Government Replaces Wang Fuk Court Management Amid Resident Concerns and Rehousing Plans

Remarks by SHYA at media session

Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, at a media session this afternoon (January 6) on the management of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po:

Reporter: Can you recap in English the Government's expectations towards the new management company? What does it signify in the Lands Tribunal's decision? And what's next after the company replacement? And what about the rehousing plan for the residents and any Government's plan on how and when to rehouse them permanently?

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: The Government welcomes the decision of the Lands Tribunal to dissolve the management committee of the Wang Fuk Court, The Incorporated Owners Of Wang Fuk Court, and appoint Hop On Management as the administrator. We all can see and understand that the management committee of Wang Fuk Court is plainly unable to carry out its duties under the DMC (Deed of Mutual Covenant) and the BMO (Building Management Ordinance) to competently manage Wang Fuk Court in an unprecedented circumstance now faced by the owners. So, the Government applied to the Lands Tribunal last month and the Lands Tribunal granted the approval to appoint a professional administrator to help the Wang Fuk Court residents to properly and competently manage the Wang Fuk Court.

The Nina Wang Charity Trustees has also agreed to make a donation of 10 million dollars to support the operation expenses or costs that the administrator may incur when they appoint other professionals to look into the various accounts or contracts of the Wang Fuk Court. So, we hope that with the assistance from the professionals and the professional PMC (property management company), that is Hop On Management Company, residents of the Wang Fuk Court, their welfare and benefits can be properly and legally safeguarded.

As for the rehousing plan, as you all know, the Deputy Financial Secretary is leading a special task force to look into this, we expect that he will listen to views from the residents and to announce any options or proposals for the residents to consider.

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

Miss Alice Mak, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Photo by Bastille Post

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal

Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. A suspected illegally imported dog with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.

Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 64-year-old female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, a dog was seized from her rucksack, and she was subsequently arrested.

The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.

Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases