Author: Satoshi Nakamoto

A confluence of recent lottery outcomes has swelled the prize pool for tonight’s (June 11) Mark Six drawing in Hong Kong, with the top prize estimated to reach a staggering HK$80 million for a single full-fare ticket winner. The massive jackpot stems from successive rollovers, including a recent HK$120 million prize being split by only a half-unit winner and the fact that no individual HK$10 entry has secured the grand prize across the last ten draws. This sequence has accumulated a significant “snowball” bonus exceeding HK$61 million, elevating the potential payout dramatically for participants in the highly anticipated drawing.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), which manages the lottery, confirmed the substantial bonus injection into the current pool. The rarity of a full-unit winner hitting the jackpot recently has energized public interest, as lottery organizers typically leverage such large payouts to boost ticket sales and generate media buzz.

Analyzing the Most Frequent Winning Numbers

As players finalize their selections, statistical analysis of recent draws often guides strategy. Data compiled from the HKJC’s last 50 drawings reveals distinct patterns in number frequency. The number 32 has emerged as the most frequent winner, appearing 14 times in the past 50 draws. Following closely behind is 39, drawn 12 times.

Other numbers demonstrating a statistically high frequency include 28 and 44, both drawn 11 times. Numbers 17, 18, and 33 have each been selected 10 times in the same period, suggesting they maintain a moderate probability profile. Moreover, a group of six numbers—6, 7, 11, 36, 37, and 48—have each appeared nine times, illustrating a broad band of frequently drawn figures.

While the lottery remains a game of chance, these statistics provide bettors with insights based on historical results, though they offer no guarantee of future success.

The Top 10 Destinations for Lottery Luck

Beyond numerical statistics, the location where a winning ticket is purchased often garners significant attention. The HKJC has tracked the 10 most “lucky” betting shops across Hong Kong, based on the number of large previous prizes distributed there through June 30, 2025.

These top-tier locations span key commercial and residential areas, suggesting that good fortune is distributed across the territory:

• Stanley Street, Central
• Tuen Mun Town Plaza
• Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan
• Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
• Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan
• Kwun Tong Plaza
• Telford Gardens, Kowloon Bay
• Tai Po Plaza
• Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui
• Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po

For many habitual bettors, choosing one of these historically successful outlets is part of the overall ritual, an attempt to align themselves with previous success stories. Tonight’s draw promises a major financial windfall for a lucky participant, injecting excitement into the city’s routine as millions await the outcome of the HK$80 million prize.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s inaugural Chinese Medicine Hospital (CMH) launched phased operations today in Tseung Kwan O, marking a pivotal moment for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) development, research, and integration into the city’s complex healthcare system.

The new government-backed facility, overseen by the Hospital Authority’s Chinese Medicine Hospital Development Project Office and operated by Hong Kong Baptist University under a public-private partnership, aims to elevate TCM from a primary care option to a specialized, hospital-level service. It began accepting initial appointments via telephone and online registration last month, positioning itself as a central hub for clinical service, professional training, and groundbreaking research into combined Eastern and Western medical treatments.

A New Model for Integrated Care

Unlike existing district TCM clinics, the CMH is designed to function as a secondary and tertiary care institution, tackling complex or chronic conditions that require intensive, specialized treatment and multi-disciplinary coordination.

“The Chinese Medicine Hospital is envisioned as the flagship project for our TCM policy,” said Dr. Bian Zhaoxiang, the hospital’s administrative director. “Beyond offering clinical services, it is tasked with promoting research, training a new generation of practitioners, and driving the collaboration between Chinese and Western medicine.”

The hospital will deploy three distinct service models: purely TCM care, TCM-dominant treatments, and true integrated Chinese-Western medical collaboration. For cases where the attending TCM practitioner determines combined care is necessary, Western medical teams will be brought in to devise the most effective joint treatment plan.

The ultimate goal, Dr. Bian explained, is to systematically accumulate clinical data from these co-treatment cases to establish standardized, evidence-based protocols that can be adopted across the healthcare spectrum.

Specialized Services and Access

Located in Pak Shing Kok, the CMH will initially focus on six core specialized disciplines: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Traumatology and Orthopaedics, and Acupuncture. Within these branches, the hospital will offer specialized treatment programs for 23 specific “special diseases,” including pain management, macular degeneration, dermatological conditions, and male and female infertility.

A unique feature of the new facility is the introduction of day inpatient services, structured into four-hour morning and afternoon sessions. This model, priced at HK$450 per session, is designed for patients with complex conditions, such as severe widespread eczema, requiring intensive, multi-modal treatments like acupuncture, fumigation, and physiotherapy. The package includes consultation, diagnostics, and medication, and supports ancillary Western procedures such as X-rays and blood tests.

Full 24-hour inpatient services are slated to commence in the second year of operation, serving patients with acute severity, low self-care capability, or those needing constant monitoring, such as stroke recovery patients needing high-level rehabilitation.

Cost and Eligibility

The hospital aims to provide accessible care, with general outpatient consultations starting at HK$180, including consultation and basic Chinese treatments. Specialized clinic visits begin at an introductory fee of HK$250.

Despite its public mandate, the CMH is a standalone entity operated outside of the Hospital Authority, which has implications for public benefits. Officials confirmed that while the hospital serves the entire community, Senior Citizen Healthcare Vouchers are currently not applicable for payment, as the vouchers are tied to existing primary care services. This may be reviewed as part of long-term community health policy development.

Regarding global knowledge exchange, the $\text{CMH}$ has already established partnership agreements with 10 provincial-level TCM hospitals in mainland China, facilitating short-term exchanges for national-level experts to boost Hong Kong’s clinical and research prowess.

The opening of the Chinese Medicine Hospital represents a significant investment by the Hong Kong government to modernize and mainstream TCM, positioning the city as a regional leader in integrated medical practice and research.

HONG KONG — The city’s first dedicated Chinese Medicine Hospital (CMH) launched phased services today in Tseung Kwan O, marking a pivotal moment for traditional healing practices within Hong Kong’s public health system. Operated by Hong Kong Baptist University under a landmark public-private partnership, the facility is poised to be the cornerstone for advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through integrated clinical care, research, and professional training.

The hospital began accepting appointment bookings both online and via telephone last month, signaling its readiness to provide specialized services. Officials emphasized that the new facility is not merely a clinic but a comprehensive medical center designed to handle complex cases and, crucially, to formalize collaboration between TCM and Western medicine practitioners.

A New Model for Integrated Healthcare

Unlike the existing 18 District Chinese Medicine Clinics, which serve as primary care providers for common ailments like colds, the CMH functions at secondary and tertiary levels, focusing on chronic or complicated conditions. This distinction, noted by Dr. Cheung Wai-lun, Director of the Chinese Medicine Hospital Development Planning Office, establishes the CMH as a key referral center.

The hospital’s operational model is designed around three pathways: purely TCM services, TCM-led treatment, and integrated Chinese and Western medicine collaboration.

“The CMH is government-managed, not under the Hospital Authority, employing a pioneering public-private arrangement with Baptist University,” said Dr. Cheung. “Our unique feature is the integrated collaboration model.”

Dr. Bian Zhaoxiang, Chief Executive Officer of the CMH, explained that when the chief TCM physician determines that a case requires broader intervention, a Western medical team will be brought in to jointly determine the optimal treatment plan. This collaboration aims to build a robust evidence base and standardized clinical protocols transferable across the health sector.

Services, Specialties, and Accessibility

The CMH will initially offer six core specialties: internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and traumatology, and acupuncture. These departments will treat 23 specific diseases, including chronic pain, macular degeneration, and infertility. In recognition of Hong Kong’s aging population, specialized geriatric care focusing on preventative TCM principles (known as zhi wei bing) will also be emphasized.

A notable service is the Day Inpatient Service, a key innovation offering intensive, multi-modal treatment for complex conditions like severe eczema, structured into four-hour morning or afternoon slots. This service, priced at HK$450 per session during the first year, includes consultation, exams, medication, and advanced tests like blood work and X-rays, bundled into a transparent fee. The treatments leverage a combination of modalities, including acupuncture, fumigation, and physical therapy. The hospital plans to introduce 24-hour inpatient services in its second year to cater to severe cases requiring continuous monitoring, such as post-stroke rehabilitation patients with limited self-care ability.

For general care, all-inclusive general outpatient consultations—covering TCM or Western medical diagnosis and various TCM therapies—start at HK$180. Specialty outpatient services begin at HK$250.

Future of TCM Financing and Logistics

Currently, the government-affiliated status of the CMH means its general services are not covered by the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, which is restricted to primary care premises. However, Dr. Cheung suggested that integrating the CMH into long-term healthcare financing will be considered as TCM policy matures.

Though situated relatively remotely in Pak Shing Kok, Tseung Kwan O, officials are confident about accessibility. A dedicated public car park offering 146 spaces is already operational, and the location is served by multiple bus and minibus routes from nearby MTR stations, including Kwun Tong, Tiu Keng Leng, and Hang Hau. The operations team is also working with the Transport Department to establish dedicated shuttle services.

By combining public resources with academic operations and fostering genuine East-West collaboration, the new Chinese Medicine Hospital is set to redefine TCM’s role, shifting it from marginal alternative practice toward an essential, evidence-based pillar of Hong Kong’s future health system.

HONG KONG, Two Weeks After the Fire — Weeks after a destructive five-alarm fire ravaged the Hip Fook Court residential building in Tai Po, lingering public speculation over the Fire Services Department’s (FSD) handling of the emergency has prompted a former senior official to clarify critical aspects of urban firefighting tactics, specifically the controversial decision not to use high-pressure ladder trucks directly on the affected units.

Leung Wai-lok, a former Assistant Director of Fire Services (New Territories South) who retired after nearly 33 years on the job, including commanding roles during major incidents like the 1996 Garley Building inferno, stated that many public criticisms reflect fundamental misunderstandings of firefighting protocol. He emphasized that rash deployment of steel ladder trucks (known locally as gang ti che) against a burning apartment risks severe injury or death to anyone trapped inside, leading to a deliberate, nuanced approach to external water application.

Understanding the Dangers of High-Pressure Water

The primary concern regarding the direct use of high-volume ladder trucks on an active blaze is the immense force of the water jet. Mr. Leung explained that these appliances can dispense up to 2,000 liters of water per minute, generating a force strong enough to immediately injure or knock down an adult.

“If you deploy a steel ladder truck directly onto a burning unit without confirming if people are inside, the high-pressure column of water could gravely harm a person awaiting rescue,” Leung told reporters.

Beyond the physical force, the interaction of the powerful water stream with the high temperatures of the fire creates two specific, life-threatening dangers for victims. First, the resulting superheated steam or intense thermal energy can cause severe burns, potentially “cooking” the person inside. Second, the thick steam drastically reduces visibility within the apartment, severely impeding the efforts of fire crews attempting internal search and rescue.

This strategic caution dictates that external streams from steel ladder trucks are primarily deployed to the walls of adjacent, unaffected units to prevent the rapid spread of the fire, not directly blasted into the source of the blaze while rescue operations are underway. Leung recalled controlling the 2010 Lai Cheong Factory Building fire, noting that direct high-pressure water was only brought to bear after confirming the full withdrawal of all internal personnel, aiming only to cool the internal structure.

Limits on International Assistance

Another widely debated point following the incident was the absence of mainland China’s ultra-tall aerial ladder trucks, which some observers hoped could have provided superior reach.

Mr. Leung addressed this, citing the critical logistical barrier of Hong Kong’s infrastructure. These specialized mainland vehicles can weigh up to 60 tons and require emergency access lanes as wide as 10 meters to navigate. Hong Kong’s equivalent emergency access routes typically measure around 6 meters wide, rendering the deployment of such massive vehicles technically impossible.

Furthermore, construction scaffolding commonly surrounding the building complicated the response. During the intense fire, falling debris and bamboo poles created hazardous conditions for firefighters and restricted the vital positioning necessary for external water application.

Internal Attack Remains the Core Strategy

The former assistant director stressed that the core strategy for high-rise fires remains an internal attack, requiring firefighters to advance systematically from the bottom floor upward.

Given the speed with which the fire spread across multiple levels and the extreme internal temperatures—which can exceed 500 degrees Celsius—fire crews must work methodically. “Even with professional gear, they are flesh and blood,” Leung stated. “They must consolidate control over one floor before advancing to the next.”

Regarding the possibility of accepting aid from mainland rescue teams, Leung expressed reservations about interoperability. The differences in specialized equipment, building fire systems, and, most crucially, the distinct rescue and evacuation procedures used in Hong Kong versus mainland China pose significant risks.

“If they were to enter the fireground under unfamiliar or inconsistent procedures, it would undoubtedly put the rescuers in a more dangerous situation,” Leung concluded, underscoring that collaboration during emergencies must prioritize the safety of responders through procedural consistency and familiarity. The discussion provides essential context on the complex, life-saving calculus that governs high-rise fire operations in densely populated urban environments.

(Reporting by Cheng Wah-kwun; Photography by So Ching-him)

A 76-year-old woman with a history of mental health challenges died early Thursday after reportedly falling from a residential building in Discovery Bay, Hong Kong. Police and emergency services responded to a distressed call around 3 a.m. today at Block G, Emerald Bay Court, after a security guard reported finding the unconscious woman in the complex’s internal light well. Authorities pronounced the resident, identified only by her surname Chan, dead at the scene.

The immediate investigation suggests Ms. Chan likely fell from one of the upper units of the apartment block, according to the police report. No suicide note was recovered at the site, and the official cause of death remains pending the results of a forensic autopsy. Authorities are routinely investigating the entire circumstances surrounding the fatality.

Mental Health History Confirmed

Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the deceased had a documented history of emotional distress, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by mental health services in the region. While the primary objective of the police probe is to determine the exact circumstances of the fall, the case underscores the critical need for accessible mental health support, particularly for elderly populations.

Discovery Bay is known for its relatively tranquil environment, but incidents involving mental health crises are universal. Experts stress that isolation and chronic conditions can severely exacerbate distress among older adults, often leading to tragic outcomes.

Dr. Elaine Cheung, a Hong Kong-based clinical psychologist not involved in the case, emphasized the urgency of preventative care. “It is vital that community stakeholders—security staff, family, and local management—are trained to recognize early warning signs of severe depression or emotional breakdown,” Dr. Cheung stated. “These systems must offer confidential, immediate pathways to intervention before a crisis point is reached.”

Community Impact and Call for Support

The incident has caused somber reflection within the close-knit Discovery Bay community. While police maintain discretion regarding the specific details of the individual case, the event serves as a stark reminder of public health responsibilities.

For individuals experiencing emotional distress or mental health emergencies, immediate assistance is available through multiple hotlines and organizations in Hong Kong. Seeking help is a critical first step, and these services offer confidential support 24 hours a day.

Mental Health Resources in Hong Kong

If you or someone you know is in crisis, confidential help is available:

• “Emotional Link” (情緒通) Mental Health Support Hotline: 18111
• The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222
• Suicide Prevention Services (Life Education and Crisis Intervention Centre): 2382 0000
• Caritas Harmony House: 18288
• Social Welfare Department Hotline: 2343 2255
• The Samaritans (Multilingual Service): 2896 0000
• Tung Wah Group of Hospitals CEASE Crisis Centre: 18281
• Hospital Authority Mental Health Hotline: 2466 7350

HONG KONG—Authorities are investigating the death of a 59-year-old man found inside a parked vehicle in Tuen Mun’s So Kwun Wat district late Wednesday evening in what police are treating as an apparent suicide. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, when a pedestrian alerted police to an unconscious man discovered in a private car at an outdoor parking lot near So Kwun Wat Tsuen Road.

Responding officers and paramedics confirmed the man, identified only by his surname Wong, was deceased upon their arrival. Preliminary investigation revealed a tray of burned charcoal—a method often associated with suicide in the region—placed near the victim inside the vehicle. Mr. Wong was reportedly the owner of the vehicle.

Police recovered a suicide note at the scene, adding weight to officers’ initial assessment. Sources close to the investigation suggest that Mr. Wong had recently been struggling with financial difficulties, potentially contributing to the tragic event. The exact cause of death will be officially determined following an autopsy.

Rising Concerns Over Mental Health Resources

This tragic loss underscores the pressing need for accessible mental health support and resources throughout Hong Kong, particularly as economic pressures continue to mount for many residents. While police conduct their standard investigation, focusing on confirmation of the victim’s identity and tracing his final movements, community focus often shifts to prevention strategies.

Organizations across the city provide crucial support services designed to intervene during mental health crises. The availability of these resources, often operating 24 hours a day, highlights the public health effort dedicated to reducing suicide rates.

Seeking Help: Essential Crisis Resources

Individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts are urged to seek immediate assistance. A number of confidential helplines are available in Hong Kong:

• “Emotional Support” Mental Health Hotline: 18111
• The Samaritans Hong Kong: 2389 2222
• Suicide Prevention Services: 2382 0000
• Caritas Harmony House: 18288

The Social Welfare Department (2343 2255) and various non-governmental organizations also offer tailored support programs. For young people, the Jockey Club Online Emotional Support Platform, Open Up, provides internet-based counseling services.

The investigation into the Tuen Mun incident remains ongoing, with police stressing that anyone facing severe personal or financial issues should utilize the dedicated support systems available before reaching a crisis point. Officials continue to remind the public that mental health concerns are serious and treatable, emphasizing outreach and early intervention as critical steps in saving lives.

HONG KONG — A promising Hong Kong police senior inspector aspiring to join the elite Special Duties Unit, commonly known as the “Flying Tigers,” died Wednesday evening, approximately one week after collapsing during a rigorous advanced selection test at sea near Lamma Island. The officer, identified only by his surname, Wong, 31, was participating in a water-based assessment on Thursday, Dec. 4, when he lost consciousness shortly after entering the water. He was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery but succumbed to his injuries, according to police officials.

Mr. Wong’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the force, highlighting the extreme physical demands and inherent risks associated with joining one of Asia’s most formidable counter-terrorism units.

Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee, speaking at a press conference outside Princess Margaret Hospital on Monday, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “We are heartbroken by the passing of Inspector Wong,” Siu stated, confirming the officer’s death occurred despite immediate first aid administered by the unit’s on-site medical team and subsequent intensive care. “He was with his family, friends, and colleagues in his final moments.”

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred around noon on Dec. 4. Inspector Wong, who joined the force in 2016 and was promoted to senior inspector in 2021, was serving as an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit Headquarters. The advanced phase of the Flying Tigers selection process requires candidates to pass grueling physical and tactical assessments.

During one segment involving a jump into the sea, followed by swimming and diving, officials confirmed Wong was equipped with standard protective gear, including a helmet, wetsuit gloves, and athletic shoes, and followed all pre-jump instructions. However, shortly after submerging, he resurfaced and rapidly lost consciousness. The Flying Tigers medical unit immediately began resuscitation efforts before he was transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Commissioner Siu described the selection process as an annual, multi-stage filtration system that includes physical fitness assessments, basic training, and the advanced phase. Candidates must pass a thorough medical examination before entering the program. Siu emphasized that safety protocols, including the presence of fully equipped medical teams and protective gear, were mandatory at all times.

A Community Mourns

Siu praised Wong as a “talented, tenacious, and outstanding colleague” whose dedication was evident across his nine years of service. The Commissioner assured the public and the family that the police force would provide all necessary assistance and support to Wong’s relatives during this difficult time.

The tragedy prompted immediate reactions from senior government figures. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung expressed deep condolences, confirming that both the Security Bureau and the police force would work together to support the family. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan also released a statement offering heartfelt sympathies and assurance of governmental support.

The case has been handed over to the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters for thorough investigation. A comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding the death will be prepared and submitted to the Coroner’s Court, which will determine whether a formal inquest is required.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices police officers and candidates for elite units are willing to make, often pushing their bodies to the absolute limit in pursuit of specialized service. Support resources for affected colleagues and the family remain a priority for the Hong Kong police force.

A Hong Kong Police senior inspector, identified only as Mr. Wong, tragically died this week after falling unconscious during an advanced selection phase for the elite Special Duties Unit, commonly known as the “Flying Tigers.” The 31-year-old officer, a nine-year police veteran and current instructor with the Police Tactical Unit headquarters, lost consciousness last Thursday, December 4, shortly after entering the water off Lamma Island during a rigorous training exercise. Rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for emergency brain surgery, the officer succumbed to his injuries late Wednesday, December 10, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.

