https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/510298/feed en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Natalie Wong,Vivian Au Natalie Wong,Vivian Au Hong Kong’s development chief has rejected accusations of a policy U-turn over the establishment of a dedicated agency to help flat owners with building repair tenders, insisting the agency’s planned remit differs fundamentally from one rejected a decade ago. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, in a press conference on Friday, elaborated on the scope of work of the Building Maintenance Support and Services Council, which will be established by the end of this year. She was asked if... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372786/hong-kong-development-chief-denies-u-turn-over-agency-support-homeowners https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372786/hong-kong-development-chief-denies-u-turn-over-agency-support-homeowners Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:24:13 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Ministers have defended their decision not to step down over the deadly Tai Po fire, insisting they are putting Hong Kong’s well-being ahead of personal considerations. A senior official also hinted that a successor might not be named to replace Winnie Ho Wing-yin, who resigned as housing minister to take political accountability for the city’s deadliest disaster in decades. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun, who is now serving as acting housing minister, apologised alongside three... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372783/hong-kong-ministers-defend-decision-not-resign-over-deadly-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372783/hong-kong-ministers-defend-decision-not-resign-over-deadly-tai-po-fire Fri, 30 Oct 2026 14:04:01 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin A planned renovation monitoring body could be held liable for poor oversight when recommending and keeping tabs on consultants and contractors, Hong Kong’s development chief Bernadette Linn Hon-ho has warned, as officials detailed broader reforms to curb malpractice during major building repairs. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun also gave assurances on Friday that a new department overseeing major renovation projects would adopt a fresh approach and provide training, despite being... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372776/hong-kongs-planned-renovation-body-may-be-liable-poor-oversight-minister https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372776/hong-kongs-planned-renovation-body-may-be-liable-poor-oversight-minister Fri, 30 Oct 2026 13:59:13 +0000 Edith Lin,Vivian Au,Kristen Cheung,Lo Hoi-ying,Leopold Chen Edith Lin,Vivian Au,Kristen Cheung,Lo Hoi-ying,Leopold Chen This live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account. Hong Kong authorities provided more details about reforms to tackle bid-rigging and enhance oversight of building maintenance projects, in response to the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The government held two press conferences on Friday to provide details about the reforms, after an independent committee that investigated the Tai Po fire pointed to inadequacies in the government’s oversight of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372651/ai-system-screen-contractors-mid-2027-part-sweeping-tai-po-fire-reforms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372651/ai-system-screen-contractors-mid-2027-part-sweeping-tai-po-fire-reforms Fri, 30 Oct 2026 02:29:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong is still healing from the trauma of the Wang Fuk Court fire that claimed 168 lives nearly a year ago. The difficult process has been taken a step further with the release of the final report of an independent committee of inquiry led by a High Court judge, and the response of the government, revealed on Thursday by the city’s leader and his administration. The concept of accountability has hung heavily over proceedings. It is only natural after such a catastrophe for people to expect... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3372631/ensure-reform-wake-tai-po-fire-report-delivers-intended-results https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3372631/ensure-reform-wake-tai-po-fire-report-delivers-intended-results Fri, 30 Oct 2026 01:31:22 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A raft of reforms to overhaul Hong Kong’s building maintenance sector has been hailed as a bold first step in tackling bid-rigging and other deep-rooted problems, but observers said its success would depend on the determination and persistence shown in implementing them to restore public trust. They said the reforms signalled a departure from the government’s long-standing reliance on the self-discipline of industry professionals, but highlighted a notable absence of measures to tackle falsified... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3372635/will-tai-po-fire-reforms-wipe-out-collusion-hong-kongs-building-maintenance-industry https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3372635/will-tai-po-fire-reforms-wipe-out-collusion-hong-kongs-building-maintenance-industry Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:44:33 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s leader has apologised for last year’s deadly Tai Po fire, vowing extensive civil service and legislative reforms and an overhaul of government departments as his housing chief Winnie Ho Wing-yin resigned to offer political accountability. A grim-faced Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and seven other top officials bowed their heads in apology on Thursday at the start of a press briefing, the first time his administration had directly expressed regret since the blaze on November 26 at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372634/hong-kongs-john-lee-apologises-tai-po-fire-unveils-reforms-housing-chief-resigns https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372634/hong-kongs-john-lee-apologises-tai-po-fire-unveils-reforms-housing-chief-resigns Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:08:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has said the housing minister’s resignation was his “comprehensive political decision” in establishing accountability for the city’s deadliest fire in decades, with a three-member team to also investigate up to 50 civil servants. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Thursday that he had decided to stay on to spearhead comprehensive reforms. Nearly a year after last November’s Tai Po inferno, which claimed 168 lives and displaced about 5,000 residents, Lee announced... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372627/lee-vows-stay-says-housing-ministers-resignation-his-political-decision https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372627/lee-vows-stay-says-housing-ministers-resignation-his-political-decision Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:25:12 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong’s security chief has vowed to implement tougher enforcement against unauthorised shutdowns of fire safety systems and a structural overhaul of the Fire Services Department (FSD) after it was criticised for relying on a “passive, paper-driven” audit regime. The independent committee that investigated the Wang Fuk Court fire said in its report released on Thursday that the department had received notices that the estate’s fire hydrant and hosepipe reel system had been deactivated for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372626/security-chief-vows-revamp-fire-department-after-report-censures-lax-inspections https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372626/security-chief-vows-revamp-fire-department-after-report-censures-lax-inspections Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:18:59 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing The lack of a sense of crisis and an overreliance on an “honour system” prevented the buildings, labour and fire safety authorities from acting on fire safety risks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a judge-led panel that investigated Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades has found. But among the four government bodies singled out in the independent committee’s final report on the fire, the Labour Department should bear the least responsibility, it said. “Firstly and most importantly, there was a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372625/tai-po-fire-risks-went-unchecked-honour-system-exploited-report-says https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372625/tai-po-fire-risks-went-unchecked-honour-system-exploited-report-says Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:16:01 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung No government department took effective ownership of fire safety risks ahead of the deadly Tai Po fire in Hong Kong, allowing complaints made by residents to fall into a vacuum, according to an independent committee. At the release of the 1,154-page full report on Thursday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said he would lead a steering committee to review and implement the more than 100 recommendations of the independent committee. The recommendations included the criminalisation of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372624/residents-were-left-helpless-departments-passed-ball-safety-complaints https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372624/residents-were-left-helpless-departments-passed-ball-safety-complaints Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:00:16 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong’s housing chief has resigned to take political responsibility for the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, offering condolences to the families of the victims and expressing hope that those who perished may rest in peace. Winnie Ho Wing-yin said on Thursday that she submitted her resignation to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu the previous day, becoming the only minister-level official so far to resign over the fire. “As the secretary for housing, I’m willing to bear political... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372620/hong-kong-housing-chief-quits-over-tai-po-fire-accepts-political-responsibility https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372620/hong-kong-housing-chief-quits-over-tai-po-fire-accepts-political-responsibility Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:45:18 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s disgraced Independent Checking Unit (ICU) will be disbanded as part of reforms in the wake of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, after a judge-led inquiry identified it as the government arm with the greatest responsibility for the Wang Fuk Court inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Thursday that the Housing Bureau would undergo internal restructuring, under which the ICU would be replaced by a new Public Housing Building Control Section. Deputy Financial Secretary... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372616/hong-kong-replace-disgraced-housing-unit-over-deadly-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372616/hong-kong-replace-disgraced-housing-unit-over-deadly-tai-po-fire Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:04:36 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A combination of a lit cigarette and an “abundant fuel” of combustible materials caused Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, according to a long-awaited report which found the blaze would not have killed so many people, or happened at all, without “human fault”. Eleven months after the deadly fire tore through Wang Fuk Court, killing 168 and displacing thousands, an independent committee’s report released on Thursday assigned blame to the main contractor for renovations at the housing estate,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:11:47 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters This live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account. The Hong Kong government has released a deeply scathing report by an independent