominations closed in the Chief Executive election, leaving just three in the race - Henry Tang, C Y Leung and Albert Ho. The chairwoman of the New People's Party, Regina Ip, failed to get enough support to join the contest. At the same time, the three confirmed candidates all added more nominations to their totals - leaving 310 election committee members who did not nominate anyone.
行政長官選舉提名期結束，特首候選人只餘下唐英年、梁振英和何俊仁三人。新民黨主席葉劉淑儀，未能取得足夠支持參選。同時，三名確定的候選人繼續提交新增的選委提名，餘下310選委沒有提名任何人。

In a letter to civil servants, Donald Tsang assured civil servants he will not be lenient on himself as he defends his integrity. He added that he had learned a hard lesson, and promised to dedicate himself to the service of Hong Kong. The ICAC decided to investigate whether Tsang has violated anti-bribery laws. Tsang also faces a Legislative Council grilling tomorrow.
曾蔭權致函全體公務員，為他的誠信辯護，他向公務員保證，不會寬待自己。曾蔭權補充說，他學會了深刻的一課，他承諾會獻身服務香港。廉政公署決定調查曾蔭權是否觸犯防貪條例，他還要在明日面對立法會審問。

Three mainland university students were sentenced to ten months in jail for standing-in for others to take an international English language examination TOEFL. The three mainlanders used other people's passports to take the test at an exam centre in Lai King. The three men admitted that they were to be paid 2,000 yuan each if they managed a high score. The magistrate described their actions as "shameful".
三名內地大學生，因為代考托福英文試，被判入獄10個月。三名內地男子以他人護照，在荔景的評核中心參加托福英文試。三人承認，只要他們考獲高分數，便可獲2000元人民幣報酬。裁判官形容他們的行為可恥。

Overweight and obese adults are significantly more likely to suffer from back pain, a study has shown. The research found that overweight people with a high BMI are 30 percent more likely to suffer from disc degeneration. The sufferers experience a lifetime of back pain, which can diminish the quality of life, decrease productivity and even lead to psychological distress.
一項研究顯示，過重及肥胖人士出現腰痛的風險明顯地較高，研究發現BMI指數高於30，出現椎間盤退化的機率較高。患者長期受到腰痛的折磨，降低生活素質、降低生產生力及引致精神憂傷。

A number of pro-democracy groups held protests calling on the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, to give a full account of his trips on private jets and yachts with his tycoon friends. Some protestors accused Mr. Tsang of colluding with the business sector and demanding his resignation. They urged the ICAC to start an investigation into the affair as soon as possible.
多個泛民政黨遊行，要求行政長官曾蔭權，詳盡交代乘坐富豪朋友私人飛機和遊艇事件。有示威者指責曾蔭權勾結商界，要求他辭職，他們要求廉署盡快介入調查。

Chief executive candidate Henry Tang says he is facing an unprecedented, ruthless, and under-handed attack, but all this does not mean his opponent will win, and Hong Kong people will see through such 'dirty tricks.' Mr. Tang said he's determined to defend Hong Kong's core values, and is confident he will emerge victorious in the end.
行政長官候選人唐英年表示，正面對前所未有的攻擊，手法既狼且辣，但這並不表示他的對手會贏，全港市民都看得見這些詭計。唐英年表示，他決心守護香港核心價值，他有信心最終會取得勝利。

Places in Schools for Social Development, which cater for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties, have been oversubscribed. The Ombudsman criticised the education bureau and the social welfare department for failing to resolve the problem effectively. Some of the flaws in the system include lengthy admission procedures and wrong estimates of vacancies.
為情緒及行為問題學生提供特殊教育的群育學校輪候時間過長，申訴專員公署批評教育局及社會福利署未能有效地處理這問題。機制的缺點包括冗長的取錄程序及錯誤的空額估計。

Recent media reports accused the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, of taking advantages from rich friends by using their private jets and yachts for holiday trips. But Tsang said his conscience was clear, because there had been no conflict of interest, and he had paid for the trips. He hoped the public would not use "conspiracy theories" when considering the matter, because that would cause "friction" in society.
近日有傳媒報道，指責特首曾蔭權佔人便宜，乘坐富商朋友的私人飛機及遊艇渡假。但曾蔭權表示問心無愧，因為沒有任何利益衝突，他已支付交通費。他希望公眾不要以陰謀論角度看問題，否則香港只會內耗不停。

