Author: Cheung Wai-Man

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) maintains a Standby Signal, No. 1 as Tropical Cyclone Fung-wong tracks across the South China Sea, influencing local weather and coastal safety through the middle of the week. While the system is currently maintaining a distance of over 600 kilometers from the territory, officials anticipate its closest approach between Tuesday night and Wednesday, requiring heightened vigilance regarding potential escalation to stronger wind signals.

Monitoring Fung-wong’s Trajectory and Strength

As of Monday, November 10, Fung-wong is forecast to gradually shift northwards over the northeastern sector of the South China Sea. Current projections indicate the cyclone will pass no nearer than approximately 400 kilometers to the east of Hong Kong.

The HKO’s decision to potentially upgrade to the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, or issue the Strong Monsoon Signal, hinges on several critical meteorological factors. Officials are closely monitoring sustained changes in Fung-wong’s intensity, its precise proximity to the city, the coupling effect of the persistent northeast monsoon on the cyclone’s circulation, and prevailing local wind speeds.

Following its closest pass to Hong Kong, Fung-wong is expected to continue tracking towards the waters near Taiwan. This trajectory will lead the system to steadily move away from Hong Kong, simultaneously weakening as it succumbs to the subsiding influence of the northeast monsoon.

Coastal Hazards and Public Safety Advisories

The combined meteorological influence of Fung-wong and the prevailing northeast monsoon will significantly impact coastal conditions. Residents, especially those in low-lying areas, must prepare for increased tide levels and subsequent hazards beginning Monday night.

During tonight’s high tide cycle, average sea levels around Hong Kong are forecast to be approximately 0.5 meters above normal. This presents a heightened risk of saltwater flooding in low-lying shorefront areas during the early morning hours.

Specifically, Victoria Harbour is projected to see water levels approach nearly 3 meters above chart datum (the reference level for nautical charts). Furthermore, marine conditions will be characterized by notable swells. Due to these dangerous conditions, the public is strongly advised to maintain a safe distance from the shoreline and strictly refrain from engaging in any water sports activities until conditions improve.

Across the wider Guangdong coast, windy conditions accompanied by pronounced swells are expected over the next two days. Weather patterns should begin stabilizing later in the week as Fung-wong departs the region. However, a reinforcing surge of the northeast monsoon is anticipated to reach the southern China coast early next week, bringing subsequent drops in temperature and drier atmospheric conditions.

Eastern Asia Impact: Tracking Major Storm Damage

Fung-wong’s current approach comes after the storm caused severe disruption and damage to the Philippines. Earlier, the system had intensified to super typhoon strength, crossing northern Luzon on Sunday.

Philippine authorities reported two storm-related fatalities and mandated the evacuation of roughly one million residents in affected areas. The national weather agency, PAGASA, recorded sustained wind speeds near 185 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h. The storm caused widespread power outages, particularly in Aurora province, and temporarily shuttered several airports, including Sangley and Bicol.

PAGASA forecasts indicate that Fung-wong will move north of the Philippines across open coastal waters before gradually weakening as it heads toward western Taiwan around Thursday. Coastal communities across Eastern Asia are urged to monitor official weather advisories closely as the dynamic system traverses the region this week.

Southern Taiwan experienced a significant seismic event Monday afternoon as a moderate earthquake registered 5.3 on the Richter scale, centered near the Jiaxian District. The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported the tremor occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 7.8 kilometers, a factor that amplifies the potential for localized damage and increases the probability of subsequent seismic activity, prompting immediate safety warnings from regional authorities.

The preliminary assessment by the CWA indicates that the quake resulted from ongoing tectonic plate compression forces beneath the island, a common geological occurrence in this hyper-active zone. While initial reports did not specify major infrastructure damage, the shallow focal point means that residents across a wide area felt the shaking intensely. The event serves as a stark reminder of Taiwan’s vulnerability to seismic crises and the necessity of robust emergency preparedness.

