Author: Cheung Wai-Man

A Hong Kong police officer is standing trial, accused of fraudulently obtaining approximately HK$46,000 in paid sick leave after allegedly misrepresenting his occupation to a physician. The case against Jeffrey Tam Shun-wai, 32, a serving officer, commenced Monday at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, focusing on allegations that he falsely claimed to be a fitness coach to secure extended medical leave.

Mr. Tam, who joined the police force in 2013, faces one count of fraud concerning sick notes issued between December 2019 and February 2020. Prosecutors contend that the officer misled the doctor into granting 54 days of leave, ultimately leading to the undue payment.

Doctor Testifies on Occupational Deception

The trial centers on the testimony of Dr. Wilson Tsang, who first examined Mr. Tam in September 2019. According to Dr. Tsang, Mr. Tam initially presented himself as a fitness coach who required intensive physical training for his employment. Based on this claimed occupational demand, the doctor issued an initial 110 days of sick leave.

During the consultation, Dr. Tsang inquired whether strenuous activity was critical to Mr. Tam’s job, to which the officer allegedly affirmed that high-intensity training was paramount and avoiding it was not an option permitted by his employer. Given the reported need for physical exertion and a medical issue requiring avoidance of heavy lifting, the doctor concluded that an extended period away from work was necessary for recovery. Dr. Tsang clarified in court that the lengthy rest period aligns with standards for strenuous sports injuries, not typical sick leave guidelines for less physically demanding roles.

Social Unrest Cited as Motive

The alleged deception came to light when Mr. Tam requested a medical report in February 2022 and revealed to the physician that he was, in fact, a police officer.

Dr. Tsang testified that when he confronted Mr. Tam about the earlier misrepresentation, the officer allegedly stated that he had lied because he did not want to be assigned to frontline duties amid the social unrest that gripped Hong Kong at the time.

The doctor stated that had he known Mr. Tam was a member of a disciplined service, the consultation and subsequent medical assessment would have been drastically different. Instead of issuing the substantial leave period, Dr. Tsang suggested he likely would have only issued two to three weeks of leave, coupled with a recommendation for light duty. Officers on light duty typically perform administrative or non-contact roles, avoiding street patrols or physically taxing assignments.

Allegations of Intent to Induce

The core of the prosecution’s case rests on the assertion that on October 17, 2019, Mr. Tam intended to induce Dr. Tsang to issue the prolonged sick notes by falsely claiming the physically demanding nature of his work. The resulting 54-day period covered a significant time frame when Mr. Tam, holding a police salary and benefits, would have received paid medical leave.

Mr. Tam, who was stationed in the Tsuen Wan Police District between September 2019 and October 2022, maintains his innocence. The trial continues, scrutinizing the professional duty of the officer versus the financial and ethical implications of alleged occupational fraud.

This case highlights the stringent requirements for proving deceit in obtaining government benefits and may prompt increased scrutiny of medical leave applications, particularly for employees within sensitive government roles. The verdict will determine the legal ramifications for both the officer’s actions and the potential breach of public trust.

JERUSALEM—Foreign visitor overnights in Israeli hotels registered their highest monthly total since the October 2023 Hamas attack, signaling a significant, albeit partial, rebound for the nation’s vital tourism sector, according to data released Monday by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). This marked growth in accommodation figures reflects a tentative return of international travelers following geopolitical shifts in the region, particularly the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire and a calming of tensions along the Lebanese border.

Surge in October Bookings

The figures show that overnight stays by international guests in Israeli hotels reached 382,100 in October, an increase of more than three hundred percent compared to the 115,700 stays recorded in October during the previous year. Industry analysts largely attribute this substantial month-over-month growth to the stabilization of security conditions throughout the summer and early autumn. The relative quiet in the Gaza Strip and the reduction of cross-border incidents with Lebanon were critical factors in restoring visitor confidence.