The latest census figures show that Hong Kong's population is growing older. The median age of the population rose from 36.7 years in 2001 to 41.7 last year, with 940,000 people aged 65 or older. The gender gap is also continuing to widen - with considerably more women than men. There are 1,000 women for every 939 men. Hong Kong's population reached 7.07 million people last year.
最新的人口普查數據顯示，本港人口老化加劇，市民的年齡中位數，十年間由三十六點七歲，升至去年的四十一點七歲，六十五歲或以上有九十四萬人。性別差距擴大，每千名女性只有九百三十九名男性。去年香港人口達七百零七萬人。

Fifteen people, including a 13-year-old boy, were arrested for allegedly running a bogus auction website. The gang lured buyers by placing high-end items at low prices and required buyers to make payments through their bank accounts. But the fraudsters cut off all lines of contact once the payment came through. Police advise online buyers to cease all transactions if any suspicion is aroused over the seller or his given e-mail.
警方拘捕十五人，包括一名十三歲男生，涉嫌經營假拍賣網站。這幫歹徒將高檔貨品放在拍賣網站，以低價引誘買家，並要求買家存錢入騙徒的銀行戶口；收取金錢後，騙徒便立即與對方失去聯絡。警方呼籲網上購物者，若對賣家或電郵存疑，應停止交易。

An estimated 1,500 protesters took part in a march against a cross-border driving scheme that will eventually allow more mainland-registered cars into Hong Kong. Some demonstrators said allowing mainlanders to drive here may lead to traffic accidents and increased pollution, given Hong Kong's narrow and busy roads. They also accused the government of ignoring the public's concerns, and trying to force integration with the mainland.
估計有1500人參與遊行，反對粵港自駕遊計劃，計劃最終容許更多內地登記車輛來港。有示威者表示，由於香港道路狹窄及繁忙，自駕遊會引發交通意外及增加空氣污染。他們更指責政府忽視市民的憂慮，試圖強行與內地整合。

A last minute deal has saved the 40-year-old Sunbeam Theatre from closure, the only remaining permanent venue in Hong Kong for Cantonese opera. The owner agreed to lease Cantonese opera playwright, Li Kui-ming, the site for four years for HK$1million a month. Mr. Li said that he was very disappointed with the government for not providing any help to save the theatre from closure.
香港唯一剩下的固定粵劇場地，有四十年歷史的新光戲院在最後關頭避免關閉。粵劇劇作家李居明與業主成協議，以月租一百萬元承租。李居明表示，政府沒有提供任何幫助避免戲院結業，他感到非常失望。

Chief Executive contender Henry Tang insisted he will not quit his campaign. He maintained he did not lie to cover up the existence of the illegal structure. Two leading political figures indicate they are considering entering the race for the city's top job. LegCo Chairman Jasper Tsang Yok-sing declared friends were pressuring him to join the race. Regina Ip of the New People's Party is also considering jumping into the race.
行政長官參選人唐英年強調，自己沒有說謊，掩飾住宅有非法僭建物，堅持繼續參選。兩名重要政治人物考慮參選香港最重要職位。立法會主席曾鈺成宣佈，一些朋友催促他參選，新民黨葉劉淑儀亦考慮參選。

Chief executive candidate Henry Tang offered apologies to the people of Hong Kong for failing to deal with an illegal basement at his mansion in Kowloon Tong. He said it was his wife's idea to build the basement and she had been responsible for overseeing the construction. He said he failed to handle the issue promptly because they were having marital problems at the time and had difficulty communicating.
行政長官參選人唐英年就九龍塘大宅僭建地牢事件向全香港市民道歉。他表示興建地牢是太太的主意，一切工程由她監督。他無迅速處理，因為當時出現婚姻問題，令溝通困難。