Heightened Risk of Follow-Up Tremors

Seismological experts are cautioning local populations to brace for continued instability in the region. Authorities have issued a specific forecast for potential aftershocks, anticipating several measurable events in the immediate future.

The CWA projects that seismic activity will persist over the next 72 hours, with potential follow-up tremors measuring between 4.5 and 5.0 in magnitude. This proximity in strength to the initial 5.3 quake highlights the current geological instability and poses an elevated risk to structures already weakened by the primary tremor.

Safety Alert Issued for Mountainous Regions

Of particular concern to officials is the interaction between geological instability and recent meteorological conditions. Taiwan officials have issued urgent safety advisories, specifically targeting residents and visitors in mountainous regions of the south.

The combination of ground shaking and recent heavy rainfall or high moisture levels can significantly increase the risk of landslides and rockfalls. Residents are strongly advised to take immediate precautions:

• Avoid non-essential travel through areas prone to landslides.
• Monitor local news and official CWA updates closely for road closures or evacuation orders.
• Ensure emergency kits, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies, are readily accessible.

This incident underscores the critical link between weather, geology, and public safety in Taiwan. Authorities are deploying resources to assess remote areas and ensure effective communication of hazard information as the region navigates this period of expected aftershocks. The proactive warnings aim to minimize risk and prevent injury during this volatile post-quake period. Residents should remain vigilant and adhere strictly to all official safety guidelines until the forecast period of elevated seismic activity concludes.

Motorists traversing the Tsing Kwai Highway faced severe delays Monday morning following a serious single-vehicle collision near Mei Ching Road. The incident, which occurred just before noon, led to a partial closure of critical access points, prompting transport officials to warn drivers of significant traffic congestion heading toward Tsim Sha Tsui and the Western Harbour Crossing.

The accident took place at approximately 11:47 a.m. in the Tsim Sha Tsui-bound lanes. Initial reports indicate a light goods vehicle (LGV) veered off course and struck a roadside barrier. The impact was severe enough to render the male driver unconscious inside the vehicle.

Emergency Response and Medical Transfer

Swift action by emergency services was crucial. Fire department personnel and paramedics rapidly converged on the scene to secure the area and extricate the injured motorist from the wreckage. While details regarding his immediate condition were not immediately available, the unconscious driver was transported to Princess Margaret Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Investigations into the precise cause of the collision—including potential factors such as driver fatigue or mechanical failure—are underway.

The Transportation Department immediately issued an advisory warning drivers about the resulting traffic bottlenecks. To facilitate cleanup and ongoing emergency operations, authorities were forced to close the slip road that connects the Tsing Kwai Highway to the Lin Cheung Road roundabout, a primary artery leading directly to the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC).

Navigating the Traffic Disruptions

The partial closure significantly limited capacity on this vital link connecting the New Territories and Kowloon. Commuters relying on this route were urged to anticipate considerable backups and delays throughout the afternoon peak.

While the main highway remains operational, the loss of the slip road exit forces a major bottleneck onto the remaining lanes. For drivers heading toward West Kowloon and Hong Kong Island via the WHC, the Transport Department offered specific temporary advice:

• Adjust Departure Times: If possible, postpone travel through the area until traffic volume subsides.
• Utilize Remaining Lanes: Drivers must queue patiently to utilize the available connections toward Tsim Sha Tsui.
• Seek Alternatives: Consider diverting to alternative cross-harbour tunnels, such as the Cross-Harbour Tunnel or the Eastern Harbour Crossing, or utilizing public transport options like the MTR network, if their destination permits.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of Hong Kong’s major transport corridors to single events. Officials did not immediately provide an estimated time for the full reopening of the critical slip road, advising motorists to monitor the department’s real-time traffic updates for the latest information on clearance and flow restoration. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward as they piece together the sequence of events.

Hong Kong students aspiring to pursue higher education across the border are receiving a significant boost, as the Ministry of Education in the mainland has broadened the scope of its admission scheme for Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) candidates. For the 2026/27 academic year, 165 institutions—an increase of 20 from the previous cycle—will participate, offering candidates direct entry based on their HKDSE results.

This expansion, welcomed by the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB), aims to provide more diversified pathways for local graduates while fostering a deeper connection with the mainland’s social, economic, and cultural spheres. The participating universities are geographically diverse, spanning 21 provinces, municipalities, and two autonomous regions, including the newly added Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Navigating the 2026 Admission Pipeline

The application process for HKDSE candidates taking the 2026 examination is set to open later this year. To ensure a smooth process, candidates must adhere to a strict timeline for submissions and verifications:

• Application Period: Submissions via the designated online portal will be accepted from December 1 to December 31, 2025.
• Verification and Updates: Applicants must log in by January 10, 2026, to confirm eligibility status. Those required to submit supplementary information can check updated verification results by January 23, 2026.
• Fee Payment: Successful candidates who pass the initial verification must pay the required HK$460 application fee by January 31, 2026.

Following the application phase, mainland universities will proceed with material review and may arrange interviews. Admission offers are expected to be released in late July 2026, with subsequent supplementary rounds available depending on remaining vacancies.

Simplified Entry and Eligibility Benchmarks

A key advantage of this initiative is that it allows Hong Kong students to bypass the rigorous Joint Entrance Examination for Mainland Institutions, admitting them solely on the strength of their HKDSE performance.

According to the EDB, the general minimum entry benchmark across participating institutions requires:

• A grade of Attained in the Citizenship and Social Development subject.
• A combined total score of at least eight across the three core subjects: Chinese Language, English Language, and Mathematics. Importantly, none of these three subjects should fall below Level 2.

The scheme also continues to feature the School Principal Nomination Scheme, enabling each secondary school to nominate up to eight high-achieving students for priority consideration.

Financial Support and Resources for Students

Recognizing the cost of cross-border education, the mainland’s program offers financial assistance. Eligible Hong Kong students enrolled in undergraduate programs at designated mainland institutions can apply for the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme. This scheme provides both means-tested and non-means-tested subsidies, granted annually for the entire normal duration of the program, with students limited to receiving one type of subsidy per academic year.

For students, parents, and educators seeking more comprehensive information, the EDB encourages attendance at the 2026/27 Mainland Higher Education Expo. This event, co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the EDB, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday and Sunday, November 29–30. Details regarding the expo agenda will be announced soon.

The EDB affirms its commitment to ongoing dialogue with mainland authorities to further invite additional prestigious universities, thereby continuously diversifying and strengthening the study pathways that align with national development strategies. Comprehensive details and application guidance are available on the Education Bureau’s official website.

South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol has been formally indicted on severe charges, including aiding a hostile nation and abuse of power, marking a critical escalation in the legal turmoil surrounding the recently ousted leader. Announced by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk’s office on a recent Monday, the indictment alleges that the former president intentionally compromised South Korea’s national security by fueling inter-Korean tensions, allegedly to justify an attempted declaration of martial law.

The former head of state, who served until his impeachment was finalized earlier this year, faces accusations centered on manipulating military readiness and escalating cross-border hostility. According to the special prosecution team, these deliberate actions potentially increased the likelihood of a devastating armed conflict between North and South Korea.

Allegations of Undermining National Security

The charges stem from a detailed investigation into President Yoon’s tenure and his attempts to impose martial law the previous December. Prosecutors claim that the former president actively sought to manufacture a national crisis, directly undermining South Korea’s military posture and security protocols.

“The evidence suggests a calculated effort to create justification for an unprecedented domestic power grab,” stated a representative from the Special Counsel’s office during the announcement.

Two other high-ranking former officials face identical charges: a former defense minister and an ex-counterintelligence commander. Their inclusion indicates that the prosecution believes the scheme involved coordination among top government and military personnel to execute a plan that allegedly prioritized the maintenance of domestic power over national safety.