For the first ten months of the current year, cumulative statistics reveal 2.45 million international hotel overnights. This represents a robust 52 percent increase from the 1.61 million recorded during the equivalent ten-month span last year, highlighting a steady recovery trajectory as the immediate aftermath of the major hostilities faded.

Analyzing the Tourism Gap

Despite the encouraging resurgence, the tourism industry remains far from achieving pre-conflict performance levels. For context, during the first ten months of 2023, prior to the outbreak of violence, foreign visitors accounted for a massive 7.5 million overnight hotel stays. This disparity underscores the profound and sustained impact the conflict has had on Israel’s travel economy.

Key Recovery Statistics (January–October Comparison)

• Current Year: 2.45 million overnights
• Previous Year: 1.61 million overnights
• Pre-Conflict Peak (2023): 7.5 million overnights

While the year-over-year growth provides a much-needed boost to hoteliers and related businesses, the sector faces an ongoing challenge in bridging the gap left by the 5 million lost overnights compared to the industry’s previous peak.

Implications for Regional Travel

The observed pattern suggests that for leisure travel to thrive, sustained periods of regional stability are indispensable. Travel advisories and insurance premiums typically relax gradually after cessation of hostilities, leading to delayed but eventual increases in bookings.

Looking ahead, industry stakeholders are focusing on marketing campaigns aimed at specific, traditionally resilient source markets, such as North America and segments of Europe, that have historically shown faster willingness to return after geopolitical disruptions. Continued efforts to guarantee tourist safety and promote diverse destination options beyond conflict zones will be crucial in ensuring that this recovery trend becomes a lasting foundation for the future of Israeli tourism.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recently confirmed the 71st imported case of Chikungunya fever this calendar year, following the diagnosis of a viral infection in a Fanling resident. This latest development underscores the perennial risk of emerging infectious diseases complicated by international travel. Health authorities are simultaneously investigating a potential local transmission cluster in Tsing Yi, advising residents and recent hikers to remain vigilant for symptoms. The announcement follows laboratory confirmation of the mosquito-borne illness in a 60-year-old woman who recently traveled through mainland China.

The patient, a resident of Fanling, exhibited characteristic Chikungunya symptoms—namely joint pain and a rash—on Nov. 22. Her symptoms developed shortly after a period of travel that included a visit to Guizhou province from Nov. 10 to 17, followed by a stop in Shenzhen from Nov. 18 to 19. She sought medical care at North District Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department the following day. Health officials have officially classified this infection as travel-related and plan to notify mainland health counterparts.

Global Context and Local Transmission Concerns

The rising number of imported cases in Hong Kong mirrors a substantial global burden of the disease. Worldwide surveillance data indicates that since the beginning of the year, over 445,000 suspected and confirmed Chikungunya cases have been reported across 40 nations and territories, resulting in 155 fatalities.

Domestically, the CHP is conducting an intensive epidemiological investigation into a potential localized nexus of transmission in Tsing Yi. Five recently confirmed imported cases reside in this district, with initial inquiries suggesting that the individuals shared overlapping activities, particularly around the Tsing Yi town center and the Tsing Yi Nature Trails.

In response to this potential cluster, the CHP has issued a formal alert to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to initiate enhanced, targeted mosquito control operations within the identified high-risk areas. Chikungunya is typically spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

Health Advisory for Travelers and Public

The CHP strongly advises all outbound travelers to meticulously review the health situations of their intended destinations before departure, emphasizing the need to practice strict personal protective measures against mosquito bites.

For individuals who have recently visited or hiked the Tsing Yi Nature Trails since Nov. 1, health officials urge them to immediately seek medical attention if they develop any key symptoms associated with Chikungunya, such as fever, severe joint pain, or a rash. The CHP is utilizing genomic sequencing technology in an effort to establish any potential biological links between the current cases, which will clarify if any local transmission has occurred.

