Housing Authority highly concerned about serious deficiencies in lift replacement works at two estates under Tenants Purchase Scheme
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) said on October 15 that it has been informed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) that there were serious deficiencies during the lift replacement works at two estates under the Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS), namely Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin and Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong, in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Although a fire resisting rating certificate was submitted regarding the fire resisting doorsets, including door frame components, it was found that only the fire resisting doors were installed as required, but Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited did not install the corresponding door frame components. Though the absence of these door frame components in the lifts concerned is a non-compliance, the lifts can still operate safely.
The Hong Kong Housing Authority. Photo source: reference image
As the owner of the unsold units in the two aforementioned TPS estates, the HA is highly concerned about the incident. The HA is maintaining close contact with the EMSD to seriously follow up on the incident and pursue the liabilities of Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited.
Among all TPS estates, only the lift replacement works in the two aforementioned estates were undertaken by this company. For another TPS estate, Fu Heng Estate, which is currently preparing for lift replacement, the contract has not yet been awarded. The HA has immediately and proactively advised the Incorporated Owners of Fu Heng Estate to suspend the award of the contract, and will provide all necessary support to the Incorporated Owners regarding the incident, including assisting them in studying the follow-up arrangements, to safeguard the overall interests and safety of all residents.
Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited. Photo source: online image
Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million.
In the first case, during an anti-narcotics operation conducted at Hong Kong International Airport today, Customs officers intercepted a 43-year-old Mainland female passenger and found about 3.3 kg of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes inside her carry-on baggage. She was subsequently arrested.
In the second case, a 41-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday (October 15). During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 5.5 kg of suspected cannabis buds inside his carry-on baggage. He was subsequently arrested.
The arrested woman in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of dutiable goods. The arrested man in the second case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 17).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the second case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs today (October 16) detected two drug trafficking cases at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 8.8 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a total estimated market value of about $1.83 million. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized in the first case. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
