Government Makes Full Efforts to Support Wang Fuk Court Residents After Fire

Government makes full efforts to follow-up work on Tai Po fire

A Government spokesman reiterated today (July 19) that the Government is making full efforts to follow up on the work of support for the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and with empathy as the priority so as to assist the residents to overcome difficulties and move on to rebuild their long-term homes.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

First, there is no need for the residents of Wang Fuk Court to worry that their personal belongings remaining in the flats may not be retrievable upon transferring titles to the Government. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration together with relevant departments are consolidating the experience drawn from last two rounds of arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents to return to their flats to collect their personal belongings and then decide on the next step of work. The general direction is to provide opportunity for the residents to return to the flats to take their necessary belongings to tie in with their new accommodation arrangements as far as possible.

In considering residents' wish to collect more belongings, the Government will make concrete arrangements, having regard to the actual circumstances including the overall condition of the buildings, the safety of residents and working staff, as well as the substantial manpower and logistical support required.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Second, the Government has announced earlier a two-year standard rental grant for the owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po until December 21, 2027. This arrangement will help them rebuild their long-term homes with greater flexibility. The advantages of the enhanced arrangement are, regardless of which long-term housing arrangement option the owners have chosen, whether they have successfully selected a flat, or even if they do not participate in the long-term housing arrangements, they will receive a rental grant totalling $300,000 over two years from December 22, 2025, to December 21, 2027.

In addition, if owners opt to join the Special Sales Exercise, their eligibility for the rental grant will only cease three months after the date of the assignment of the new flat purchased. Rental grants disbursed need not be refunded, but no further grants will be disbursed thereafter.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: AI-found images