As a readily available resource, the department maintains an enquiry hotline, operational daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., although no symptomatic inquiries related to the Tsing Yi cluster have been reported in the past 24 hours. Heightened public awareness and proactive mosquito eradication remain critical to preventing an autochthonous outbreak in Hong Kong’s densely populated environment.

The Cathay Group, encompassing Cathay Pacific and HK Express, reported significantly robust passenger and cargo traffic figures for October 2025, signaling continued recovery and expansion, according to data released on November 24, 2025, in Hong Kong. The combined carriers transported over 3.2 million passengers during the month, marking a 21% increase from September. Concurrently, Cathay Cargo handled more than 150,000 tonnes of freight, reflecting a 12% month-on-month rise.

This surge was attributed to a strategic combination of regional holidays, heightened corporate travel, and strong forward momentum in the global cargo sector. Cathay Group’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, confirmed that demand throughout October remained buoyant, supported by both leisure and business segments.

Passenger Traffic Soars Amid Holiday and Business Season

Cathay Pacific’s passenger traffic in October 2025 saw a substantial 29% year-on-year increase, while Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) grew by 26%. Year-to-date figures underscore this growth, with passenger numbers for the first 10 months of 2025 up 27% compared to the previous year.

Early in the month, key regional holidays, including the National Day Golden Week and the Mid-Autumn Festival, spurred considerable leisure traffic. This resulted in strong flows of travelers from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong and onto long-haul destinations. Later in October, the corporate segment drove premium-cabin bookings, benefiting from major Hong Kong and Mainland exhibitions such as the Canton Fair, the Electronics Fair, and the China Toy Fair, attracting inbound professional travelers from international markets.

This diverse demand resulted in a network-wide load factor of 86%, the highest recorded for October in recent years, demonstrating efficient capacity utilization. Low-cost carrier HK Express also performed strongly, carrying over 680,000 passengers, a 32% year-on-year increase. Its load factor nearly matched capacity growth, demonstrating the effectiveness of the expanded network.

In expanding its global footprint, Cathay Pacific recently introduced a daily direct service to Changsha and resumed a seasonal, thrice-weekly route to Adelaide, Australia. HK Express is also launching daily flights to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. During the winter season, the Group plans to operate approximately 330 weekly round trips to the Chinese Mainland, close to 100 to Oceania, and over 430 to Southeast Asia.

Cargo Services Experience Festive Period Boost

Cathay Cargo’s operational strength continued, reporting a 6% increase in freight volume compared to October 2024, with Available Freight Tonne Kilometers (AFTK) up 8%. Cumulative tonnage for the first 10 months of 2025 was 10% higher year-on-year, illustrating consistent growth across market cycles.

Lau highlighted that the cargo momentum strengthened across most regions despite local holidays. There was robust uptake for specialized services, specifically Cathay Fresh for transporting fresh produce from Southeast Asia and Oceania to Hong Kong, and chilled salmon from South America to the Chinese Mainland.

Furthermore, the Cathay Priority service reported solid growth from Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area, likely driven by heightened demand for time-sensitive commodities ahead of the critical year-end sales and festive season. Demand is expected to remain healthy throughout the remainder of the peak season, maintaining high load factors on crucial trade routes.

Looking ahead, forward bookings for the critical Christmas peak are strong, with significant inbound traffic anticipated from North America, the United Kingdom, and other European markets, largely fueled by visits to friends and relatives (VFR) travel. The Group remains focused on maximizing its network performance and stimulating traffic across high-demand areas.

United Christian Hospital (UCH) in Hong Kong successfully contained an outbreak of Influenza A in its paediatric ward this past week, confirming the discharge of three adolescent patients affected by the virus, the hospital announced Monday. The incident, which began on Nov. 17, prompted heightened infection control measures and contact tracing efforts within the facility to prevent further transmission.

The three patients, ranging in age from 12 to 15, were admitted after developing fever and various respiratory symptoms. Subsequent medical tests confirmed that all three individuals were positive for the Influenza A virus. Public health officials had previously noted the severity of the infections, with two of the teenagers reported to have been in serious condition during their hospitalization. The decision to discharge the patients follows their full recovery and the successful containment of the immediate threat within the ward.

Implementing Enhanced Control Measures

In response to the cluster of cases, UCH immediately activated advanced infection control protocols to safeguard other vulnerable patients and staff. The cornerstone of the hospital’s strategy focused on strict hygiene and environmental disinfection.

Key Infection Control Steps:

• Deep Disinfection: A thorough cleaning and comprehensive disinfection process was conducted throughout the affected paediatric and adolescent ward.
• Hygiene Reinforcement: Hand hygiene practices for all healthcare personnel and patients were rigorously reinforced.
• Precautionary Isolation: Droplet and contact isolation precautions, essential for managing respiratory illnesses like influenza, were strictly maintained for all suspected and confirmed cases.

A hospital spokesperson confirmed that these measures were applied immediately upon identification of the viral cluster, allowing the medical team to manage the situation effectively and prevent wider spread.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Health Reporting

The outbreak was formally reported to both the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), ensuring transparency and compliance with public health mandates. Continuous monitoring of the ward environment remains active to detect any potential new cases early.

Furthermore, the hospital is adhering to established public health guidelines regarding contact tracing. This crucial step involves identifying and assessing individuals who may have been exposed to the confirmed patients—including family members, visitors, and other hospital personnel—to mitigate the risk of community or further institutional spread.

The swift resolution of this hospital-based outbreak underscores the necessity of proactive surveillance and robust preparedness in clinical settings, particularly with highly transmissible seasonal viruses such as Influenza A. While influenza activity varies annually, healthcare institutions must maintain vigilance through vaccination campaigns, rapid testing, and stringent infection control protocols to protect high-risk populations, including geriatric and pediatric patients.

The successful management of this localized incident serves as a reminder to the public about the necessity of standard preventative measures, including routine handwashing and seeking prompt medical attention for significant respiratory symptoms. Individuals who qualify for the free or subsidized seasonal influenza vaccination are strongly encouraged to receive the immunization to protect both themselves and the community.

A controversial video depicting a couple allegedly engaging in inappropriate sexual activity within a busy Taiwanese shopping center has recently resurfaced on Hong Kong social media, prompting widespread public outrage and triggering a police investigation into potential violations of public decency laws.

The footage, purported to be filmed at a mall in Taoyuan, Taiwan, shows two individuals on a circular seating area prominently displayed in the common space. Bystanders and nearby retail employees appear visibly shocked by the behavior captured on the 27-second clip. While the incident reportedly took place in Taiwan in late February 2024, its subsequent virality on Hong Kong platforms has reignited a discussion about acceptable public conduct and the rapid spread of sensitive content online.

Legal and Social Ramifications

Following the initial circulation, Taiwanese authorities confirmed they had identified the individuals involved. Police indicated that if the behavior depicted clearly constitutes public indecency, the case would be formally referred for prosecution. Laws concerning public indecency aim to protect the communal environment and prevent distress or offense to members of the public using shared spaces.

The social media reaction has been critical, with many users condemning the couple’s actions as “shameless” and highly inconsiderate of the public setting, particularly given the potential proximity of children and families. Commenters frequently mocked the pair for prioritizing attention over discretion.

Key Issues Highlighted by the Event:

• Public Decorum: The fundamental tension between private behavior and the required decorum in shared commercial and public spaces.
• Retail Staff Impact: The incident placed retail staff in an uncomfortable and unprofessional situation, highlighting the need for mall security to promptly address highly disruptive public acts.
• Digital Ethics: The relentless sharing and reposting of the material across borders raise ethical and legal questions regarding the dissemination of potentially illegal or embarrassing content.

Police Urge Restraint on Sharing Content

Authorities in Taiwan have issued stern reminders to both the public and internet users regarding the dissemination of the video. Officials stressed that citizens must refrain from engaging in conduct that offends public decency in communal areas.

