Presenters：Azam Khan and John Bruce
Backchat is RTHK Radio 3's week-daily current affairs discussion programme, with expert panels and listener participation. It airs every Monday to Friday from 9.05am - 10am (HKT).
Have your say by calling us on 233 88 266, find us on Facebook - Backchat on RTHK Radio 3, or email backchat@rthk.gov.hk
Listen live on Radio 3's homepage - www.rthk.hk/radio/radio3
On this programme, we checked how the Iran war is impacting Hong Kong. With oil pricing surging, lawmakers have approved a $1.8 billion dollar relief package to help businesses cope with rising fuel costs. Starting later this month, diesel-powered commercial vehicles and vessels will receive a HK$3-per-litre subsidy for a period of two months. We heard from representatives across sectors to get their thoughts on the move.
After the break, we brought you the latest in Formula 1 as Hainan’s local government signalled its intention to bring the race to the southern island, after it unveiled development plans aimed at securing the motorsport’s premier event for the province.
And to wrap up the show, we talked to an engineer as authorities move forward with plans to develop an underground quarry in North Tsing Yi, scheduled for commission in 2028.
9:05am-9:30am: Diesel subsidies
Speakers:
Anthony Lam, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Willy Lin, Honorary Chairman of the Hong Kong Shippers' Council
Peter Yung, Spokesman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association
9:32am-9:47am: Formula 1 in Hainan?
Speaker:
Nick Marsh, former racing driver and team owner
9:47am-10:00am: North Tsing Yi underground quarry
Speaker:
Leung Yat-fai, Spokesperson of the Geotechnical Division of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
Presenters：Azam Khan and John Bruce
On Thursday's Backchat, we talked about the government's takeover of the Tai Lam Tunnel in the New Territories. The tunnel recorded a surge in traffic after cheaper fees were introduced over the weekend. Transport Secretary Mable Chan said she hopes the new arrangement can alleviate congestion on Tuen Mun Road. We spoke to experts about the pricing change and explored how that would affect traffic on Hong Kong's road system.
After the break, we looked at the performance of Hong Kong's retail industry, as the city hosted a major summit to explore it can adapt to the fast-changing market environment.
To cap it all off, the annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun, with 1.8 million Muslims from around the world expected to descend upon the Saudi holy city of Mecca. The spiritual, week-long journey is a core tenet in Islam. We heard from the Chief Imam of Hong Kong, who is currently undertaking the pilgrimage.
9:05am-9:30am: Government takeover of Tai Lam Tunnel 9:05am-9:30am: Alok Jain, CEO and Managing Director of Trans Consult
9:05am-9:30am: Timothy Hau, Honorary Associate Professor of Economics at HKU Business School, The University of Hong Kong
9:32am-9:47am: Retail sales
9:32am-9:47am: Rita Li, Professor at the Department of Economics and Finance, Hong Kong Shue Yan University
9:47am-10:00am: Hajj pilgrimage
9:47am-10:00am: Mufti Muhammad Arshad, Chief Imam of Hong Kong