committee probing the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu holding a press conference alongside top officials to outline the administration’s consequent actions and systemic reforms. Sources earlier said that at least one senior official would take the rap for the tragedy as part of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372542/tai-po-fire-inquiry-hard-hitting-report-tragedy-set-be-released https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372542/tai-po-fire-inquiry-hard-hitting-report-tragedy-set-be-released Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:40:49 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong At least one senior official will take the rap for the deadly Tai Po fire as part of a set of “bold, comprehensive and far-reaching reforms” the Hong Kong government will announce on Thursday afternoon, sources have told the South China Morning Post. The official’s expected resignation would be part of the political accountability that the government hoped to underscore along with major reforms on administrative accountability that will go right to the top, one source said. The shake-up is... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372536/least-1-senior-official-take-rap-deadly-tai-po-fire-part-bold-reforms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372536/least-1-senior-official-take-rap-deadly-tai-po-fire-part-bold-reforms Thu, 29 Oct 2026 05:39:16 +0000 Leopold Chen,Olga Wong Leopold Chen,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader is expected to announce reforms introducing criminal penalties for bid-rigging on Thursday, when the government will also release the final investigation report on the Tai Po inferno, the South China Morning Post has learned. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his senior officials would outline the proposed measures and give an update on efforts to pursue “administrative accountability” at a press conference, a government source said on Wednesday. Senior officials... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372377/hong-kong-propose-criminal-penalties-bid-rigging-after-deadly-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372377/hong-kong-propose-criminal-penalties-bid-rigging-after-deadly-tai-po-fire Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:15:19 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Danny Mok Kristen Cheung,Danny Mok A fire broke out on Monday at Hong Kong’s waste-to-energy incinerator on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau, prompting more than 900 people to flee to safety and leaving one staff member feeling unwell from suspected heatstroke. The Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1, or I·PARK1, located south of Lantau Island, also had to suspend operations following the fire. The blaze started at 12.43pm at the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 and was upgraded to a No 3 alarm at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372144/fire-breaks-out-hong-kongs-shek-kwu-chau-waste-energy-plant https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372144/fire-breaks-out-hong-kongs-shek-kwu-chau-waste-energy-plant Mon, 26 Oct 2026 07:18:41 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority has advised property owners under a subsidy scheme against hiring a contractor that failed to install fire safety components in lifts at hundreds of buildings, saying it had “lost confidence” in the company. The move came a day after the government suspended the performance rating for Taizoom Elevator, which was found to have failed to install required fire-resistant door frame components at 338 buildings as inspections of its work across the city are carried... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371969/ura-tells-owners-avoid-hiring-lift-company-centre-fire-safety-probe https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371969/ura-tells-owners-avoid-hiring-lift-company-centre-fire-safety-probe Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:40:46 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Inspections into lift safety across Hong Kong have found no missing fire-resistant door frames among contractors other than Taizoom Elevator, authorities have said, after 338 buildings served by the firm were confirmed to lack the crucial components. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department provided an update on the checks on Thursday after the government pledged to expand the inspection scope to cover lifts handled by other contractors as well to check whether the problem existed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371792/missing-lift-fire-door-frames-confined-taizoom-hong-kong-authorities-say https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371792/missing-lift-fire-door-frames-confined-taizoom-hong-kong-authorities-say Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:39:32 +0000 Natalie Wong,Jeffie Lam Natalie Wong,Jeffie Lam An independent committee investigating the deadly Tai Po fire is set to submit its final report to the Hong Kong government on Thursday, with the judge-led panel expected to largely endorse the scathing closing submission of its lead counsel, sources have said. A redacted version of the committee’s report, which may withhold some information to avoid prejudicing criminal proceedings related to Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fire in decades, is scheduled for public release next week at the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3371533/tai-po-fire-report-be-submitted-thursday-scathing-submission-endorsed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3371533/tai-po-fire-report-be-submitted-thursday-scathing-submission-endorsed Tue, 20 Oct 2026 12:22:36 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department will launch three new AI-assisted drone technologies to strengthen fire detection and its response to heightened risks during tomb-sweeping activities ahead of the Chung Yeung Festival on Sunday. Wong Tak-fai, acting divisional officer for information and communications technology, said on Friday that the technology would improve the speed and accuracy of fire detection to help the department operate more efficiently. “Artificial intelligence [AI] not only... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371201/ai-powered-drones-help-detect-hill-fires-during-chung-yeung-festival https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371201/ai-powered-drones-help-detect-hill-fires-during-chung-yeung-festival Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:16:39 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department has extended a scheme allowing property owners to install smart fire alarm systems rather than traditional safety equipment to another 6,000 old buildings, but conceded that no installations had been completed although the policy was rolled out over five months ago for 3,600 blocks. Lai Kin-mo, acting deputy chief fire officer for building improvement, said on Wednesday that while 300 buildings had expressed interest in installing the system, which can send... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370912/hong-kong-extends-smart-fire-alarm-scheme-another-6000-old-buildings https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370912/hong-kong-extends-smart-fire-alarm-scheme-another-6000-old-buildings Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:20:38 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The Hong Kong Bar Association has suggested capping the number of proxies a person can hold at homeowners’ meetings, without restricting who may act as a proxy, stressing that improving transparency and introducing an electronic voting system could help to deter abuse in large-scale maintenance procurement. Speaking to the South China Morning Post, association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet expressed reservations about a government proposal to restrict an owner’s representative to a relative or... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370457/bar-association-urges-proxy-cap-electronic-voting-curb-building-bid-rigging https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370457/bar-association-urges-proxy-cap-electronic-voting-curb-building-bid-rigging Sun, 11 Oct 2026 01:00:18 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Senior public servants found accountable for last year’s deadly Tai Po fire could face disciplinary action if named in an investigation report that a government-appointed panel is expected to submit this month, Hong Kong’s civil service chief has said. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also said on Saturday that a support unit was being set up to assist the Public Service Commission if investigations into officials’ “administrative responsibilities” were eventually... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3370447/senior-civil-servants-could-face-disciplinary-action-over-tai-po-fire-if-named-report https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3370447/senior-civil-servants-could-face-disciplinary-action-over-tai-po-fire-if-named-report Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:54:07 +0000 Kristen Cheung Kristen Cheung Hong Kong firefighters have rescued a 13-year-old boy who climbed out of a window onto an air-conditioning unit to escape a fire that broke out in his flat, while his mother has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect. Police received reports at 7.54pm on Wednesday that a fire had broken out in a flat at Tsui To House, one of the blocks of Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong. Online video showed the boy, wearing only his underwear, climbing out of the window and onto the condenser unit as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370114/boy-13-rescued-after-climbing-air-conditioning-unit-escape-fire-flat https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370114/boy-13-rescued-after-climbing-air-conditioning-unit-escape-fire-flat Thu, 08 Oct 2026 01:57:01 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Firefighters battled a fierce rooftop blaze at a residential building in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok district for around an hour on Tuesday before dousing the flames. The Fire Services Department received a report at about 5.20pm that items stored on the rooftop of the 26-storey Block B of Shun King Building on Nelson Street had caught fire. No casualties were reported, while 40 residents fled the building. Firefighters tackled the blaze with one water jet. Strong flames and thick black smoke could be... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369931/fire-breaks-out-rooftop-residential-building-hong-kongs-mong-kok https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369931/fire-breaks-out-rooftop-residential-building-hong-kongs-mong-kok Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:35:24 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities have made “a series of preparations” to implement reforms and pursue accountability ahead of the final report of an inquiry panel on the Tai Po blaze later this month, the city’s leader has said, pledging to act “as soon as possible”. It was understood that the government has established a dedicated task force under the Public Service Commission, led by former deputy secretary for security Benjamin Mok Kwan-yu and former commissioner for sports George Tsoi Kin-pan, to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369874/hong-kong-prepares-reforms-accountability-measures-ahead-tai-po-fire-report https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369874/hong-kong-prepares-reforms-accountability-measures-ahead-tai-po-fire-report Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:07:56 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung A family of four was sent to hospital on Wednesday morning after a fire broke out at a public housing estate in Sha Tin, prompting the evacuation of about 140 residents. Police received a report at 6.48am as thick smoke poured from a mid-rise flat in Yan Chuen House at Shui Chuen O Estate. The family tried to put out the fire, which started on their TV stand, but failed to do so, and fled, police said. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire at around 7.10am. All four members of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369262/family-4-hospital-after-fire-sha-tin-public-housing-estate https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369262/family-4-hospital-after-fire-sha-tin-public-housing-estate Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:24:22 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A top official will determine where responsibility lies when a public complaint spans multiple departments under a new handling mechanism for the 1823 hotline, set to be implemented early next year. Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Monday that he would ensure a “very fair” distribution of responsibility when assigning complaints that involved more than one government department. The reform, which will take effect in the first quarter of next year, will see... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368239/no-more-not-our-job-top-official-pick-lead-department-complex-1823-cases https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368239/no-more-not-our-job-top-official-pick-lead-department-complex-1823-cases Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:40:01 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to overhaul the city’s building maintenance regime and improve emergency response as part of the government’s response to last year’s fatal Tai Po fire, while authorities study criminalising bid-rigging and plan to submit a proposal later this year. The measures were outlined in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address on Wednesday, amid pressure on the government to strengthen oversight of renovation works after the city’s deadliest fire in decades at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367744/hong-kong-leader-pledges-building-maintenance-reforms-after-fatal-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367744/hong-kong-leader-pledges-building-maintenance-reforms-after-fatal-tai-po-fire Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:36:43 +0000 Brian Wong Brian Wong A Hong Kong court has ordered the winding-up of an engineering consultant behind a HK$336 million (US$42.8 million) renovation project at the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court over an unspecified debt. The High Court on Wednesday granted Tong Yiu-kwok’s application to wind up Will Power Architects after the company neither filed a statement in opposition nor sent a representative to explain its position at the hearing. The court did not disclose Tong’s relationship with the firm or the amount of debt... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3367691/hong-kong-court-winds-wang-fuk-court-renovation-consultant-over-debt https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3367691/hong-kong-court-winds-wang-fuk-court-renovation-consultant-over-debt Wed, 16 Sep 2026 07:49:37 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au More than 85 per cent of owners at the blaze-hit Wang Fuk Court have signed agreements to sell their flats to the Hong Kong government as authorities move ahead with flat selection under a special rehousing scheme. Authorities said on Tuesday that 1,702 households – 85.8 per cent of flat owners across blocks A to H at the estate – had signed sale and purchase agreements as of Monday. On the same day, the Housing Bureau held a computerised ballot to determine the selection sequence for subsidised... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367611/85-wang-fuk-court-owners-sign-sale-deals-flat-selection-moves-ahead https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367611/85-wang-fuk-court-owners-sign-sale-deals-flat-selection-moves-ahead Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:43:45 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s Buildings Department has filed 259 charges against two companies and four individuals over repair works at the inferno-ravaged Wang Fuk Court, after investigations found non-fire-retardant materials were used and safety obligations were not met. The department said on Wednesday that the charges included allegedly permitting or authorising to be used in the carrying out of building works materials which are defective or did not comply with the provisions of the Buildings Ordinance, as... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366953/buildings-department-files-259-charges-over-work-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-estate https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3366953/buildings-department-files-259-charges-over-work-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-estate Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:31:00 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial With the first anniversary of the Tai Po fire less than three months away, Hong Kong’s recovery from the disaster is making steady progress. Nearly all affected households have accepted the government’s buyout offer, providing residents with a clear path towards rebuilding their lives. Meanwhile, the independent inquiry into the blaze is expected to table its report next month – an important step towards establishing accountability and ensuring that lessons are learned and acted upon. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366083/deal-reached-wang-fuk-court-flats-clears-way-recovery https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366083/deal-reached-wang-fuk-court-flats-clears-way-recovery Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:15:12 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong authorities are making a final push to persuade 45 holdout homeowners at fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court to join a government buyout scheme before Monday afternoon’s deadline. As of noon on Sunday, 1,939 of the estate’s 1,984 flat owners – or 97.7 per cent – had submitted acceptance letters, while 77.7 per cent had signed formal sale and purchase agreements, according to the government. This leaves about 45 homeowners, or 2.3 per cent, who have yet to accept the government’s buy-back offer... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365759/hong-kong-gives-45-wang-fuk-court-holdouts-final-call-buyout-scheme https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365759/hong-kong-gives-45-wang-fuk-court-holdouts-final-call-buyout-scheme Sun, 30 Aug 2026 10:40:53 +0000 Kristen Cheung Kristen Cheung As the deadline approaches for homeowners to accept the Hong Kong government’s deal to buy back their flats at fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court, some who refuse to sell have said the offer cannot make up for the loss of their property and communal bonds. With the clock ticking to the August 31 cut-off date, the South China Morning Post spoke to six residents determined not to sell their homes at the devastated Tai Po estate, even though experts say the government’s offer is generous and compulsory... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365680/why-some-wang-fuk-court-owners-have-refused-buy-back-deal-even-deadline-nears https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365680/why-some-wang-fuk-court-owners-have-refused-buy-back-deal-even-deadline-nears Sat, 29 Aug 2026 04:00:19 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong lawmakers have warned of potential loopholes that bid-riggers can still exploit despite a government proposal to tighten proxy votes, owner attendance at renovation meetings and other oversight issues in its review of building maintenance rules after the Tai Po fire. Their warnings on Thursday coincided with the announcement of a second round of raids by the Competition Commission in connection with a bid-rigging case involving 28 housing estates and buildings, and contracts with an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363886/lawmakers-flag-gaps-proposed-changes-building-management-rules-after-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363886/lawmakers-flag-gaps-proposed-changes-building-management-rules-after-tai-po-fire Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:14:25 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong A man has suffered minor burns in a fire that spread to two huts and four speedboats in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung. The Fire Services Department said it received multiple reports of a blaze that broke out near a minibus terminus in Po Toi O village at 8.33am on Wednesday. It was classified as a No 1 alarm fire, the lowest in Hong Kong’s five-tier system. Firefighters arrived at the scene 14 minutes later and found a man, aged about 60, who had suffered minor burns to his right hand, it said. He... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363761/man-injured-fire-engulfs-2-huts-4-speedboats-village-sai-kung https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363761/man-injured-fire-engulfs-2-huts-4-speedboats-village-sai-kung Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:24:50 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng About 8 per cent of homeowners at the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong have yet to accept the government’s buy-back offer, which is set to expire at the end of this month. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday that 91.9 per cent of owners had submitted acceptance letters, while 65.7 per cent of owners had already signed sale and purchase agreements with the government. Speaking to the media after a town hall meeting to gather views on the city’s first five-year plan and annual... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363445/8-owners-fire-hit-hong-kong-estate-yet-accept-buy-back-deadline-nears https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363445/8-owners-fire-hit-hong-kong-estate-yet-accept-buy-back-deadline-nears Sun, 09 Aug 2026 10:10:07 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A fire has broken out at a flat in a Hong Kong housing estate, resulting in 16 people feeling unwell from the effects of smoke and residents fleeing to the rooftop for safety. The blaze erupted at Begonia Mansion in Taikoo Shing’s Harbour View Gardens on Sunday afternoon, with smoke pouring from a flat. Police received multiple emergency calls at 2.50pm, with some reporting that the fire might have started from a malfunctioning air conditioner. Firefighters deployed a jet and a breathing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363441/least-12-taken-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-taikoo-shing-flat https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363441/least-12-taken-hospital-after-fire-breaks-out-taikoo-shing-flat Sun, 09 Aug 2026 08:48:57 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li An independent inquiry into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has released further details about the final moments of fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died in the line of duty while responding to the blaze at Wang Fuk Court last November. An interim report from an interdepartmental fire investigation task force was released by the government-appointed independent committee on Thursday. The disclosure included images of Ho’s gear recovered from the scene. “The post-fire visual inspection... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363336/tai-po-inquiry-sheds-more-light-final-moments-firefighter-ho-wai-ho https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363336/tai-po-inquiry-sheds-more-light-final-moments-firefighter-ho-wai-ho Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:00:32 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities have backtracked on plans to require hotels to provide fire escape hoods in guest rooms and other spaces after industry leaders expressed concerns, saying they will only encourage the equipment’s usage at this stage. The Home Affairs Department said on Thursday evening that it would only encourage the supply of fire escape hoods in rooms for now, following a meeting with the hotel industry and the Fire Services Department. “As an international tourism capital, ensuring the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362509/hong-kong-backtracks-requiring-hotels-put-fire-escape-hoods-rooms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362509/hong-kong-backtracks-requiring-hotels-put-fire-escape-hoods-rooms Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:10:40 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Two directors of a contractor linked to the deadly inferno at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court have denied all allegations of bid-rigging, corruption and collusion with consultants, with one saying he was never told the housing estate’s fire safety system had any problems. A district councillor, Peggy Wong Pik-kiu, who has been criticised for her links to the former owners’ committee of the Tai Po complex, also rejected allegations of exchanging “gift bags” for proxy votes and denied soliciting or... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362308/tai-po-fire-contractors-2-directors-deny-all-allegations-witness-statements https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362308/tai-po-fire-contractors-2-directors-deny-all-allegations-witness-statements Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:58:01 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung A fire broke out at a village house in Hong Kong on Wednesday, leaving one man dead and forcing nearly 80 people to evacuate. Authorities said they were alerted at around 4.30am to the blaze at a house made of metal sheets in Ling Shan Tsuen in Fanling. Police said rescuers arriving at the scene found electrical wires burning. Seventy-eight people were evacuated, in addition to four dogs and cats. Firefighters had extinguished the flames by 5am. A man, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362194/man-dies-78-people-evacuated-after-fire-breaks-out-hong-kong-village-house https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3362194/man-dies-78-people-evacuated-after-fire-breaks-out-hong-kong-village-house Wed, 29 Jul 2026 02:01:05 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong hotels and guest houses are required to provide fire escape hoods to ensure customer safety, the city’s home affairs minister has said, with authorities giving the sector a one-year grace period. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen also said on Saturday that the government would discuss implementation arrangements with the sector soon, after some representatives flagged that they had not been consulted before the requirement was introduced. “We have heard different... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361840/hong-kong-mandates-fire-escape-hoods-hotels-and-guest-houses-boost-safety https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361840/hong-kong-mandates-fire-escape-hoods-hotels-and-guest-houses-boost-safety Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:22:03 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong authorities issued 21 fixed-penalty notices in the first six days of a citywide ban on smoking on construction sites, the labour commissioner has revealed, describing the situation as not ideal. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said on Saturday that about 530 construction sites had been inspected during the first six days of the ban, which took effect on July 17. Apart from the 21 fixed-penalty tickets, authorities also issued five improvement notices to contractors, with one... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361838/hong-kong-fines-21-construction-workers-smoking-first-6-days-site-ban https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361838/hong-kong-fines-21-construction-workers-smoking-first-6-days-site-ban Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:19:57 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The inquiry into the deadly Tai Po fire in November has started a new chapter. After five months of public hearings over Hong Kong’s worst high-rise blaze, the independent committee is moving into the important stage of identifying responsibility and charting meaningful reform to prevent a recurrence. The stakes are high and the panel must rise to the challenge. The inferno that killed 168 people and left thousands homeless at Wang Fuk Court demands clear answers on accountability and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3361221/tai-po-fire-inquiry-must-discharge-its-duty-without-fear-or-favour https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3361221/tai-po-fire-inquiry-must-discharge-its-duty-without-fear-or-favour Mon, 20 Jul 2026 23:15:08 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong authorities have issued nine fixed-penalty tickets and 110 warnings to contractors since launching a citywide construction site smoking ban last Friday, according to the labour commissioner. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said on Monday that authorities had inspected more than 200 construction sites since the ban took effect, adding that officers would issue improvement notices, as well as written and verbal warnings, to contractors who fell short in enforcing the ban. “The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361168/9-tickets-110-warnings-issued-after-construction-site-smoking-ban-takes-effect https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3361168/9-tickets-110-warnings-issued-after-construction-site-smoking-ban-takes-effect Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:17:40 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities are set to roll out sweeping reforms following the conclusion of the investigation into the city’s deadliest fire in decades, including criminalising bid-rigging and overhauling fire safety and property management laws. Political observers also expected senior officials, including ministers, to take accountability for the blaze once the committee submits its report, which sources said would be delayed by a month to late October due to the extra time needed to review... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3361102/hong-kong-prepares-sweeping-reforms-following-end-tai-po-blaze-inquiry https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3361102/hong-kong-prepares-sweeping-reforms-following-end-tai-po-blaze-inquiry Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:30:12 +0000