Crucially, they also cautioned against continuing to share or repost the sexually suggestive images or video footage. Unlawfully circulating content that violates privacy or public decency standards can, in itself, lead to legal consequences, particularly under privacy and obscenity laws prevalent in both Taiwan and Hong Kong.

This incident serves as a significant reminder of the cultural and legal standards governing behavior in shared urban environments. As footage continues to travel rapidly across digital platforms irrespective of geographic borders, the public and law enforcement face ongoing challenges in enforcing boundaries of decency and privacy in the digital age. Media outlets have stressed the importance of respectful behavior in shared spaces to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all patrons.

Beijing, China – China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly urged Japan this week to provide substantive clarification regarding its enduring policy positions on Taiwan, cautioning that rhetorical assurances risk undermining bilateral trust if not supported by concrete actions. Spokesperson Mao Ning stated Monday that continued ambiguity and perceived contradictory conduct from Tokyo could violate the foundational one-China principle, a core diplomatic tenet for Beijing that it stresses requires adherence from international partners.

The formal challenge follows recent Japanese statements, notably during the G20 summit, where officials maintained that assertions of a policy shift on Taiwan were baseless and that Tokyo’s consistent stance had been repeatedly shared with Beijing. However, Ms. Mao indicated that mere repetition of an unchanged position lacks credibility if Japan’s activities are seen as crossing sensitive political boundaries, stating that vague assurances are “meaningless” without corresponding conduct.

During a regular press briefing, the spokesperson underscored that the one-China principle is an established international consensus, a point Beijing frequently emphasizes when discussing foreign engagement with Taiwan. Taiwan is governed independently, but Beijing views it as a breakaway province destined for reunification, by force if necessary. This complex relationship forms the most sensitive nerve in Sino-Japanese diplomacy.

Ms. Mao called for significant strategic reflection from Tokyo, pressing the Japanese government to genuinely address China’s pointed concerns. She stressed that Japan must move beyond verbal commitments, instead instituting “corrective measures” and demonstrating its diplomatic fidelity through tangible deeds.

Bridging the Rhetoric-Action Gap

The crux of Beijing’s recent communication centers on the perceived gap between Japan’s diplomatic rhetoric and its operational activities related to Taiwan. China accuses Japan of sending “misleading signals” by potentially deepening unofficial ties or security arrangements that Beijing interprets as undermining the one-China framework.

For Japan, maintaining a delicate balance is crucial. While officially normalizing diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1972 under the condition of recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China, Tokyo continues to foster robust, albeit officially non-governmental, economic and cultural exchanges with Taiwan. Japan also views security stability in the Taiwan Strait as paramount to its own national security.

Toward Concrete Action

Beijing’s latest statement is a clear diplomatic signal intended to push Japan toward greater transparency and constraint regarding its interactions with Taipei. The expectation, as outlined by Ms. Mao, is that Japan must ensure its future actions unequivocally align with its publicly declared diplomatic policy toward the region.

Failure to demonstrate this consistency, according to the Foreign Ministry, risks further eroding the political basis of bilateral relations and escalating tensions in East Asia. As key regional powers, the diplomatic stability between China and Japan remains a pivotal factor in maintaining broader geopolitical equilibrium. Observers will closely watch for specific measures Japan might take in the coming weeks to address Beijing’s demands for concrete policy demonstration.

BEIJING — China publicly denounced Japan’s reported intentions to deploy offensive military equipment closer to Taiwan, characterizing the strategy as highly precarious and a deliberate provocation of regional instability. Speaking at a routine press conference on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged neighboring nations and the global community to exercise exceptional alertness regarding Tokyo’s actions.

The condemnation follows reports detailing Japan’s plans to upgrade its defensive posture, which Beijing interprets as an offensive move near the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Mao asserted that these actions directly contribute to escalating regional tensions and increase the immediate risk of military conflict. The spokesperson also specifically addressed recent remarks by Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, labeling them as “erroneous” and necessitating serious caution throughout East Asia.

