Government Officials Discuss Support Fund and Long-Term Plans for Wang Fuk Court Fire Victims

Remarks by SHYA and SLW at media session regarding follow-up work on fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

​The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, met the media today (December 6) regarding the follow-up work on the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, after attending a radio programme. Following are their remarks at the media session:

Reporter: Miss Mak, right now the funds are being used for immediate relief. How does the Government plan to ensure that funds allocated for the fire victims are used effectively in the long term to help them rebuild their lives? Are there any specific schemes or initiatives being developed to assist affected families? And how will the funds be allocated toward long-term housing solutions? And in terms of scaffold netting, how will the authorities help those who are unable to meet the deadline by today? Mr Sun, what specific penalties do you foresee for companies or workers who violate the proposed smoking ban that comes into effect?

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: For the Support Fund ("Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po"), right now we have already raised a total of $3 billion from the private sector and also from the Government's allocation fund. We hope we will make the best use of this Support Fund to help our residents being affected in this fire incident. As you know, we have already launched several relief funds to cater for their short-term needs. We will also make the best use of the Support Fund to provide long-term and sustainable support and assistance to those residents to help them rebuild their homes and let their lives resume normal.

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, Photo source: reference image

Secretary for Labour and Welfare: Thank you. On the prohibition of smoking at construction sites, of course, it's subject to a discussion with the Legislative Council (LegCo) upon its establishment next year, on January 1. One of the issues we have to discuss is about if the consensus among the LegCo and the administration is to prohibit smoking at construction sites in general, we have to consider what kind of penalty we have to put in place.

One of the possible options we could explore is possibly a fixed ticket, so this is one of the ideas we need to explore. But of course, the detailed proposal is to be hammered out after discussions with LegCo and also we're going to consult the trade to make sure that whatever new prohibition is going to be introduced, it is enforceable. Thank you.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, Photo source: reference image of Bastille Post

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

KCDO received report of suspected hacking into instant messaging application account of Sub-district Care Team

The Kowloon City District Office (KCDO)this evening (March 16)received a report of suspected hacking into the instant messaging application account of a Sub-district Care Team which may have resulted in the leakage of personal data of service users.

The operating organisation of the Kadoorie Sub-district Care Team (i.e. Kowloon City Youths Association) reported to the KCDOthis eveningthat the instant messaging application account of Kadoorie Sub-district Care Team was suspected to have been hacked. The incident may have resulted in the leakage of personal data, including names, telephone numbers, addresses and full or partial Hong Kong Identity Card numbers, of 10 service users.

Regarding this incident, apart from informing affected service users immediately and reminding them to be vigilant, the operating organisation has also reported to the Police and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. The operating organisation is reviewing and will further strengthen its security measures. If anyone suspects a person impersonating a member of the Kadoorie Sub-district Care Team, they may contact the Kadoorie Sub-district Care Team, the KCDO or call182 111to verify the person's identity. In case of suspicious circumstances, please call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

The KCDO apologises to the persons affected for any inconvenience caused and has set up a hotline (2712 9182) for enquiries. Members of the public may also visit the Care Teams' dedicated webpage (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/district_services_community_care_teams/fraud_prevention.htm) to learn about the anti-fraud measures.Members and volunteers of Care Teams will wear Care Team uniforms and display Care Team member or Volunteer Certificates of Identity for identification when providing caring services. The KCDO has asked the Care Team for heightened vigilance and strengthened security measures and to continue to handle and keep personal data confidential strictly according to the guidelines. The Home Affairs Department has also reminded all Care Teams accordingly.

Source: AI-found images