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Hong Kong Today
Description:
RTHK's morning news programme. Weekdays 6:30 - 8:00
Presenter:
Samantha Butler and Ben Tse2024-08-14
Wednesday
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Needy skipping meals due to high costs
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A non-governmental organisation has found that many needy people are skipping meals because of rising prices. As Kimmy Lau reports, the group urged the government to increase subsidies for the poor:
'Better food labelling will improve diet choices'
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The head of the food charity is calling for an overhaul of food labelling, so people can easily see important nutritional information and make better choices. Allen Yuen, executive director of Food Grace, says that underprivileged people they interviewed faced long working hours and insufficient cooking facilities that prevented them from eating well. He spoke to Ben Tse about their survey:
Japan's megaquake advisory fails to deter travellers
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Travellers are going ahead with their trips to Japan despite the Japanese government's warning of a megaquake in the south of the country. Raymond Yeung reports:
Insurer warns travellers may lose out if megaquake strikes
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The head of the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers says visitors to Japan may not receive compensation if they purchase their travel insurance after August 8, when the magnitude-7.1 quake occurred. But the federation's chief executive Selina Lau told Anne Chan that travellers should still buy travel insurance ahead of their trip:
Public hospital drugs found on HKTVmall
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Hospital bosses have expressed concern and vowed to take follow-up actions after a woman was allegedly sold medication prescribed by a public hospital via HKTVmall. As Frank Yung reports, the online shopping site said it had removed the product from its marketplace and was investigating:
Hangzhou trip eye-opening for students: CS
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Chief Secretary Eric Chan says students from poorer backgrounds, who are taking part in a government mentorship scheme in Hangzhou, have been able to learn a lot about Chinese culture. He also says their confidence has increased. Damon Pang reports:
High interest rates pressuring SMEs
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The Productivity Council has warned that a high interest rate environment is putting pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises. A survey of 814 local SMEs conducted by the council in July, showed business confidence dropped to a two-year low of 42.5 points in the third quarter, from 47.3 in the previous quarter. Over half of the businesses interviewed said high interest rates affected consumer spending. Senior economist Kelvin Lau with Standard Chartered, which sponsored the survey, pointed to a lack of confidence among SMEs because of lingering external uncertainties. He spoke to Elvis Yu:
Olympics boosted shops and F&B trade
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With the Olympics over, shops in Hong Kong's malls are counting their profits. Many of those who flocked to the malls to see Hong Kong athletes in action in Paris, spent money shopping and eating. Georgina Lee reports:
Delivery services saw growth from Games
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A catering sector representative says business at restaurants rose by 15 percent during the Olympics. Simon Wong, the president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said food delivery services also benefited and enjoyed 10 percent growth. He told Frank Yung how the international sporting gala gave Hong Kong's catering industry a shot in the arm:
Ukraine says it won't keep seized Russian territory
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Ukraine says its troops have advanced further into Russia's Kursk region and now control 74 settlements, after launching a surprise cross-border incursion last week. But Moscow insists it has the advancement under control. Azam Khan reports:
Greece's worst wildfire fades after reaching Athens
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Greek emergency services continue to fightback against a massive wildfire that has scorched the suburbs of its capital Athens, causing widespread damage and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Authorities say the worst of the blaze is over as winds die down. The summer wildfire season in the Mediterranean nation has seen dozens of blazes following its hottest June and July ever recorded. Azam Khan reports:
US authorities reject using ecstasy to treat PTSD
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The US Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve a therapy based on the mind-altering drug MDMA for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. The agency said it was not convinced by the results of late-stage trials conducted by the manufacturer. Jacqueline Guico reports:
Banksy hits London zoo with ninth animal artwork
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Street artist Banksy has created a ninth mural of his animal-themed art trail across London, with a painting on the shutters of the capital's zoo showing a gorilla freeing a sea lion and birds. The series began with a mountain goat on Monday and was followed by eight other artworks, as Jacqueline Guico reports: