Your Voice: Mid-Autumn accident shows Hong Kong must take worker safety seriously; ‘Night Vibes’ snacks a raw deal (short letters)

I am writing to express my views on the article “Two Hong Kong workers killed by suspected biogas leak at MTR Corp-managed construction site” (25 September). I feel sad and sympathetic. The Mid-Autumn Festival was just around the corner, a day for family reunions, but these workers unfortunately died due to the company’s negligence.

Arguably, the company does not take care of the safety of its employees and fails to fulfil its responsibilities. There should be records of entry and exit at the construction site’s gates – I think there is no reason why they do not know which employees haven’t left yet.

Additionally, workers should be provided with high-quality equipment, and facilities should be checked to ensure their safety and prevent such incidents from happening again.

I hope this letter sheds some light on the need to ensure the safety of employees. The earlier we act, the bigger difference we can make.

Is the Hong Kong government doing enough for outdoor workers?

Darin Cheung Pak-kan, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

The HKSAR government has launched a campaign called “Night Vibes Hong Kong” (NVHK) to make nighttime more exciting and encourage people to go out at night. They are offering discounts on purchases made exclusively during the evening.

While this plan sounds positive, I have some concerns.

Firstly, Hong Kong is already crowded, so if more people go out, especially in busy districts, it could worsen overcrowding.

Secondly, with more buyers, sellers might raise prices, making things more expensive. There have been reports of high prices at the night markets, such as HK$20 for just four pieces of siu mai, which is much higher than the usual price of less than HK$3 per piece.

This all raises the question of whether NVHK will be attractive enough to entice people to go out at night. Currently, NVHK is facing criticism, with even 7-Eleven mocking the high prices of street snacks at the fairs.

While the idea of a Hong Kong night market sounds appealing, it has its flaws. The government should consider these concerns and ensure that the campaign meets visitors’ expectations.

Taiwan-style night markets won’t bring tourists to Hong Kong

Edith Wong Ka Ki, Pope Paul VI College

As a teenager struggling with acne, I have experienced firsthand the anxiety and loss of confidence that severe skin breakouts can cause. Over the past year, I have tried various over-the-counter facial cleansers, serums and spot treatments, with little effect. My acne has continued to worsen, spreading across my forehead, cheeks and chin. It is really taking a toll on my self-esteem: I find myself avoiding social situations and unable to look at my reflection without feeling embarrassed.

After learning about the potential benefits of seeing a dermatologist, I decided to make an appointment. I hope they will be able to properly assess the severity of my condition and prescribe an effective treatment plan. It is reassuring to know that they may use prescription-strength topicals, antibiotics, or even isotretinoin in severe cases. While there are potential side effects like dryness and sun sensitivity, I am willing to deal with those if it means clearing my skin.

Nobody should have to suffer from painful, persistent acne without seeking help. I hope this encourages others struggling silently to book a consultation.

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Leung Wai-shan Natalie, King Ling College

I am writing in response to why Hong Kong has a low birth rate. One of the reasons is that raising a child requires a lot of money. In the article “How much does it really cost to raise a child in Hong Kong?” in the South China Morning Post, Paul Yip stated that it takes HK$6 million to raise a child until they can be financially independent. Therefore, many couples have not planned for babies as they cannot afford the substantial expense.

The second reason is that there is a shortage of subsidised childcare. Parents who are unable to take care of their children may seek babysitting services, which pose a financial burden. Some parents who are uncomfortable leaving their children may even resign from their jobs to look after them, resulting in a loss of talent as they abandon their careers.

The government should provide subsidised childcare for families who cannot afford babysitting services. Additionally, it could offer funding to companies to provide extended parental leave, allowing parents to care for their children while retaining their professional skills. We could consider adopting a policy similar to that of Russia, which pays 55 per cent of salaries to working people during their paternity and parental leave.