Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convenes first meeting
The Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convened its first meeting today (December 10). The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing.
The Committee noted the management arrangements for the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, as well as the latest progress of the support measures provided to residents and other affected persons as previously agreed. The Committee also agreed to launch a new special grant under the Fund to provide $100,000 to each of the flat owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Mr Cheuk said, "Since its establishment, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has implemented various support measures to assist residents in addressing their urgent needs and rebuilding their lives, providing long-term and sustained support. The new flat owner grant will provide immediate assistance to owners of the affected flats, including those who rented out their properties."
The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was established on November 27, 2025, pursuant to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 1044). Donations received so far amount to about $3.1 billion. With the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund's total has now reached around $3.4 billion. The Fund's accounts will be submitted to the Director of Audit for audit pursuant to the requirements stipulated in the Ordinance. The Fund's report will also be tabled to the Legislative Council.
The Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, convened by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, is responsible for advising on matters such as the operation of the Fund, as well as supervising and monitoring the establishment and implementation of support measures under the Fund. The terms of reference of the Committee are:
To advise on the overall strategy, operation and procedures of the Support Fund;
To advise on the management and allocation of the Support Fund;
To oversee the usage of the Support Fund and the implementation progress of the support measures; and
To advise on other matters relating to the Support Fund.
The Committee comprises:
Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration (Convenor)
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Secretary for Education
Secretary for Housing
Secretary for Health
Director of Information Services
Director of Social Welfare
Director of Home Affairs
Donations made to the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po are regarded as approved charitable donations made to the Government for charitable purposes. Donors can claim and be allowed tax deductions of such donations during the relevant year of assessment. To facilitate members of the public, donations made to the Fund through bank transfer with an amount of $50,000 or below will be eligible for tax deductions without the requirement of official receipts. Donors are required to retain the relevant donation receipts for verification. The detailed arrangements will be announced on the Government's thematic website on Support Services for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (www.taipofire.gov.hk/eng/fund.html) on Monday (December 15).
Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po convenes first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has long been committed to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat. The department today (December 10) conducted a raid on a licensed fresh provision shop (FPS) in Sai Kung District, suspecting such malpractice.
During the operation, FEHD officers raided a licensed FPS at Yan King Road in Tseung Kwan O, and seized about 264 kilograms of suspected frozen beef and about 256kg of prepackaged frozen beef, which have been immediately marked and sealed for further investigation. Beef samples were also collected for the detection of preservatives. Prosecutions will be initiated should there be sufficient evidence. The licensee of the FPS is suspected of breaching the licensing conditions for the display and sale of frozen meat as fresh meat, and the FEHD is proceeding with the cancellation of the FPS's licence.
Prosecution was initiated against the licensee of the FPS for the dirty condition of the premises. Two verbal warnings were also given to the licensee for non-compliance with the relevant licensing conditions for failing to provide delivery notes for inspection and improper storage of frozen beef.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The selling of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat breaches the licensing conditions and poses food safety risks. Such operations are unfair to other compliant businesses."
The spokesman added, "Anyone selling chilled or frozen meat without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment on conviction. The FEHD will continue to conduct regular inspections at licensed FPSs and market meat stalls and will deal with complaints promptly. In detecting any irregularities, the department will carry out investigations promptly and take appropriate enforcement action. In addition, the FEHD also proactively investigates suspected violations from time to time and conducts surprise inspections and enforcement actions as necessary. If there is sufficient evidence, prosecutions will be initiated, and follow-up action will be taken against breaches of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements. The licences of those FPSs breaching licensing conditions may be cancelled, while the tenancies of market meat stalls breaching tenancy agreements may be terminated."
The spokesman emphasised the FEHD's deep concern and strong commitment to combating the sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat through stringent enforcement actions.
FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD takes enforcement action against sale of chilled or frozen meat disguised as fresh meat Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
