Yes, they are "looking" mainly for LAGs on the departures to the US. But laughably so.

The theater usually goes like this:

1) The screener asks me to step over

[ 1.5 The screener discreetly looks me over and evaluates "the threat" as I walk over]

2) I place my carryon on the table in front of the screener

3) The screener usually then apologizes for the inconvenience and starts to unzip the bag

4) The bag gets partially unzipped.

5) *If* the screener even bothers to lift the flap, they quickly stop looking as soon as they see the clear ziploc bag containing some toothpaste and deodarant at the top lying on top of a travel pillow.

6) The bag is quickly rezipped and I'm sent onto the plane.

What's usually under the travel pillow is a whole lot of electronic devices. And a couple of cans or bottles of beverage picked up inside HKIA.

The screeners don't even ask me whether I have any liquids with me these days. If they did ask, I'd give them up. But they don't ask or find, so I don't.

Apparently I don't fit their profile of interest or concern. They seem to be far more interested in hassling casual travellers, family groups, or anyone who rocks up carrying a backpack with a Nalgene bottle in an outside pocket.

It's all very silly.