Regional Tensions and Historical Context

China’s response frames the reported Japanese military build-up within a broader historical and diplomatic context. Mao emphasized that Beijing will actively prevent what it terms the “far-right forces in Japan” from revising historical narratives concerning World War II and the subsequent post-war order. Furthermore, China explicitly stated its refusal to tolerate any external involvement concerning Taiwan, which it considers an internal matter, or any perceived rise of what it terms “Japanese militarism.”

The spokesperson underscored the foundational principle guiding Beijing’s reaction: safeguarding its territorial sovereignty.

“China maintains both the unwavering determination and the complete capability to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Mao asserted during the press briefing.

Implications for East Asian Security

This diplomatic flare-up highlights the deepening security dilemma gripping East Asia, primarily driven by evolving defense strategies and unresolved historical grievances. Japan, increasingly concerned about potential regional conflicts, particularly concerning Taiwan, has signaled intentions to bolster its defense capabilities and potentially deploy longer-range missiles.

Beijing views any enhancement of military presence near Taiwan—whether by the United States or its allies like Japan—as direct interference in its internal affairs and a challenge to the “One China” principle. The deployment of advanced or offensive weaponry in the region, particularly those capable of reaching the mainland, significantly raises the strategic stakes.

Key Concerns Cited by China:

• Risk of Military Confrontation: Increased proximity of advanced offensive weapons raises the likelihood of miscalculation.
• Historical Revisionism: Efforts perceived as downplaying Japan’s wartime past often fuel diplomatic friction.
• Sovereignty Violation: Any foreign military action concerning Taiwan is viewed as infringing upon China’s territorial claims.

For international observers, the incident underscores the intense political pressure exerted on regional security architectures. The dynamic interplay between Japan’s self-defense upgrade and China’s firm response creates a precarious security environment demanding high-level diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation. Moving forward, the global community will closely monitor Japan’s deployment intentions and China’s subsequent countermeasures in the strategic maritime area.

A devastating traffic collision occurred in Hong Kong’s bustling Mong Kok district Monday afternoon when a tour bus fatally struck an elderly pedestrian, leading to significant road closures and a police investigation. The incident, reported around 3:48 p.m., took place at the busy intersection of Sai Yee Street and Argyle Street.

The victim, believed to be approximately 80 years old, was hit by the tour bus as it was executing a left turn from Sai Yee Street onto Argyle Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene but confirmed the woman had sustained critical, fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on site. The severity of the impact suggested the vehicle’s right rear wheel may have run over the pedestrian.

Collision Aftermath and Investigation

Police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash, securing the area around the junction. Investigators questioned the male driver of the coach, who remained at the scene. The tour bus was reportedly carrying a group of Indonesian tourists. Following the incident, the passengers were transferred to another vehicle to allow the police to process the scene.

Initial findings suggest the elderly woman may have been collecting recyclable materials at the time of the collision. A pile of waste paper was discovered near the junction, some of which appeared to have been dragged partway into the carriageway by the vehicle. The presence of these materials paints a poignant picture of the victim’s activities just moments before the tragedy.

The busy Mong Kok thoroughfares experienced immediate and substantial traffic disruptions as authorities worked to manage the situation and conduct forensic groundwork.

Key Traffic Impacts:

• Argyle Street Westbound: Lanes near Sai Yee Street were partially closed, channeling traffic into remaining open lanes and causing bottlenecks toward Tai Kok Tsui.
• Sai Yee Street: The entire stretch between Nelson Street and Argyle Street was completely shut down to facilitate the investigation.

Motorists were strongly advised to seek alternative routes as heavy congestion rapidly developed across the vicinity.

