briefs: CTM network attacked

A temporary failure occurred across CTM’s mobile data network yesterday afternoon, with the service delayed for about one hour. The breakdown happened at around 12:30p.m., with 3G service experiencing slow processing. “After investigation, all CTM networks including facilities and related systems were not affected by the incident, hence proving that it was caused by a cyber-attack,” the company declared in a statement yesterday. CTM stressed that there was no Internet disconnection and the problem was within their technical control. The service returned to normal one hour later at 1:30p.m., according to the network provider. During the affected period, the company said they received more than 500 inquiries from customers. CTM said the engineering department is closely monitoring the situation to avoid similar problems happening again. Voice service was not affected in the accident. In order to tackle the unexpected cyber-attack, CTM reiterated that the Company has continually invested resources in enhancing the network’s capacity and its security system, and will conduct regular cyber-attack drills to ensure the stability and integrity of the network system.

Chui campaign office rebukes Next Magazine report

Chui Sai On’s campaign office has released a statement accusing the Hong Kong media outlet Next Magazine of misrepresenting facts in one of its reports. The report, published two days ago, alleged that Chui Sai On had “transferred interests” to four businessmen, who are also members of the Chief Executive Electoral College. It also claimed that, judging from the confidential Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) documents the magazine has received, the four businessmen were also investigated for the bribery of the disgraced Secretary Ao Man Long. The statement from Chui’s office said that the report is “totally baseless and entirely fabricated”. It also claimed to reserve the right to launch legal action against the magazine for the possible damage the report has caused.

Melco announces interim results

Melco International Development Limited yesterday announced its interim results for the six-month period ended 30 June. The profit attributable to owners of the company increased 57.3 pct to HKD907.6 million, as compared with HKD576.9 million last year. Mr Lawrence Ho, group chairman and CEO of Melco, said: “We are pleased that Melco Group has continued its steady progress towards our strategic objectives as indicated by the solid results of the period under review. Despite the slowing growth of Macau’s gross gaming revenues in the past few months, the gaming sector in Macau overall remains positive as the more profitable mass market segment continues to grow rapidly.”