Timeline of Legal Troubles

Yoon’s legal saga began in January of this year with his apprehension at the presidential office, quickly followed by an initial indictment while in custody. Although briefly released in March after prosecutors opted not to challenge a court order, he was returned to detention four months later in July.

This recent indictment follows his formal removal from office. The Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment on April 4, concluding the process triggered by his failed attempt to declare martial law. The court’s decision effectively terminated his presidency, paving the way for the criminal proceedings now underway.

Key Developments in the Case:

• Impeachment: Upheld by the Constitutional Court on April 4 following the failed martial law attempt.
• Initial Arrest: Apprehended at the presidential office on January 15.
• Formal Indictment: Announced by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk, including charges of aiding the enemy.
• Co-Indictments: A former defense minister and a former counterintelligence commander also face identical charges.

Implications for South Korean Politics

The detailed indictment of a former president on an “aiding the enemy” charge—a charge rarely levied against top officials—carries significant political and judicial ramifications. It underscores the nation’s commitment to holding its highest officials accountable for actions deemed to threaten national stability and security.

This high-profile case will not only determine the legal fate of the former leader but also set important precedents regarding the limits of presidential power, particularly concerning the deployment of military force and the management of tensions with North Korea. As proceedings move forward, the focus will remain on the prosecution’s ability to prove Yoon intentionally manipulated geopolitical dynamics for domestic political gain. The case serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous checks and balances inherent in South Korea’s democratic judicial system.

Two of the BBC’s most senior executives abruptly resigned this week amid intense scrutiny over the editorial standards used in a Panorama documentary concerning a speech by Donald Trump. Director-General Tim Davie and Deborah Turness, CEO of News and Current Affairs, simultaneously stepped down on Sunday, an unprecedented same-day departure that escalated pressure on the public broadcaster regarding its impartiality.

The highly publicised exits occurred just hours before BBC Chairman Samir Shah was scheduled to issue an expected apology to a parliamentary committee in London concerning the broadcast’s presentation of Mr. Trump’s remarks delivered on January 6, 2021. The crisis has triggered a sharp debate in Westminster and among media watchdogs about the corporation’s foundational commitment to objectivity, particularly ahead of the renewal of its Royal Charter in 2027.

Panorama Controversy Triggers Widespread Allegations

The catalyst for the leadership crisis stemmed from the alleged manipulation of footage within the Panorama film. Reporting by the Telegraph revealed a leaked internal memo from Michael Prescott, a former independent adviser to the BBC’s editorial standards committee. The memo alleged that the documentary stitched together two distinct segments of Mr. Trump’s Washington speech—separated by over 50 minutes—to create the misleading impression that he directly urged supporters to march to the US Capitol and “fight like hell.”

The leaked document reportedly went beyond the Trump footage, citing “systemic problems” within BBC Arabic’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict and suggesting systemic managerial inaction when serious editorial issues were raised.

Tim Davie, who served as Director-General for five years, acknowledged the errors upon announcing his departure, stating he bore ultimate responsibility for the corporation’s editorial output. Deborah Turness defended the journalistic integrity of BBC News but conceded that the controversy had reached a point where it was actively harming the institution. Both executives stated the timing provided an orderly transition, arguing that fresh leadership would be best positioned to tackle the upcoming Royal Charter review.

Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability

The fallout immediately reverberated across the political spectrum. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called the allegations “very serious” while committing to the upcoming Charter review as the mechanism for helping the BBC adapt to a new media era.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warned the BBC not to assume continued support for the licence fee without demonstrating verifiable impartiality, demanding that the broadcaster address a “deeper catalogue of failures.” Opposition leaders similarly called for transparency, with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urging the BBC to “turn a new leaf.” Reform UK’s Nigel Farage went further, calling for wholesale change in leadership and corporate culture.