Safety Concerns at Busy City Intersections

This tragic event highlights the persistent safety challenges faced by pedestrians, particularly vulnerable seniors, navigating high-traffic urban intersections like those in Mong Kok. City planners and traffic safety experts consistently stress the importance of defensive driving and adherence to strict turning rules around pedestrian crossings.

Hong Kong’s highly dense environment means heavy vehicles, like tour coaches, frequently share tight spaces with foot traffic. Pedestrian safety advocates routinely call for clearer road markings, extended crossing times, and better sight lines at critical junctions to mitigate the risk of such fatal collisions, especially in areas frequented by the elderly and individuals engaging in recycling for a livelihood.

Authorities continue their inquiries, seeking to determine whether factors such as speed, visibility, or right-of-way violations contributed to Monday’s fatal crash. The outcome of the investigation will likely lead to possible prosecution and may prompt reviews of traffic management protocols at this notoriously busy intersection.

Hong Kong fitness enthusiasts who are clients of Levana Fitness are expressing significant concern this week following allegations that the multi-branch gym operator has failed to pay numerous personal trainers for months, potentially leaving members stranded with costly, unused training packages.

The situation came to light on Monday, November 24, 2025, after a Levana client alerted media outlets to internal discussions claiming several coaches at the health and leisure operator were preparing legal action to recover alleged wage arrears stretching back to August. The claims surface just over a year after the highly publicized downfall of another major local chain, Physical Fitness, raising anxieties across the city’s wellness sector. Levana Fitness operates multiple locations across Hong Kong, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, and Fortress Hill, as well as a branch in Shenzhen.

Trainer Pay Allegations Spark Client Concern

The claims center on significant salary discrepancies. According to the member who came forward, staff messages reviewed late Sunday indicated a concerted effort among trainers to file suit against Levana management over the outstanding wages.

More critical for clients is the potential loss of pre-paid services. The complainant, who is currently undergoing private training sessions with a Levana coach, noted he still holds five training hours. However, he cautioned that the collective burden on the wider membership could amount to “hundreds of hours” of training time that may not be honored if staff departures accelerate or if the company faces insolvency.

The member also alleged that the owner of Levana may currently be based in Shenzhen and urged the firm’s leadership to address the crisis immediately and take responsibility for the staff and client liabilities.

Echoes of Past Fitness Failures

These developments occur against the backdrop of recurrent instability in Hong Kong’s competitive gym market. The most recent, and arguably most prominent, failure was that of Physical Fitness, which abruptly closed its doors last year.

The repercussions of that collapse continue to unfold in the courts. In August 2025, Luk Ngai-keung, the founder and director of Physical, was charged at Eastern Magistrates’ Court with 17 counts related to wrongly accepting payments. These charges involved around HK$320,000 from 11 customers between August 1 and September 5 of the prior year. The accusations were part of a wider legal battle concerning significant accumulated debts, including unpaid employee salaries, pension contributions, and rental liabilities. Physical was officially ordered to be wound up earlier this year by the court after being declared unable to service its extensive debts.

This precedent is amplifying customer apprehension regarding the security of their long-term contracts with smaller chains like Levana.

What Clients Can Do Now

For customers affected by the Levana allegations, understanding consumer rights and immediate action steps is vital:

• Document Everything: Retain all receipts, training agreements, records of completed sessions, and pre-payment details. Secure any communication from the gym operator or trainers regarding the current situation.
• Gauge Unused Hours: Calculate the exact monetary value of any unused training hours or untaken membership time.
• Seek Advice: If direct communication with Levana management fails, clients may consider filing a formal complaint with the Consumer Council. Employees with outstanding wage claims should contact the Labour Department. Legal counsel may be necessary if the company faces winding-up proceedings.

The Levana situation serves as a stark reminder for all fitness consumers in Hong Kong to exercise caution when purchasing long-term training packages, particularly those requiring significant upfront payments. The instability observed over the last two years underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting a gym’s financial health and utilizing reputable pre-paid service protection measures when available.