The circumstances surrounding the inspector’s death were detailed by Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee during a press conference held outside the hospital on Monday. Inspector Wong was participating in the annual advanced selection process for the Special Duties Unit (SDU) when the incident occurred around noon. The specific test involved a series of aquatic tasks, including jumping, diving, and swimming. According to the Commissioner, immediately after Inspector Wong entered the water, he surfaced but quickly became unresponsive.

Meticulous Safety Protocols Reviewed

Despite the presence of an SDU medical team who administered immediate first aid, the officer had already lost consciousness and was rapidly transported via ambulance to the hospital. Commissioner Siu confirmed that safety protocols were stringently followed prior to the jump. Inspector Wong was checked to ensure he was wearing all required safety gear, including a helmet, wetsuit, gloves, and sports shoes, and he followed all pre-jump instructions. The ongoing investigation by Regional Police Headquarters, Hong Kong Island, will aim to determine the precise cause of the medical emergency. A report will be submitted to the Coroner’s Court to decide if a formal inquest is necessary.

The Commissioner expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing the inspector as a high-performing colleague known for his perseverance and youthful promise. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Inspector Wong,” Siu stated, extending the police force’s deepest condolences to the officer’s family. He also assured the public that the police force would provide comprehensive support and assistance to the bereaved family.

Condolences From Top Security Officials

The tragedy elicited immediate condolences from high-ranking government officials. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung expressed his profound sadness upon learning of the officer’s death. “I offer my deepest sympathies to his family,” Tang said, affirming that the Security Bureau and the police force will collaborate to ensure the family receives all necessary assistance during this difficult time.

Additionally, Secretary for the Civil Service, Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, conveyed her sympathies to the inspector’s relatives. Inspector Wong joined the force in 2016 and was promoted to Senior Inspector in 2021. His death casts a somber light on the intense physical and mental demands placed upon candidates seeking to join Hong Kong’s elite police units.

The SDU selection process, designed to be incremental, includes initial health screening, physical fitness assessments, and subsequent basic and advanced selection phases. Officials noted that medical personnel are present throughout these high-stakes training events, and participants are frequently polled regarding their ability to continue. This fatal accident marks a rare and tragic occurrence during the SDU’s rigorous annual recruitment and training evolution.

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA) has initiated a police investigation and a sweeping internal review after uncovering a suspected forgery involving calibration certificates for vibration monitoring equipment used across multiple public hospital construction sites. The HA reported the incident on Tuesday, confirming that a document submitted by a subcontractor, Novo Engineering Company, certifying the accuracy of crucial monitoring instruments, was confirmed fraudulent by the certifying body listed on the document. The certificates were initially provided to the main contractor, China Railway Construction Group Ltd., for the expansion project at Princess Margaret Hospital’s Lai King Building.

The discovery has prompted the HA to immediately suspend Novo Engineering Company from all ongoing work and compel the main contractor to conduct a full and rigorous investigation. The authority stated it reserves all legal rights against breaches of construction contracts.

Wider Implications Across Hospital Projects

Novo Engineering Company’s activities extend beyond the Princess Margaret Hospital site. The firm was also retained, under various main contractors, to provide real-time noise and vibration monitoring services at four other major hospital sites: Kwong Wah Hospital, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital, Grantham Hospital, and North District Hospital.

In response to the evidence of deceit, the HA announced a comprehensive audit. This review will meticulously scrutinize all engineering services provided by Novo Engineering Company and verify the authenticity of every calibration certificate the firm has submitted across all hospital construction projects to date.

The issue came to light following a series of checks initiated after the HA was notified in late October by the sensor provider, Beiwei Sensor Technology, that its contract with Novo Engineering had been terminated. This prompted the HA to demand that all main contractors re-examine the performance and documentation from Novo Engineering and ensure rigorous supervisory oversight.

