Following a recent radio appearance, key Hong Kong administrative officials briefed the press on December 6, 2025, outlining strategies for long-term recovery aid for victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po and discussing potential enforcement measures for an upcoming construction-site smoking prohibition. Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak and Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun addressed media inquiries, focusing on the deployment of substantial recovery funds and the planned regulatory framework for workplace safety and health.
Sustaining Recovery: Leveraging the Wang Fuk Court Support Fund
Secretary Mak affirmed the government’s commitment to sustained support for residents affected by the devastating Tai Po blaze. She confirmed that the dedicated Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court has accumulated a significant HK$3 billion, comprising both government allocations and private donations.
Mak emphasized that while immediate relief measures are already operational, the primary objective is now transitioning to long-term, structural assistance. The funds will be utilized “to best effect” to facilitate the complete rebuilding of homes and the restoration of normalcy for affected families. This crucial aid includes ongoing support for housing recovery, helping residents navigate the complex and extended process of transitioning back to stable living conditions.
Furthermore, in responding to queries regarding the city-wide deadline for scaffold netting removal, Mak stressed that authorities are prioritizing public safety while coordinating support for property owners and relevant stakeholders. The sizable support fund and inter-departmental government coordination are intended to ease regulatory transitions for residents and property managers.
Enforcement Measures Contingent on Construction Smoking Ban
Secretary Sun addressed the administration’s plans for enforcing a prospective ban on smoking at construction sites, slated to take effect on January 1 next year. Sun clarified that the specific details regarding penalties remain under discussion and require review by the Legislative Council (LegCo).
Should a consensus lead to the implementation of a full smoking prohibition on construction premises, the administration will then determine appropriate sanctions for non-compliance. A fixed-penalty ticketing regime is one of the options currently under deliberation.
Sun stressed that the final design of the penalty structure will be finalized following comprehensive consultations with both LegCo members and industry stakeholders. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that any new regulations are both practically enforceable on sites and accepted by those working in the construction sector. The goal is to maximize workplace safety while balancing regulatory feasibility.
Next Steps for Community Resilience
The officials’ remarks underscore the Hong Kong government’s two-pronged focus: immediate and long-term financial mobilization for disaster recovery, and proactive regulatory reform aimed at enhancing worker safety. The HK$3 billion fund deployment signifies a major commitment to community resilience in Tai Po, moving beyond crisis management toward definitive restoration. Simultaneously, the cautious approach to the construction site smoking ban reflects a commitment to implementing enforceable public health policies through legislative and industry collaboration. Further details on the disbursement mechanisms for the Wang Fuk Court fund and the finalized penalties for the smoking ban are expected following legislative consultations in the coming months.