Chief executive contender Henry Tang has dismissed a newspaper report alleging that there is an "underground palace" built illegally under his Kowloon Tong house. He said the floor plan published by the paper wasn't accurate, and insisted that there was only a storage space there. A sketch, published in Sharp Daily yesterday, showed a store room, fitness room, a theatre and wine-tasting room.
行政長官參選人唐英年反駁報章報道，說他在九龍塘住宅僭建「地下皇宮」。唐 英年說，有關平面圖的報道與事實不符，他堅稱地庫只用作儲物。《爽報》昨日刊登唐英年大宅的設計草圖，顯示當中有儲物室、健身室、影院及品酒室。

The Privacy Commission has revealed that two firms have broken the privacy law. A carpark management company obtained drivers' information through the Transport Department for direct marketing purposes. The commission also found that a property management firm had breached the privacy law by using "pinhole" cameras to film two of its security guards, who were often found lingering in a staff changing room while on duty.
個人資料私隱專員公署公布，有兩間公司觸犯私隱條例。有停車場管理公司在運輸署收集車主資料作直銷用途，以及有物業管理公司裝設針孔攝錄機監察兩名保安員，拍到他們當值時長期逗留更衣室。

Hundreds of people queued overnight outside Bank of China branches buying special notes - commemorating the bank's centenary. Most of the notes are single HK$100 notes costing HK$150 each. Many people bought the notes, either as collectables or with the intention of making a quick profit by reselling them. Outside the branches, buyers offered HK$1,000 for a single note.
中銀港九多間分行有數百人排隊，通宵輪候中國銀行百年紀念鈔，大部分紀念鈔為面額一百元的紀念單鈔，每張售價一百五十元。市民購買紀念鈔作珍藏物，或轉售賺快錢。中銀香港分行外面，買家以每張一千元收購紀念單鈔。

Unveiling parts of his election platform, Chief Executive candidate Henry Tang Ying-yen is promising a HK$3,000 monthly subsidy for eligible people over the age of 65. Tang also said he would aim to create 100,000 jobs over five years in six industries in which the city has advantages. A committee will be set up to assess issues facing middle-class families.
行政長官參選人唐英年公布部分選舉政綱，他承諾向65 歲以上合資格長者每月發放三千元津貼。他致力在未來五年內在六大優勢?業創造約十萬個就業機會。成立中產專責委員會，評估中產家庭面對問題。

The Legislative Council president, Tsang Yok-sing, has rejected suggestions from some members that lawmakers' salaries should be linked to their performance. Mr Tsang said it was difficult to measure the work of legislators. He also said the decision to delay consideration of a proposal to link pay to that of senior officials - in effect doubling members' salaries - reflected the controversial nature of the idea.
立法會主席曾鈺成拒絕接受建議，將立法會議員薪酬與議員工作表現掛�u；他表示，評該議員的工作並不容易。他亦指出，擱置提議立法會議員薪酬與局長掛�u -- 實際上將議員薪酬加倍，反映提議的爭議性。

The government has taken its first legal action against an agent who assisted a pregnant woman from the mainland to come to Hong Kong to give birth. The mainland woman took commissions ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Her principal duty was to accompany her clients for prenatal care and to book maternity beds and hotels. She pleaded guilty to breaching the condition of her stay.
政府首次提出訴訟，檢控協助內地孕婦來港產子的中介人，該名內地婦人收取佣金數百元至數千元不等，主要職責是陪同孕婦顧客到港，安排產前檢查、預約�H位、提供旅館居住。她承認一項違反逗留條件罪名。

The government is expecting a labour shortage to develop in the next six years because of an aging population. By 2018, there will be a surplus of 8,500 workers with a lower education, but a shortage of another 22,000 with upper secondary and sub-degree qualifications. Most of the job growth will be in financial services, construction, and the information industries.
政府估計因為人口老化，六年後將出現勞工短缺，到2018年，低學歷的人力過剩將有8500人； 而高中及副學位人才短缺就有2萬2000人。大部分工作增長的行業將會是金融服務業、建造業及資訊通訊業。

The YWCA, a government-funded social welfare service, has been criticized for providing accommodation packages for pregnant mainlanders. The YWCA childbirth packages rent out "delivery suites" at HK$20,800 a month in four of its hostels. Expectant mothers are not required to show proof of a hospital appointment. The YWCA said the packages not only target mainlanders but also expectant mothers from all over the world.
獲政府資助的香港基督教女青年會，被批評為內地孕婦提供「分娩住宿套餐」，基督教女青年會旗下四家賓館以20,800月租出租分娩套房，孕婦不需出示醫院預約証明。女青年會表示，套餐的對象不僅是內地孕婦，亦包括來自世界各地的孕婦。