Mr. Trump, who has frequently clashed with the BBC, weighed in via social media, accusing the corporation of “doctoring” his speech and attempting to influence a presidential election. The White House had previously labelled the broadcaster as “100% fake news” following the memo’s release.

Systemic Issues and Future Challenges

The Panorama controversy is the latest in a series of editorial missteps by the BBC in recent months. The corporation recently upheld 20 impartiality complaints regarding presenter scripts and faced criticism for failing to disclose the conflicted background of a narrator in a Gaza documentary. It also broke guidelines on harm by airing a Glastonbury performance featuring a chant of “death to the IDF.”

Media scholars and veteran BBC executives have questioned the corporation’s pace of response to the allegations. Former BBC TV News head Roger Mosey suggested the Trump edit appeared “indefensible” and proposed splitting the Director-General role into independent corporate and editorial posts to balance the massive demands of the global organisation.

With both top leadership positions now vacant, and a formal apology looming, the BBC faces the dual challenge of rapidly stabilising its management while definitively addressing pointed questions about its editorial integrity. Public and political pressure for demonstrable and consistent impartiality remains at an all-time high as the board, chaired by Samir Shah, begins the complex task of appointing successors.

Following 40 days of federal agency closures, the United States Senate has taken a decisive step toward restoring government operations, advancing a Republican-led stopgap funding measure on Sunday, November 10, 2025. The compromise legislation, which secured the necessary 60-vote threshold after intensive cross-party talks, aims to reopen federal agencies until January 30, 2026, and immediately restore pay for hundreds of thousands of affected federal workers. However, the bill’s conspicuous omission of extensions for Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits has immediately drawn fire from progressive Democrats, setting the stage for a potentially ruinous confrontation in the House of Representatives.

Ending the Longest Shutdown in History

The impetus for the Senate’s action stemmed from the growing national ramifications of the funding lapse, which began on October 1. Majority leader John Thune emphasized the urgent need to address the crisis, citing the significant strains on essential services, including air travel. Data from FlightAware illustrated the impact, reporting approximately 2,300 flight cancellations and over 8,000 delays on Sunday alone, severely affecting major hubs like New York, Chicago, and Atlanta due to staffing shortages in air traffic control.

The current package guarantees full back pay for the estimated 750,000 federal employees who were either furloughed or worked without wages during the shutdown. It also includes full-year appropriations for certain government functions, such as portions of the legislative branch and foundational food assistance programs, which have faced funding uncertainty amid the impasse. Crucially, the bill reverses post-October 1 layoffs, ensuring job security through January.

The Healthcare Hurdle

Despite the bipartisan support needed to clear the Senate’s procedural hurdle, deep fissures remain over the exclusion of ACA subsidy extensions. These premium tax credits, which have been instrumental in nearly doubling enrollment in the ACA marketplace to 24 million since 2021, are due to expire at the end of the year.

Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, argue that a continuing resolution ignoring this “pressing health crisis” is unacceptable. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed the sentiment, calling the omission a “grave error.” While centrist Democrats like Senators Tim Kaine and Maggie Hassan voiced support for the Senate deal, prioritizing the protection and back pay of federal workers, they acknowledged the need to address the healthcare issue quickly.

Majority Leader Thune has pledged to hold a separate vote on the health subsidy extensions once the government is reopened—a compromise that top Democrats find insufficient. The proposal by President Donald Trump to replace the subsidies with direct individual payments was also met with skepticism, with opponents like Senator Adam Schiff warning it appeared designed to weaken the ACA’s underlying frameworks.

The Path to Reopening Remains Obstacle-Ridden

With the cloture vote passed, the Senate’s pathway to a final vote appears clear. The true test, however, now shifts to the House of Representatives. House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries and numerous Democrats have explicitly vowed to oppose the measure unless the ACA tax credits are reinstated, accusing Republicans of promoting a funding plan that would spike health care premiums for millions of Americans.

