Hong Kong's Home Affairs Minister Alice Mak has urged Tai Po landlords against raising rents to capture government subsidies for residents displaced by the deadly November Wang Fuk Court fire. The HK$150,000 annual aid (for two years) aims to help victims secure local homes, amid concerns over market exploitation.
Hong Kong minister warns against rent hikes exploiting Wang Fuk Court fire subsidies
The November 26 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed at least 160 people and displaced nearly 5,000 residents. Building on initial relief like HK$100,000 owner subsidies and long-term rehousing plans including new Tai Po flats, the government introduced an annual rental subsidy of HK$150,000 (US$19,280) for two years to help affected homeowners find district accommodation.
However, during a radio programme on Saturday, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen raised alarms that some landlords are hiking rents to siphon the aid. "I hate to use the term, but it seems there are some landlords in the district who, as some people also say, try to fish in troubled waters," she said.
Mak called it a market response but emphasised the aid's intent. "I can understand it is a market response. But I hope the landlords can also understand that the subsidy is for helping the fire victims find suitable accommodation in Tai Po district," she added. "I hope the landlords can appreciate the needs of the Wang Fuk Court fire victims and not raise rents significantly."
This highlights post-disaster aid challenges, with authorities monitoring rental trends to ensure funds reach victims.