The Hong Kong Housing Society has launched a quality retirement scheme for well-off senior citizens that it calls "Joyous Living." A total of 1,538 units will be provided for people aged 60 and above. An applicant will pay a lump sum of several million dollars to get a lifelong lease, along with a monthly management fee. But a legislator said the society could have spent the resources on building more homes for the sandwich class.
房協為富裕長者推出一個優質退休計劃，命名為「雋逸生活」，提供超過1500個單位，對象是60歲以上的長者。申請人要先繳付一筆過數百萬元的「租住權費」和每月管理費。但有立法會議員表示，房協應將資源興建更多單位給夾心階層。

Thousands of people have signed an online petition against a move to allow mainland visitors to drive across the border into Hong Kong, many citing safety concerns, and expressing fears that the roads will become even more congested. The government said a new scheme starting next month would apply only to Hong Kong drivers crossing into the mainland for sightseeing and leisure purposes.
數千人發起網上請願，反對內地旅客自駕遊香港，他們舉出安全的憂慮，恐怕交通更加擠塞。政府表示，下月落實首階段計畫，只限港人駕車往內地觀光和休閒目的。

A 26-year-old runner collapsed and died while taking part in the Standard Chartered Marathon and two others are in critical condition in hospital. The tragedy has prompted organizers to reconsider whether to require distance runners to provide medical records. A doctor said the man who died yesterday most likely had hidden health problems.
一名26歲跑手在渣打馬拉松賽事中暈倒，送院後不治，另外兩人危殆。這不幸事件促使主辦組織重新考慮要求所有長跑參賽者提供醫生證明。有醫生說，死者的死因可能與隱性疾病有關。

The head of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Lam Woon-kwong, has said it understands local people's strong feelings about the strain on medical and other resources caused by the influx of mainlanders. But he said problems could not be resolved through name-calling and accusations. He said the issues required careful consultation between the SAR and Central governments.
平機會主席林煥光表示，他解香港市民對內地人湧港令醫療及其他資源造成壓力的強烈情緒，但問題不可透過謾罵及指責來解決，需要中央政府及特區政府謹慎協商。

The Financial Secretary, John Tsang, has denied that his budget fails to help underprivileged people who don't receive welfare payments or live in public housing. Mr. Tsang said the needy would benefit from an increase in the government's regular spending on public services. He said they could also obtain help through the food bank or Community Care fund.
財政司司長曾俊華否認預算案未有顧及沒有領取援助金及居住公屋之貧困人士。曾俊華表示，貧窮人士會受惠政府經常性公共服務開支，他們可通過食物銀行或關愛基金受助。

The Equal Opportunities Commission has expressed concern over a full-page advertisement published in a Chinese newspaper on Wednesday depicting mainlanders as locusts. But the EOC says such strong sentiments only heighten social tension and mutual hostility, debase Hong Kong people and damage the city's friendly image. The EOC calls for tolerance and rational debate.
平等機會委員會關注有中文報章於星期三刊出全版廣告，稱內地人士為「蝗蟲」。平機會表示，這些強烈情緒只會令社會更緊張，令雙方有更多敵意，令香港人降格，損害香港友善的形象。平機會呼籲港人應保持寬容和理性的討論。

The Financial Secretary, John Tsang, presented an HK$80 billion basket of relief and fiscal measures to help local residents and businesses through what he described as a 'difficult and thorny year'. The government sweeteners include tax rebates of up to HK$12,000 for salary earners, an electricity subsidy of HK$1,800, and enhanced loan guarantees to small businesses.
財政司司長曾俊華發表八百億元的一籃子紓困財政措施，協助居民及企業應付他所稱棘手困難的一年。政府派糖包括寬減薪俸稅，上限一萬二千元、電費補貼一千八百元及增加中小企貸款擔保。

Complaints against online shopping surged dramatically last year. From just two cases in 2010, the number of complaints rose to 548 last year. Most of the complaints concerned non-delivery and quality of goods or services. The Consumer Council said many trading portals were located outside Hong Kong and fell outside SAR jurisdiction. The council will discuss with Hong Kong law enforcers ways to plug the loophole.
去年涉及網上購物的投訴急增，由2010年的兩宗，激增至去年五百四十八宗，大部分的投訴是關於收不到貨及貨不對辦。消費者委員會表示，境外商戶不受本港司法管轄，消委會將會與本港執法機關相商討，堵塞漏洞的方法。

A mental outpatient went berserk and slashed a security guard to death with a chopper at a Sheung Shui public housing estate. Police say they had received six reports of domestic violence and drunkenness involving the suspect's family in the past two years. The brutal killing has renewed concern about follow-up services for mental patients.
上水一公屋�h一名精神科門診病人突然狂怒，用菜刀砍死保安員。警方表示，疑兇家庭過去兩年曾發生六宗家暴及醉酒事件。這殘忍的謀殺令人再次關注到神科病人的跟進服務。

Hong Kong University medical students are conducting two signature campaigns. One group has launched a signature campaign calling for food-energy labelling in fast food outlets. Another group is petitioning for a law banning the display of tobacco products at points of sale in order to discourage people from picking up the habit.
香港大學醫科學生舉辦兩個簽名運動。一組醫學生發起簽名運動，促請立法要求快餐店實施能量標籤; 另一組醫科學生要求當局立法禁止煙草零售點展示煙草產品，以防止人們習染吸煙習慣。

The Executive Director of the Travel Industry Council, Joseph Tung, says he expects slower growth in the number of visitors to Hong Kong from mainland China this year. Mr Tung said the anticipated slowdown was linked to a slowing mainland economy. He said Hong Kong was still a very attractive destination for mainlanders.
旅遊業議會總幹事董耀中表示，他預料內地經濟放緩，令今年訪港內地旅客人數增長放緩，但香港仍是內地旅客一個很有吸引力的旅遊目的地。

The police arrested five people in connection with a street deception case in Tuen Mun. Three men and two women from the mainland tried to cheat an elderly woman out of HK$300,000. The suspects told the victim that her family had been possessed by an evil spirit, and handing over valuables or money for a ritual would drive it away.
警方拘捕5人，懷疑他們涉及屯門一宗街頭行騙案有關， 2男3女來自內地試圖行騙一名老婦30萬元。疑犯告訢受害者，她的家人有冤魂纏身，需要交出財物及金錢祈福才能驅走冤魂。

The government has issued guidelines urging businesses to reduce light pollution from advertising boardings and other external sources. The guidelines call for unnecessary lighting to be turned off after 11pm, and when businesses are closed. The government also wants to see more automatic lighting controls, improved energy efficiency measures and better designs.
政府推出指引，要求商戶減少廣告板及其他戶外來源的燈光污染。指引要求商戶在營業時間結束或晚上11時後關掉不必要的燈光。政府想見到更多的自動調節燈光控制設施、改進過的能源效益措施，以及更佳之燈光裝置設計。

More than 800 passengers were left stranded in the air for over one hour after the Ngong Ping 360 cable car service on Lantau was hit by a technical problem. The company said the problem was caused by a pulley which wasn't running smoothly, causing the automated system to grind to a halt. The cable car service will be suspended for 10 days for checks to be carried out.
昂坪360纜車因為技術出現問題，逾八百名乘客被困半空中超過一小時。昂坪360解釋，事故是因為一個滑輪運作不暢順，導致自動監察系統停止纜車運作，纜車服務暫停10日，以便檢查。

Heung Yee Kuk Chairman Lau Wong-fat yesterday picked a fortune stick on behalf of the Hong Kong people at Che Kung Temple. He drew number 29, which is considered "average". According to an interpreter, the stick showed that Hong Kong will face some problems this year, but if people know how to solve them, it will bode well for the territory.
鄉議局主席劉皇發到沙田車公廟，為香港求得第廿九籤中籤。解籤人解釋，籤文內容寓意本港今年會遇到問題，但如果能夠修正問題，全香港都會很好。