Timeline and Assessment of Risk

The suspected forgery was officially confirmed on December 8, after the HA contacted Guangdong Zhongzheng Hang Metering and Testing Co. Ltd., the laboratory listed on the calibration certificates. The laboratory confirmed it had not issued the documents. The certificates in question, submitted by Novo Engineering to the main contractor for the Princess Margaret Hospital project, bore suspicious calibration dates spanning from November 2024 to October 2025.

Hospital construction projects rely on vibration monitoring equipment to ensure nearby medical operations and patient care are not disrupted by structural movement. These instruments are typically calibrated annually.

Despite the serious nature of the fraud, the HA assured the public that an initial assessment indicates no adverse impact on current patient safety or medical services. An HA spokesperson emphasized that monitoring instruments are precautionary and that main contractors are currently deployed to use handheld monitoring devices as an interim measure.

“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against fraudulent behavior,” the spokesperson stated, adding that any confirmed instances of fraud would result in police referral and aggressive pursuit of damages.

Authorities stress that no hospital services have been halted due to construction-related vibrations reported in the last six months. The HA further noted that contract standards govern acceptable vibration levels, and any feedback from medical staff suggesting disruption, regardless of measured magnitude, warrants an immediate temporary cessation of construction activity to prioritize patient care.

As the investigation progresses, the HA has ordered all main contractors to immediately hire qualified professional testing centers to verify and submit updated calibration certificates for all vibration monitoring equipment. The ongoing audit will review historical monitoring data and the data upload process to reaffirm compliance across all affected sites.

HONG KONG — Two weeks after a devastating five-alarm fire ravaged three blocks of Kwong Fuk Estate in Tai Po, housing authorities and structural engineers are accelerating repair and support work, signaling the beginning of a complex rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies are implementing immediate, stringent new safety checks on construction sites across the city to prevent a recurrence of the disaster.

The Housing Department, in coordination with the police, announced that the severely burned external scaffolding on Kwong Hong House, Kwong Tai House, and Kwong San House will begin to be dismantled this Friday, June 12. Structural stabilization efforts are ongoing, with specialized teams from the Housing Bureau’s Independent Verification Unit performing critical reinforcement on the most damaged homes, including injecting cement grout into concrete walls and installing temporary structural supports for floor slabs.

Regulatory Crackdown on Construction Safety

In a swift response to concerns over construction material safety following the inferno, the Buildings Department is rolling out new mandates for all active building sites. This week, the department will publish a new protocol requiring contractors to conduct on-site sampling and verification of scaffolding netting before installation to ensure compliance with quality standards.

This move follows immediate inspections of scaffolding structures at four separate subsidized housing estates (Yee Kok Court, On Ki Court, Sui Wo Court, and Ching Lai Court) and one public rental estate (Fung Wah Estate). Officials confirmed that contractors have already complied with initial orders to clear any debris from the existing scaffolding. The goal of the heightened scrutiny is to ensure external wall repair projects can resume safely and swiftly.

Separately, the Labour Department has significantly intensified inspections targeting fire safety and emergency response readiness at sites with large scaffolding structures. To date, the department has inspected 404 construction sites, issuing 210 written warnings and 104 rectification notices, leading to 25 prosecutions for safety violations.

Enhanced Financial and Housing Aid Mobilized

The government has substantially increased financial support for affected residents and victims’ families. The living allowance provided to each affected household has doubled from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000. As of today, 1,717 household cases have been processed for this aid.

Furthermore, solace payments for the deceased have been dispersed, with families receiving HK$200,000 for bereavement and an additional HK$50,000 for funeral expenses. Authorities have processed 109 such cases so far and are continuing the payment rollout.

Housing relief is critical, with thousands of residents displaced. As of the latest update, 1,435 residents are accommodated in temporary facilities coordinated by the Home Affairs and Youth Bureau, including youth hostels, camps, and hotel rooms. An additional 2,677 residents have been placed in transitional housing units or flats managed by the Hong Kong Housing Society.

Reflecting the progress in relocation, the temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre has ceased operations after all occupants transitioned to more stable emergency housing. A second temporary center, located at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, will remain open until all remaining users have also been moved to arranged accommodations. The coordinated effort on multiple fronts—from structural repair and stringent enforcement to financial aid—underscores the government’s commitment to recovery following the devastating fire.