With Speaker Mike Johnson having kept the House in recess since mid-September, pressure is mounting on Democrats to accept the current Republican framework to end the 40-day shutdown. As the political battle over funding transitions to a contentious fight over health care policy, the effort to fully restore government operations faces significant procedural and ideological obstacles that could prolong the crisis further.

Hong Kong law enforcement is urgently requesting assistance from the public to locate 65-year-old Cheung Yun-yee, who disappeared from the Sheung Shui area earlier this week. Mr. Cheung was last observed on Monday afternoon near Fai Ming Road before his family reported his absence to authorities. The Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North is actively pursuing leads and soliciting any information regarding his current whereabouts.

The disappearance was reported after Mr. Cheung was last seen Monday. According to the police description circulated following the family’s report, Mr. Cheung is approximately 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) tall and has a slender build, weighing around 55 kilograms (121 pounds). He is described as having a lengthy facial structure, a yellow complexion, and short black hair showing signs of male-pattern baldness.

Distinguishing Features and Clothing

When he was last seen, Mr. Cheung was dressed casually.

• Attire: He wore a gray short-sleeved shirt, dark trousers, and blue slippers.
• Accessories: He was notably carrying a blue reusable shopping bag.

Authorities stress the importance of these specific details, as they may help members of the public recognize him if encountered. Missing persons cases, particularly involving older adults, require prompt action, as factors such as health conditions or disorientation become increasingly concerning over time.

How to Report Information

The New Territories North Regional Missing Persons Unit has established direct contact avenues for the public to share any potentially relevant information. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Cheung or has knowledge of his current location is urged to contact the police immediately.

Direct Reporting Channels:

• Telephone Hotline: Call the Regional Missing Persons Unit directly at 3661 3113.
• Email: Submit information via email to the investigating unit.
• In-Person: Information can also be provided by visiting any local police station across Hong Kong.

Police confirm that the investigation into Mr. Cheung’s disappearance is ongoing. Public appeals, such as this, are critical tools utilized by police internationally to leverage community awareness and secure leads that standard investigative methods might miss. The concerted effort aims to swiftly establish his current location and ensure his safety.

This incident serves as a regular reminder of the role the community plays in supporting the work of local law enforcement units, particularly in time-sensitive humanitarian efforts like locating vulnerable missing persons. Authorities continue to offer reassurance to the family that all resources are being deployed in the search.

A 61-year-old male inmate from the Hei Ling Chau Correctional Institution died in the early hours of Monday, November 10, 2025, while receiving specialized treatment at a public hospital in Hong Kong. The individual, who had been serving a sentence related to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, suffered from advanced liver cirrhosis and had required extensive medical care both within the institutional setting and externally.

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) confirmed the fatality, noting that the inmate’s death occurred at 2:02 a.m. while he was under hospital supervision. Standard protocols mandate a thorough investigation into all deaths occurring in custody, which includes reporting the case to the police and initiating a coronial inquest.

Deterioration Led to Hospitalization

The deceased had received continuous medical management for his chronic ailment, liver cirrhosis, since his incarceration began in June 2025. This care involved regular oversight by the correctional facility’s medical unit and frequent transfers to public healthcare facilities for specialized consultations and treatment.

According to department records, the inmate’s health began to decline significantly in late September. He was transferred to a public hospital on September 19 after experiencing a noticeable worsening of his physical condition. Despite continuous efforts by hospital staff, his health did not improve, leading to his eventual passing.

Protocols on Custodial Deaths

The death of an incarcerated individual triggers stringent legal requirements in Hong Kong designed to ensure transparency and accountability. In accordance with the Coroners Ordinance (Cap. 504), all deaths occurring in custodial settings, including correctional institutions, must be reported immediately.

The police have officially been notified, and the matter is now pending a review by the Coroner’s Office. A coronial inquest will be convened to formally determine the cause of death and examine the sequence of events leading up to the fatality. This process ensures an independent judicial review of the circumstances surrounding the death, addressing any potential concerns regarding the medical care provided while the individual was in state custody.