Hundreds of people visited the Wishing Tree in Tai Po to ask for good fortune on the first day of the Lunar New Year. They threw wish-making papers into the tree's branches to make wishes come true. In the evening, a New Year parade, involving 12 floats and 23 performing groups was held in Tsim Sha Tsui. The New Year parade has become a tradition of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong.
農曆年初一，不少人到大埔許願樹祈福，拋寶牒上樹幹，令願望實驗。新春花車巡遊匯演晚上在尖沙咀舉行，有12輛花車及23支表演隊伍參與，新春花車巡遊，已經成為香港的重點賀歲節目之一。

In his Lunar New Year message, the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang, says all Hong Kong people regardless of their race, position or age belong to one big family - a family whose members love and help one another. Mr. Tsang wished everyone a lively, happy and bright Year of the Dragon.
行政長官曾蔭權發表農曆新年賀詞，表示香港人不分年齡、膚色和階層，都是一家人，互相扶持和愛護。祝願每個香港人龍年都龍精虎猛、充滿喜悅。

Peking University professor Kong Qingdong, who said Hongkongers are dogs, denied having said so yesterday, saying media outlets had "maliciously twisted his speech". Speaking in an internet talk show on Thursday, he said Hongkongers who refused to identify themselves as Chinese were "running dogs of the British government". He also criticised Hongkongers for discriminating against mainlanders.
北大教授孔慶東昨日否認他曾說過香人是狗，反指傳媒惡意歪曲他的言論。上周四他在網上訪談節目中表示，香港人拒絕認同中國人，是英國政府的走狗，他又批評港人歧視內地人。

The parents of a new born baby who suffered oxygen deprivation during delivery, have accused Queen Elizabeth Hospital of refusing to take responsibility for the incident. They say it could have been avoided if the surgeons allowed the baby to be delivered by caesarean section. In response, Queen Elizabeth Hospital said the incident was caused by a rare complication during delivery.
伊利沙伯醫院一名初生嬰兒分娩時缺氧，嬰兒父母指責醫院無承認責任，他們認為如果醫生淮許剖腹生產，事件可以避免。伊利沙伯醫院回應稱，事件是由於分娩時發生罕見的併發症。

Hong Kong's unemployment rate fell from 3.4% in September-November 2011 to 3.3% in October-December 2011. The drop was due to the strong growth in domestic demand. But analysts have cautioned job seekers that they face a challenging environment, especially since employers are still cautious about hiring.
本港去年十月至十二月失業率由九月至十一月百分之三點四回落至百分之三點三，下跌是由於本地消費需求強勁。但分析師告誡求職者，他們會面對一個挑戰性環境，由於僱主雇用員工仍然小心謹慎。

A dietitian offered tips for eating the traditional poon choi or Big Bowl Feast. "We have to be aware of sauces like oyster sauce and fermented tofu that contain a large portion of fat and salt. Avoid eating the foods lying at the bottom layer, as they may have absorbed a lot of fat from the meat. Eat healthy by taking note of the amount you consume and how the food is cooked."
營養師給我們一些吃傳統盆菜的建議。我們要注意高油高鹽的醬汁如蠔油和腐乳，盆菜底部的食物吸油最多，少食為妙。吃得健康，要留意進食的數量及食物的烹調方法。

The police are setting up a Cyber Security Centre to combat the rising number of cybercrimes. The police recorded 2,206 cases of hi-tech crime last year, up 34.3 per cent. The Police Commissioner, Andy Tsang, said in the past such cybercrimes involved mostly computer games, but they now involve internet fraud and the hacking of computers.
警方正設立網絡安全中心打擊上升的網絡犯罪，警方去年錄得科二千二百零六宗科技罪案，按年增三成四。警務處處長曾偉雄表示，以往網絡犯罪主要涉及電腦遊戲，但現時涉及網絡詐騙及入侵電腦。

Greenpeace claims more than 92 percent of fruits and vegetables in Hong Kong are contaminated with pesticides and 13 percent are also tainted with two chemicals banned in the mainland. The two chemicals are toxic and cause breathing difficulties, spasms or even loss of consciousness. Greenpeace criticizes the government for not doing enough to assure food safety.
綠色和平聲稱，在香港超級巿場發現超過九成蔬果受農藥污染，另有一成三受兩種內地被禁的化學肥料污染。這兩種化學肥料有毒，進食後會出現呼吸困難、抽搐、甚至失去知覺。綠色和平批評政府在保障食物安全上做得不足夠。

