https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/323152/feed Hong Kong's Consumer Council is a watchdog focused on consumer rights and welfare. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong authorities have “attached great importance” to two critical flaws in a widely used web programming language that could allow hackers to execute code remotely and take control of servers. The government’s Digital Policy Office said on Thursday that it had issued a security alert to all bureaus, departments and public organisations requesting an immediate and comprehensive review to determine whether their information systems were affected. “[They must] complete all patching work as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3371756/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-hacking-risks-flaws-web-programming-language https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3371756/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-hacking-risks-flaws-web-programming-language Thu, 22 Oct 2026 06:37:01 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau The Hong Kong public’s dissatisfaction with customer service is growing, with complaints in the first nine months of the year already exceeding the total for 2025 and many involving companies’ overreliance on artificial intelligence (AI). The Consumer Council received 3,078 complaints about traders’ customer service between January and September, compared with 2,715 for the whole of last year and 2,173 in 2024. “Among the consumer complaints received by the Consumer Council each year, many... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371006/hong-kong-customer-service-complaints-top-2025-total-ai-use-fuels-frustration https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371006/hong-kong-customer-service-complaints-top-2025-total-ai-use-fuels-frustration Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:19:36 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Yet another high-profile business collapse has exposed how vulnerable Hong Kong consumers remain when they pay large sums upfront for service contracts stretching over a long period. The abrupt closure of Hotstone Yoga, after a decade in business, has left hundreds of customers facing potentially millions of dollars in losses. The incident has once again highlighted the risks for consumers paying hefty prices upfront for discounted services over a long period. It also renews calls on the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370326/cooling-period-bill-should-protect-more-consumers https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370326/cooling-period-bill-should-protect-more-consumers Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:15:05 +0000 Tan Poh Hwee Tan Poh Hwee Cryptocurrency’s promise of financial freedom carries a cost the industry must confront: growing wealth can make its owners more attractive targets for violent criminals. Protecting digital assets while treating the physical safety of their holders as a personal matter is an inadequate approach to financial security. The industry must take responsibility for designing products and services which account for the reality that people can be threatened into surrendering their assets. The rise in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/world-opinion/article/3370088/better-protection-needed-violent-cryptocurrency-robberies-surge https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/world-opinion/article/3370088/better-protection-needed-violent-cryptocurrency-robberies-surge Sat, 10 Oct 2026 08:30:05 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A Hong Kong fertility clinic that had most of its services suspended for mishandling embryo biopsy specimens from two patients has been cleared to fully resume all treatments after implementing improvement measures. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology said on Monday that Heal Fertility in Central could resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence from Tuesday, after members reviewed the findings of a follow-up inspection and confirmed the clinic had properly implemented the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369826/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-cleared-resume-all-services-after-embryo-specimen-mix https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369826/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-cleared-resume-all-services-after-embryo-specimen-mix Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:07:21 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Losses linked to the abrupt closure of Hotstone Yoga have risen to nearly HK$8 million (US$1 million), with close to 700 reports filed by affected customers in Hong Kong, according to authorities. The Customs and Excise Department said that as of 6pm on Sunday, it had received 694 reports relating to the yoga chain, involving service contracts worth about HK$7.8 million. The Consumer Council said it had received 416 complaints by 5pm the same day, with claimed losses totalling HK$5.42... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369722/hotstone-yoga-closure-losses-rise-hk78-million-694-customers-file-reports https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369722/hotstone-yoga-closure-losses-rise-hk78-million-694-customers-file-reports Sun, 04 Oct 2026 14:00:16 +0000 Leopold Chen,Vivian Au Leopold Chen,Vivian Au A director of Hotstone Yoga has been arrested on suspicion of contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance by accepting prepayments for services before the wellness chain’s abrupt closure, as the amount of financial losses claimed by customers surpassed HK$4 million (US$510,000). The company’s closure on Wednesday has also prompted lawmakers to urge the government to widen the scope of a proposed statutory cooling-off law to cover more sections of the wellness market. Chong Kai-shing, a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369605/legislators-urge-broader-cooling-law-after-abrupt-hotstone-yoga-closure https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369605/legislators-urge-broader-cooling-law-after-abrupt-hotstone-yoga-closure Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:24:42 