Author Archives: hksar gov

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, April 16, 2020 is 108.6 (up 0.3 against yesterday’s index). read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:        The Legislative Council (LegCo) Finance Committee will hold a meeting from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 9.30pm tomorrow (April 17) in Conference R… read more

     A spokesperson for the Government Property Agency (GPA) said today (April 16) that it is writing to eligible tenants under its purview to notify them of the implementation of the Government’s latest rental concession measures.

     In response to the challenges arising from the COVID-19 epidemic, the Chief Executive announced on April 8 a series of measures involving over $130 billion to help businesses stay afloat, keep workers in employment, and relieve financial burdens of individuals and businesses.

     One of the measures is to enhance the rental reduction for eligible businesses/organisations renting government premises from 50 per cent to 75 per cent for the six-month period from April to September 2020. The scope of the enhanced 75 per cent rental concession will also be expanded to benefit more businesses/organisations, such as regulators’ offices for public transport operators and advertising signboards leased by the GPA. Tenants of government premises that are required to completely cease operation due to the Government’s implementation of anti-epidemic measures will even receive full rental waiver during the closure period.

     Tenants may approach the GPA in case they have any enquiries. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Ms Winnie Chiu, today (April 16) declared a direct investigation into the regulatory regime for the safe operation of lifts and escalators administered by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD).

     In March 2017, an escalator connecting the fourth and eighth level of Langham Place, Mong Kok suddenly slid backwards at high speed while in operation, causing injuries to 18 passengers. Serious lift accidents then occurred in April and May 2018 respectively at Waterside Plaza in Tsuen Wan and Paris Court of Sheung Shui Town Centre, resulting in one death and two critical injuries. These accidents had aroused wide concern about the safety and repair/maintenance of lifts and escalators. Over the past year, the Office of The Ombudsman has also received several complaints concerning the repair and maintenance of lifts.

     The design, installation, maintenance and examination of lifts and escalators in Hong Kong are regulated by the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618). Under the Ordinance, all lifts and escalators are required to undergo periodic maintenance and examinations by registered contractors and workers. The EMSD conducts random inspections on the maintenance and examination work to monitor compliance. Non-compliant registered contractors and workers are subject to prosecution and disciplinary action.

     All new lifts and escalators, including their safety components, must satisfy the prevailing safety standards prescribed by the EMSD at the time of installation. With technological advancements, new components had been integrated into the design of lifts and escalators gradually to improve safety. As at the end of 2017, there were more than 66 000 lifts and 9 300 escalators in Hong Kong. The Ombudsman’s preliminary inquiries found that about 80 per cent of the lifts and 90 per cent of the escalators had not been installed with components that meet the latest safety standards. In addition, around 30 per cent of the lifts and 20 per cent of the escalators were at least 30 years old. Since components of lifts and escalators are susceptible to wear and tear as well as ageing, their safe operation depends on regular and proper maintenance and repairs. Accidents involving lifts and escalators can bring grave consequences. The importance of the EMSD’s monitoring of the examinations and repairs conducted by engineers and technicians cannot be underestimated.

     “In Hong Kong, high-rise buildings are everywhere and lifts and escalators are frequently used in our daily lives. Periodic examinations and proper maintenance to ensure their safe operation are of paramount importance. Those serious accidents involving lifts and escalators that have happened in recent years have aroused public concern about the adequacy of the Government’s current regulatory measures. Our Office, therefore, initiates this direct investigation to probe into the issue and identify areas for improvement,” Ms Chiu noted.

     The ambit of this direct investigation includes:

(1) the requirements under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance regarding the maintenance and examination of lifts and escalators;
(2) the adequacy of the EMSD’s monitoring mechanism for the maintenance and examination of lifts and escalators;
(3) the effectiveness of the EMSD’s regulation of registered contractors and relevant technicians; and
(4) any areas for improvement.

     The Ombudsman now invites members of the public to give their views on the above topic in writing to the Office of The Ombudsman by May 16, 2020:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre
              168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: complaints@ombudsman.hk read more

     To help the recycling industry cope with the current economic situation and recent operational difficulties arising from the COVID-19 epidemic, the Recycling Fund (RF) has allocated additional funds of $50 million to raise… read more