About 600 expectant mothers and parents marched yesterday to protest against the shortage of maternity beds and urge the government to stop giving permanent residency to babies born in Hong Kong whose parents are both from the mainland. In response, Hospital Authority Chief Executive Leung Pak-yin said the authority will consider raising the price for mainlanders who give birth in emergency wards.
六百名本地孕婦及家長昨天遊行，抗議產房不足，並促請政府停止給予父親母親都不是香港人的小童居留權。醫院管理局考慮增加「衝急症室」分娩收費。

Taking the government's line may not necessarily ensure good results in the new upper secondary liberal studies examination, a Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority assessment official says. A clear, consistent argument and clarity of thought matter more. Political ideologies would not be taken into account.
考評局一名評核官表示，新高中通識科考生根隨政府立場未必能取得好成績，清晰的、前後一致的理據及思想清楚更緊要，並不會考慮政治意識形態的。

The Home Affairs Department has formed a dedicated team to help ethnic minorities integrate into the community. The team has introduced district-based integration programmes and will launch an ambassador scheme this year to reach out to ethnic minorities and introduce them to suitable services.
民政事務總署已成立了一隊專職人員，加強協助少數族裔人士融入社區。專職隊已推行以地區為本的「融入社區計劃」，以及在本年推行大使計劃，主動接觸少數族裔人士，為他們轉介合適的服務。

For the first time Chinese scientists have found that Internet addiction can be as damaging as being hooked on heroin. Spending excessive time online harms white matter tissue in the brain. Sufferers report a compulsion to stay online for longer and longer periods, and then experience withdrawal symptoms such as depression when trying to cut down.
中國科學家首次發現，網路成癮症損害性如與吸食鴉片等毒品導致上癮的人士十分相似。過度使用網路會損害大腦白質組織，受害者強迫性地用愈來愈多時間上網，當嘗試削減時會有斷癮症狀如抑鬱等。

Two activists were jailed for two weeks for snatching a microphone and frightening Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng Yu-wah during a protest against MTR fare rises. They threw paper offerings and rushed on stage, causing disorder in a public place. The magistrate refused to accept the men's claim that they were behaving in the name of freedom of speech.
兩名社運人士在抗議港鐵加價示威中搶咪，令運輸及房屋局局長鄭汝樺受驚，被判監十四天。兩人撒溪錢及衝上台，擾亂公眾秩序。裁判官不接納兩人聲稱，他們是表達言論自由。

The government has launched a three-month public consultation on whether fees should be charged for the disposal of solid waste. The Environmental Protection Department has proposed four schemes. These include a quantity-based system, a fixed rate, a proxy system based on the amount of water used, and only billing the commercial and industrial sectors. The aim is to reduce the generation of waste.
政府就固體廢物收費，諮詢公眾3個月。環保署提出四種收費模式，包括按量、定額、參考用水量以及只向工商業收垃圾費，目的是減少廢物的產生。

The Secretary for Justice, Wong Yan-lung, said that several court decisions last year had attracted comments, favourable or adverse, in the media and other public arenas. But he stressed that judicial decisions must be independent and impartial and must not be dictated by public opinion or convenience.
律政司司長黃仁龍表示去年多宗法庭判決備受媒體及公眾正面或負面評論，但他強調司法決定必須獨立和不偏不倚，絕不能受公眾意見或權宜方便所支配。

More than 1,000 people protested outside the Dolce & Gabbana store in Tsim Sha Tsui to demand an apology for alleged discrimination against locals banned from taking pictures of its storefront display. The protest had been organised on Facebook. The Italian luxury fashion brand shut its doors in anticipation of the crowds.
逾千人在尖沙咀D&G門外示威，要求店舖就早前涉嫌歧視港人，不准市民在店外拍照道歉。示威是在Facebook網上組織。該意大利名牌店預見人群聚集而關門。

A representative of Hong Kong's fishing industry yesterday vented his anger at government plans for land reclamation, saying they ignored the possible damage to fishermen's livelihoods. The government estimates Hong Kong's population will grow by 25 per cent from 7 million to 8.9 million by 2039, but some analysis suggests the projection could be too high by two million.
一名香港漁業聯盟代表對政府填海方案發洩怒氣，表示政府?略填海有可能損害漁民生計。政府估計至2039年香港人口會增加二成半至八百九十萬人，但有分析認為，預測可能高估二百萬。

Although Hong Kong is a shopping paradise, an international survey of 30 world-famous shopping streets puts Hong Kong in 29th place because of the unfriendly attitude of salespeople and poor sanitary conditions. The survey also revealed that six out of 10 pedestrians in the city proved unfriendly and unwilling to help tourists with directions. 
香港雖然是一個購物天堂，但一個國際調查報告在全球三十個城市的著名商業購物街評分排名中將香港列尾二，因為售貨員不友善態度和衛生情況差。調查又揭露，十個途人有六個不友善和沒有幫助遊客方向的意願。

The number of pregnant mainland women who turned up at local emergency wards to give birth without a booking was 1,656 - twice the number in the previous year. The Hospital Authority says both the mother and baby are taking high risks because facilities and manpower in emergency wards are different from standard obstetrics wards.
去年全年有1656名非本地孕婦未經預約前往急症室分娩，比前年增加超過 1倍。醫管局表示，產婦和胎兒都要承擔高風險，因為急症室的設備和人手有別於標準產房。

The government yesterday listed 25 possible reclamation sites outside Victoria Harbour that may be used to create the land bank. The sites include a mega artificial island south of Cheung Chau. Conservationists have reservations about some of the sites because the list includes areas of high ecological importance. For example, Chinese white dolphins are found in Sunny Bay and there are mangroves near Tai Po Kau.
政府昨日就維港以外填海開拓土地，提出25個選址，當中包括長洲南興建超人工島。環境保護人士對一些選址建議有保留意見，因為部分選址有重大生態價值，例如陰澳發現中華白海豚及大埔滘附近有紅樹林。

A clean-up operation is underway at the Government's new headquarters to disinfect their water systems tainted with potentially fatal bacteria. The bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease has been found in various parts of the new government complex at Tama, including the private washroom of the Chief Executive's Office and those of several ministers.  
新政府總部正在進行清洗工作，消毒受可致命病菌污染的供水系統。退伍軍人症桿菌在添馬新政府綜合大樓多處地方方發現，包括特首的私人洗手間及多名局長的私人洗手間。

About 20 members of the Middle-Class Alliance took part in a slow-drive protest, calling for greater tax allowances, a refund of property rates, and an increase in profits tax on businesses in the new budget. A spokesman for the alliance said the middle class carried the burden of support for the less well-off, and called for large companies to be made to contribute more.
約二十名中產聯盟成員參加慢駛遊行，要求新一份財政預算案調高公司利得稅、調高免稅額及退差餉。中產聯盟發言人表示，中產背著支援貧困的責任，他要求大財團捐獻更多。

An inexperienced driver of a light rail train travelling from Yuen Long to Tuen Mun Ferry Pier missed the stop at Tuen Mun Hospital station at 8am, preventing eight passengers from alighting. The MTR Corporation apologised to passengers and said the driver had been temporarily relieved of his driving duties.
由年資較淺的司機駕駛的一列從元朗開往屯門碼頭的輕鐵列車，昨日早上八時駛經屯門醫院站時飛站，乘客不能下車。港鐵向受影響的乘客致歉，指涉及事件的司機已被暫時解除職務駕駛職務。

Almost two thirds of Hongkongers say they have been happy with their lot in 2011 - the highest proportion in six years, according to a University of Hong Kong survey. However, only a third of people are happy with how Hong Kong has been run in the past 12 months. The main concerns were over housing, corruption and the wealth gap. Nearly half of the respondents said they were pessimistic about the coming year.
香港大學一項調查結果顯示，超過六成受訪市民認?自己過去一年活得快樂，這一數據創下6年來新高。不過只有三分一人對本港過去一年發展滿意，他們主要關心的是房屋、貪污及財富差距問題。近一半受訪者對來年感到悲觀。