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities are investigating the abrupt shutdown of the Hotstone Yoga chain on Thursday, with customer losses of roughly HK$430,000 (US$54,800) already reported to the consumer watchdog. The Consumer Council said that by 5pm on Thursday, it had received 27 complaints involving losses of HK$429,326 related to the closure of Hotstone Yoga. The Customs and Excise Department also posted a notice outside the company’s studio in Kwun Tong to inform the public that it was investigating the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369446/hundreds-customers-affected-hong-kong-yoga-chain-hotstone-abruptly-closes https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369446/hundreds-customers-affected-hong-kong-yoga-chain-hotstone-abruptly-closes Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:01:11 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong shoppers may be saving less than expected – or nothing at all – with supermarkets’ buy one, get one free and bulk-buy promotions, a watchdog has warned, urging residents to compare unit prices rather than rely on promotional labels. The Consumer Council on Monday released the findings of a survey covering 222 products sold by Aeon, ParknShop and Wellcome between September 2025 and July this year. It found that the actual discounts offered in some promotional campaigns were less... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367425/hong-kong-consumer-watchdog-questions-value-supermarket-promotional-deals https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367425/hong-kong-consumer-watchdog-questions-value-supermarket-promotional-deals Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:20:03 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Disposable sanitary pads sold in Hong Kong have shown wide discrepancies in absorption speeds, with more than half of tested products also lacking adequate labelling, the consumer watchdog has found. The Consumer Council revealed the test results for 36 winged sanitary towels on Monday, including a sample that took 73 seconds to fully absorb simulated menstrual blood – exceeding the mainland China national standard recommendation of no more than 60 seconds. “The council calls on suppliers to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367411/huge-gaps-sanitary-pad-absorption-speeds-over-half-poorly-labelled-survey https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367411/huge-gaps-sanitary-pad-absorption-speeds-over-half-poorly-labelled-survey Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:37:41 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A lunch supplier will stop portioning meals in classrooms at a Hong Kong primary school following a suspected food poisoning outbreak that hit 39 pupils and staff members last week. Danny Catering Service said in a statement on Sunday to its school partners, parents and teachers that the incident was “isolated” and linked to the school’s portioning arrangement, and did not affect its services at other locations. “To ensure student food safety and avoid potential cross-contamination or... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367363/supplier-end-classroom-lunch-portioning-sha-tin-primary-after-39-fall-ill https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367363/supplier-end-classroom-lunch-portioning-sha-tin-primary-after-39-fall-ill Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:02:45 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The Hong Kong government will table a bill at the Legislative Council in the first half of 2027 to introduce a statutory cooling-off period for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts, the commerce chief has said. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah revealed the timeline on Saturday, two weeks after the government concluded a two-month consultation on the policy proposal to address limitations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance on August 31. “We hope to table the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367280/hong-kong-table-cooling-period-bill-beauty-fitness-deals-mid-2027 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367280/hong-kong-table-cooling-period-bill-beauty-fitness-deals-mid-2027 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 05:46:58 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong food safety authorities have prosecuted a restaurant after an investigation into claims that a newborn rat was found wriggling inside one of its takeaway lunchboxes uncovered unsatisfactory hygiene conditions. The lunchbox came from Wa Jer Restaurant, located in the Wah Sing Industrial Building on Wah Sing Street. A customer reportedly bought a HK$44 (US$5.60) set meal that included satay beef rice noodles, a ham omelette and a drink. When opening the takeaway box, she discovered a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366649/hong-kong-restaurant-prosecuted-over-live-newborn-rat-found-takeaway-lunchbox https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366649/hong-kong-restaurant-prosecuted-over-live-newborn-rat-found-takeaway-lunchbox Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:54:23 +0000 Kristen Cheung Kristen Cheung A mix-up of embryo biopsy specimens may have been caused by “intentional unlawful conduct” at a private fertility clinic, which breached the code of practice for reproductive technology by lacking sufficient protective measures, a Hong Kong regulator has found. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology said on Friday that, following an investigation into the incident, it had ordered service provider Heal Fertility to comply with the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance and the code to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366438/ivf-clinics-embryo-specimen-mix-linked-intentional-unlawful-conduct https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366438/ivf-clinics-embryo-specimen-mix-linked-intentional-unlawful-conduct Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:08:36 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The pursuit of beauty often comes at a price, though not everyone can or should be expected to fork out a fortune for it, especially when aggressive sales tactics are involved. Recent incidents where routine visits to beauty parlours and department store counters turned into financial ordeals that left customers out of pocket do nothing for the city’s image and confidence in the sector. The tale of an 88-year-old woman having her credit card kept by a salesperson at a department store and swiped... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366236/hong-kongs-fight-against-aggressive-sales-tactics-far-over https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366236/hong-kongs-fight-against-aggressive-sales-tactics-far-over Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Allegedly aggressive sales tactics and business operations in Hong Kong’s beauty product sector closely mirror the global “Dead Sea sales scams” uncovered years ago, documents on WikiLeaks have shown. The controversy has prompted calls from experts for the city’s government to strengthen regulation by expanding proposed cooling-off period legislation to cover retail beauty goods. A check of the whistle-blower website WikiLeaks by the South China Morning Post found that shops and kiosks selling... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364938/how-opatras-coercive-tactics-hong-kong-echo-global-dead-sea-sales-scams https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3364938/how-opatras-coercive-tactics-hong-kong-echo-global-dead-sea-sales-scams Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:00:12 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang The British headquarters and Hong Kong distributor of beauty product company Opatra London have suspended local operations after allegations of aggressive sales tactics triggered the arrest of local senior staff and a raid on a corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan. In a statement issued on Friday, Opatra London continued to distance itself from the local distributor, which it said owned and operated the local stores independently. The office of the local company, Sayles Retail, was raided... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364833/opatra-london-and-hong-kong-distributor-suspend-local-operations-after-arrests https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364833/opatra-london-and-hong-kong-distributor-suspend-local-operations-after-arrests Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:43:07 +0000 Emily Hung,Jess Ma Emily Hung,Jess Ma More consumers in Hong Kong have come forward to allege aggressive sales tactics across the beauty sector, including credit card abuse, unwanted physical contact and pressure to buy costly products, on the back of a crackdown on the local operations of a UK-based brand. Legal experts warned that such practices could breach the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, which prohibits harassment, coercion and misleading conduct used to pressure consumers into making purchases they otherwise would not have... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364731/more-hong-kong-consumers-allege-coercive-beauty-sales-wake-opatra-crackdown https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364731/more-hong-kong-consumers-allege-coercive-beauty-sales-wake-opatra-crackdown Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung At least one top executive of the Hong Kong operator of UK-based beauty chain Opatra London has resigned, it emerged on Thursday, after customs officers arrested two of the company’s managers over alleged coercive and misleading sales practices. Meanwhile, the Lux Boutique outlet at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is operated by the same company, was boarded up and locked on Thursday. A check by the South China Morning Post found that Sayles Retail filed a “Notice of Resignation of Company... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364687/top-executives-opatra-branded-operator-hong-kong-quit-amid-coercive-sales-probe https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364687/top-executives-opatra-branded-operator-hong-kong-quit-amid-coercive-sales-probe Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:18:07 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong customs officers have arrested two staff members from a local company operating under the Opatra London brand following controversy over aggressive sales tactics, as the UK headquarters further distanced itself from the firm. The financial and administration managers – a Hong Kong man, 42, and a woman, 25, respectively – were detained on Wednesday, Senior Investigator Leung Ka‑ho of customs’ trade descriptions investigation bureau said. It marked the first arrests linked to the brand... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364573/hong-kong-customs-arrests-2-opatra-staff-over-aggressive-sales-tactics-source https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364573/hong-kong-customs-arrests-2-opatra-staff-over-aggressive-sales-tactics-source Wed, 19 Aug 2026 10:30:33 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung As Hong Kong customs expands its investigation into Opatra London following complaints of high-pressure sales tactics involving purchases of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,800), former employees and customers of similar beauty chains say the aggressive sales playbook feels all too familiar. Although the UK-based luxury beauty chain – originally incorporated as Oro Gold – has distanced itself from local distributor Sayles Retail following allegations of “deceptive sales practices”, and denied any... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364493/inside-playbook-used-dupe-hongkongers-making-big-beauty-product-buys https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364493/inside-playbook-used-dupe-hongkongers-making-big-beauty-product-buys Wed, 19 Aug 2026 01:02:17 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung UK-based beauty chain Opatra London has distanced itself from a Hong Kong distributor accused of using “deceptive sales practices”, even after the local branch said it offered to refund about a quarter of a HK$60,000 (US$7,650) shopping bill on skincare products. The company said on Monday night that it deeply regretted if any customers had a “distressing experience associated with our brand”, and revealed it had initiated an independent review of the local distributor. The move came after local... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364336/opatra-london-distances-itself-hong-kong-firm-over-deceptive-sales-allegations https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364336/opatra-london-distances-itself-hong-kong-firm-over-deceptive-sales-allegations Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:55:13 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong customs has said it is actively following up on a case involving a London‑based beauty chain after a woman complained that she was cheated into paying more than HK$60,000 (US$7,700) for products and raised concerns about the company’s sales practices. Opatra London’s outlet at Sha Tin New Town Plaza shopping centre posted a notice over the weekend saying that it had “temporarily suspended” operations, without elaborating. The company, a hi‑tech skincare brand founded in 2010 and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364213/customs-steps-after-woman-claims-beauty-chain-opatra-cheated-her-out-hk60000 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364213/customs-steps-after-woman-claims-beauty-chain-opatra-cheated-her-out-hk60000 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 16:27:36 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A Hong Kong baby food producer has voluntarily recalled several products from store shelves as a precaution after parents and online users raised concerns that they might contain rice weevils. Baby Basic said on Wednesday that the recall covered “instant baby congee – konbu salmon”, with an expiry date of June 22, 2027, and three varieties of its “instant rice-shaped pasta”: salmon and cream; tomato and chicken; and vegetable and beef. It also suspended production of all three pasta... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363822/hong-kong-baby-food-producer-recalls-pastas-congee-over-rice-weevil-scare https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363822/hong-kong-baby-food-producer-recalls-pastas-congee-over-rice-weevil-scare Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:12:26 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Worried Hong Kong parents who bought a popular powdered infant formula are taking their children for medical check-ups after a batch of the product was found to contain excessive levels of lead. One mother told the South China Morning Post on Tuesday that her five-month-old baby was staying in hospital for observation after the child consumed the same batch of Frisolac Prestige Stage 1 (800 grams) flagged by Macau authorities. Royal FrieslandCampina, which manufactures the Friso milk formula... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362152/hong-kong-parents-rush-babies-check-ups-over-infant-formula-lead-scare https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3362152/hong-kong-parents-rush-babies-check-ups-over-infant-formula-lead-scare Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:43:53 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau More than half of the reading glasses tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog failed to label pupillary distance, a key measurement for aligning lenses to ensure clear vision and reduce the risk of eye strain. The Consumer Council tested 17 models of ready-to-wear reading glasses between January and May, with the claimed magnifying power for all models at +2.50 dioptres – commonly known as 250 degrees. Prices ranged from HK$8 to HK$490 (US$1 to US$62.50). The watchdog’s results showed that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3360628/over-half-tested-reading-specs-fail-list-key-details-prevent-eye-strain https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3360628/over-half-tested-reading-specs-fail-list-key-details-prevent-eye-strain Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:09:48 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hongkongers buying insurance for their pets have been urged to carefully examine third-party liability terms and pay special attention to coverage related to disputes and animals with a history of aggression. The Consumer Council issued the warning on Wednesday, less than a week after more than 900 restaurants became legally allowed to welcome dogs on their premises as part of a government scheme. The council noted in a report that 19 of 24 pet insurance plans reviewed included third-party... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360627/watchdog-urges-pet-owners-take-paws-signing-insurance-plans https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3360627/watchdog-urges-pet-owners-take-paws-signing-insurance-plans Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:05:25 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong customers seeking refunds under a proposed seven-day cooling-off period for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts will be required to pay an administrative fee to curb potential abuse of the mechanism, the government has said. Authorities last week launched a two-month public consultation on three major policy proposals aimed at strengthening consumer protection amid persistent complaints about unfair trade practices and high-pressure sales tactics. “We’ve proposed in our suggestions... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359772/customers-seeking-refunds-during-cooling-period-will-need-pay-admin-fee https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3359772/customers-seeking-refunds-during-cooling-period-will-need-pay-admin-fee Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:05:45 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Emily Hung Lo Hoi-ying,Emily Hung Hong Kong’s regulator for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has ordered a fertility clinic to partially halt operations after it mishandled embryo biopsy specimens from two patients and failed to report the incident to health authorities. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology said on Tuesday that it had suspended most operations at Heal Fertility in Central after discovering that embryo biopsy specimens the clinic sent for pre-implantation genetic testing belonged to the wrong parents. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3359758/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-ordered-suspend-most-services-after-embryo-sample-errors https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3359758/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-ordered-suspend-most-services-after-embryo-sample-errors Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:51:27 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The authorities have taken a welcome step towards setting up regulations to shield Hong Kong consumers from the unfair trade practices and high-pressure tactics that have plagued the city’s beauty and fitness industries for years. The government’s proposed new laws show promise for restoring confidence, but officials, businesspeople and the public should make the best use of the consultation now under way to ensure legitimate operations continue to thrive. There is broad public support for steps... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3359293/curbing-hard-sell-tactics-hong-kong-must-strike-balance https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3359293/curbing-hard-sell-tactics-hong-kong-must-strike-balance Sat, 04 Jul 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam A cyberattack on leading Hong Kong appliance distributor Shun Hing Group has compromised the personal information of more than 1 million people, according to the city’s privacy watchdog. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data said on Thursday that it had launched an investigation into the incident after receiving a data breach report from Shun Hing Group on March 23. The latest information provided by the company suggested that the personal data of as many as 1.05 million... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3359218/cyberattack-hong-kongs-shun-hing-group-affects-data-1-million-people https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3359218/cyberattack-hong-kongs-shun-hing-group-affects-data-1-million-people Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:22:34 +0000 Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Hong Kong has no plans to expand proposed tighter regulations on prepaid beauty and fitness contracts to cover dance and yoga studios, as those venues have generated relatively few complaints, an official has said. Winsome Au Wai-sum, deputy secretary for commerce and economic development, said on Tuesday that the government would gauge industry feedback during a public consultation and refine the proposal, after some operators argued the new requirements failed to reflect operational... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3358805/hong-kong-beauty-operators-warn-tighter-rules-may-deal-blow-our-trade https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3358805/hong-kong-beauty-operators-warn-tighter-rules-may-deal-blow-our-trade Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:30:05 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong has proposed a statutory seven-day cooling-off period and a 14-day refund window for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts as part of efforts to strengthen consumer protection amid persistent complaints about unfair trade practices and high-pressure sales tactics. The measures form part of three major policy recommendations suggested by the government as it launched a two-month public consultation on Monday aimed at addressing enforcement gaps under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358769/hong-kong-proposes-cooling-period-beauty-gym-deals-curb-hard-sell-tactics https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3358769/hong-kong-proposes-cooling-period-beauty-gym-deals-curb-hard-sell-tactics Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:18:29 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has urged hotels and online booking platforms to clearly outline their responsibilities in cases of reservation changes or refunds, after general complaints neared an annual average of 1,000 over the past three years. The Consumer Council also said on Monday that it had received 3,346 complaints about lodgings in the city since 2023, with 2,670 coming from non-local travellers. For the larger figure, about 58 per cent involved the termination and amendment of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3357149/hotels-online-platforms-urged-clearly-outline-refund-booking-change-policies https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3357149/hotels-online-platforms-urged-clearly-outline-refund-booking-change-policies Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:47:07 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Complaints about Hong Kong claw machine operators have skyrocketed by more than 760 per cent over the past three years, driven by anger over reportedly misleading displays, rigged settings and poor-quality prizes, the city’s consumer watchdog has said. Figures shared by the Consumer Council on Monday showed that the number of reported grievances involving claw machines had risen from 16 in 2023 to 49 in 2024, before surging to 138 last year. Council chief executive Alaina Shum Jiu-fai said the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357112/watchdog-gets-grips-hong-kong-claw-machines-after-760-rise-complaints https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3357112/watchdog-gets-grips-hong-kong-claw-machines-after-760-rise-complaints Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:25:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A catapult toy and a tangram set could pose injury and choking risks to children, Hong Kong customs has warned, urging retailers to pull the products from shelves. The Customs and Excise Department said on Saturday that it had seized 700 units of the toys during an operation and issued a prohibition notice banning their sale. The action followed an earlier safety test on various toys bought at Chinese New Year fairs. “To avoid accidents, parents should immediately stop letting their children... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353799/hong-kong-parents-warned-choking-injury-risks-catapult-and-tangram-toys https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353799/hong-kong-parents-warned-choking-injury-risks-catapult-and-tangram-toys Sat, 16 May 2026 05:25:51 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang The cooling efficiency of 13 air-conditioner models bearing Hong Kong’s top energy label can vary by up to 33 per cent, the consumer watchdog has found, calling for improved grading standards. The Consumer Council on Thursday released test results for 13 models of 1.5-horsepower inverter split-type air conditioners, finding “substantial differences” in energy-saving performance among units all holding a Grade 1 label. “Apart from the Grade 1 energy label, [consumers] can also check the annual... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353509/top-rated-air-cons-hong-kong-vary-33-cooling-efficiency-watchdog-finds https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353509/top-rated-air-cons-hong-kong-vary-33-cooling-efficiency-watchdog-finds Thu, 14 May 2026 05:14:09 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu You can’t buy happiness, they say. But we “buy” dopamine fixes all the time. Just whip out the smartphone and we easily go down that rabbit hole of endless doom scrolling, falling into the addictive trap of instant gratification, chasing likes, shares, comments and followers as rewards. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our experience of pleasure, focus, reward and motivation. It propels us to put in effort, devote time and feel good about our achievements. Before the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352904/hong-kong-right-move-extend-long-arm-law-claw-machines https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3352904/hong-kong-right-move-extend-long-arm-law-claw-machines Mon, 11 May 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun A data breach at Yau Yat Chuen Garden City Club has compromised the personal information of more than 9,000 people, Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has found, urging organisations to review security measures and update software to close loopholes. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data on Thursday also released a guide for parents and teachers to safeguard children’s online privacy amid increasing risks facing youngsters online. Revealing the data breach, Privacy Commissioner for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351143/personal-info-9045-people-compromised-hong-kong-private-club-data-breach https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351143/personal-info-9045-people-compromised-hong-kong-private-club-data-breach Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:41:48 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong police have arrested an employee of a systems maintenance contractor hired by the Hospital Authority on suspicion of stealing the personal data of more than 56,000 patients and 1,000 staff members. The arrest of a 30-year-old local man came just days after the authority reported on Saturday a suspected data leak involving patients in the Kowloon East group of hospitals on a third‑party platform, with police and the privacy watchdog investigating. Police revealed on Wednesday that more... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3349378/police-arrest-man-suspicion-stealing-personal-data-56000-patients https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3349378/police-arrest-man-suspicion-stealing-personal-data-56000-patients Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:57:48 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words Earlier this year, the Centre for Food Safety noted that a number of Hongkongers had fallen ill after eating raw oysters, and pointed out that the norovirus is a pathogen of concern in such cases. There are food safety and hygiene regulations in place regarding raw oysters, so how... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3348883/hong-kong-consumers-need-not-be-sea-when-it-comes-oysters https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3348883/hong-kong-consumers-need-not-be-sea-when-it-comes-oysters Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Round-the-clock gyms have mushroomed across Hong Kong in recent years, offering flexibility and convenience to time-pressed people juggling work and exercise. But just like the notorious problems of aggressive sales tactics and long membership contracts with chain fitness centres in the industry’s heyday, these smaller outlets running on a new business model also come with hidden costs and privacy issues that consumers cannot afford to ignore. A targeted investigation by the Consumer Council on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3347264/more-transparency-needed-fees-and-data-24-hour-gym-memberships https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3347264/more-transparency-needed-fees-and-data-24-hour-gym-memberships Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Monthly fees at Hong Kong’s 24-hour fitness centres vary widely and can more than double depending on additional charges, the Consumer Council has found, as it warned residents to be cautious when providing sensitive personal data, including facial images for recognition systems. The consumer watchdog revealed on Monday the results of a survey of 11 round-the-clock gym operators, finding that although all offered monthly membership plans, nearly half imposed extra non-refundable charges that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346709/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-24-hour-gym-users-hidden-costs-data-privacy-risks https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346709/hong-kong-watchdog-warns-24-hour-gym-users-hidden-costs-data-privacy-risks Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:03:47 +0000 Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has received at least 174 complaints after Taiwanese rock band Mayday cancelled one of its coming concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park and rescheduled it for later, sparking frustration among fans. The Consumer Council said that as of 5pm on Thursday, it had received complaints from 80 residents and 94 from outside Hong Kong, involving a total sum of HK$485,333 (US$62,010). The largest local claim amounted to HK$7,900, whereas the largest non-local case concerned... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346341/over-160-complaints-filed-after-mayday-shifts-hong-kong-show-consumer-council https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346341/over-160-complaints-filed-after-mayday-shifts-hong-kong-show-consumer-council Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:05:30 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has received dozens of complaints after Taiwanese rock band Mayday cancelled one of its coming concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park and replaced it with a new date later in the week, sparking frustration among fans – particularly those travelling from mainland China and overseas. The Consumer Council said that as of 1pm on Tuesday, it had received 24 complaints about the cancelled show – eight from local consumers and 16 from fans outside the city. The watchdog said the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346132/sour-note-fans-after-taiwanese-rock-band-mayday-switches-hong-kong-date https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346132/sour-note-fans-after-taiwanese-rock-band-mayday-switches-hong-kong-date Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:15:06 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Food poisoning, while traumatic for victims, rarely draws wider attention unless there are clusters of cases. A spate of recent incidents linked to oysters served in Hong Kong must prompt quick action from the industry and health authorities to find the source, ensure safety and make changes to protect the city’s reputation. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Centre for Food Safety has identified dozens of cases linked to raw shellfish imported from South Korea, Spain and France.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3343888/food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-must-prompt-swift-mitigation-efforts https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3343888/food-poisoning-cases-hong-kong-must-prompt-swift-mitigation-efforts Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:45:07 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow Perfumes from Italian fashion brand Gucci and two other luxury products have been found to contain 10 types of fragrance allergens that could worsen skin conditions for eczema patients, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has said. The Consumer Council said on Monday that it tested 40 perfume products, including Gucci’s “The Alchemist’s Garden Tears from the Moon Eau de Parfum”, priced at HK$2,850 (US$365) per 100ml (3.4-ounce) bottle – the most expensive option examined. Two other products that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343755/hong-kong-watchdog-finds-fragrance-allergens-gucci-bvlgari-perfumes https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343755/hong-kong-watchdog-finds-fragrance-allergens-gucci-bvlgari-perfumes Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:02:44 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Some shopping centres in Hong Kong display unclear parking discount terms that often lead to disputes, the consumer watchdog has said, citing a case in which a driver was billed HK$1,210 (US$155) for a full day, more than seven times the advertised rate. The Consumer Council said on Monday that complaints about car-park services had remained persistently high in recent years, with 120 cases recorded in 2025, reversing a dip to 96 in 2024 and roughly matching the 118 in 2023. “Most cases were... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343691/warning-unclear-parking-offers-after-hongkonger-charged-7-times-more-advertised https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343691/warning-unclear-parking-offers-after-hongkonger-charged-7-times-more-advertised Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:34:18 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A man who paid HK$170,000 (US$22,000) for a hair transplant has complained that “nearly all” of the initial 1,000 artificial strands fell out within a year – far earlier than the company’s claim that the results would last more than six years, Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has revealed. The Consumer Council on Monday warned against exaggerated claims of effectiveness after continuously receiving complaints about scalp inflammation, artificial hair detachment and unsatisfactory... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343676/hongkonger-denied-refund-after-hk88000-hair-treatment-causes-scalp-bleeding https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343676/hongkonger-denied-refund-after-hk88000-hair-treatment-causes-scalp-bleeding Mon, 16 Feb 2026 03:23:55 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Lo Hoi-ying,Danny Mok,Theodora Yu Some recent food poisoning cases in Hong Kong have been linked to raw oysters supplied by a company in Spain, prompting authorities to instruct the food trade to suspend imports and sales from the firm. The Centre for Food Safety revealed the latest results of its investigation into dozens of recent food poisoning cases on Friday night – hours after a restaurant chain told the South China Morning Post that raw oysters consumed by diners who fell ill came from France and were supplied by a Hong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343376/hong-kong-diners-urged-avoid-raw-oysters-more-food-poisoning-cases-found https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343376/hong-kong-diners-urged-avoid-raw-oysters-more-food-poisoning-cases-found Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:31:43 +0000