The incident underscores the challenges correctional facilities face in managing the complex healthcare needs of an aging and increasingly medically fragile inmate population. Correctional Services Departments typically operate internal healthcare units but rely heavily on public hospitals to manage serious or chronic illnesses that require specialized equipment or intensive care.

The final determination of the cause of death is pending the coroner’s findings. This routine procedure provides critical oversight and ensures public confidence in the standard of care provided to those serving sentences within Hong Kong’s correctional system.

Commuters relying on a vital Hong Kong bus route are experiencing severe overcrowding and dangerous congestion following recent service reductions, sparking concerns over public safety and accessibility. Three weeks after the Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) adjusted the timetable for Route 89C, passengers report being routinely left behind at stops, facing crush-load conditions, and being forced to stand dangerously on internal staircases.

The highly criticized frequency reduction, implemented on October 20, 2025, has specifically impacted residents in areas lacking direct Mass Transit Railway (MTR) access, including Siu Lek Yuen Road, Ravana Garden, and Ocean View. These neighborhoods depend heavily on Route 89C as the primary transit link for daily commutes.

Overwhelmed Service Sparks Safety Concerns

The primary issue stems from dramatic increases in passenger loads due to fewer available buses. Residents report that even before the cuts, buses were often heavily utilized, but the recent changes have resulted in multiple consecutive services departing at capacity during peak hours.

Scenes of severe overcrowding have intensified at key junctures, particularly the Kwun Tong and Choi Hung stops, where passengers repeatedly face “door-crushing” situations. Commuters have reported waiting an additional 15 minutes for the next bus after being unable to board, significantly lengthening journey times.

Transport advocacy groups vehemently dispute KMB’s implied rationale that ridership had dropped following the Tuen Ma Line opening. Campaigners highlight data showing that bus headways—the time between buses—have widened across most periods, with the afternoon peak from Kwun Tong towards Sha Tin being the most heavily affected. Instances included:

• October 21: Two consecutive buses arrived at the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel interchange already full, unable to accommodate waiting passengers.
• October 30: Multiple services toward Kowloon Bay were reported at maximum capacity, with riders standing on internal stairs, yet still could not pick up passengers at the tunnel stop.
• November 5th–7th: Persistent crush loads were documented during the evening peak toward Sha Tin.

Regulatory Oversight and Operator Response

The ongoing congestion has prompted sharp criticism directed at both KMB and the Transport Department (TD) for the lack of remedial action three weeks after the cuts.

The TD acknowledged receiving reports of trip gaps, which KMB attributed to driver absences, leading to a failure to deliver even the revised, less frequent schedule. The TD has since instructed KMB to strictly adhere to the approved timetable and affirmed that schedule adjustments must align with official guidelines.

In late October, the TD deployed staff to monitor the weekday afternoon peak at the Tate’s Cairn Tunnel interchange heading toward Ma On Shan. They reported that observed services operated per the revised schedule, with approximately 75% loading upon arrival from Kowloon, claiming no passengers were left behind on departure—a finding that sharply contrasts with persistent commuter reports.

Mandated Safety Rules Become Impossible

The safety implications of the overcrowding are paramount. Commuters voiced alarm over the practice of buses loading passengers all the way to the front doors on Kwun Tong Road and at Choi Hung, raising significant risks during motion or emergency braking.

A critical point of concern links the capacity issues to future safety regulations. Starting in January, seat belts will be mandatory for bus passengers, yet commuters note that the current lack of seating and standing space makes compliance impossible to enforce for those subject to crush loads. As one resident lamented, the service cuts have rendered future belt rules “meaningless in practice.”

To restore essential service quality and ensure passenger safety, KMB must urgently address driver shortages and immediately review service frequency on Route 89C. Authorities should coordinate with the operator to introduce targeted relief trips during peak hours, particularly serving the neighborhoods that rely solely on this crucial bus link.