One tip-off rewarded as Housing Society receives 16 reports of public housing abuse

The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) has received 16 tip-offs on public housing abuse since launching a reward scheme on April 1, with one case already confirmed and rewarded.

Under the scheme, individuals who provide real-name reports that successfully lead to the issuance of eviction notices are eligible to receive a certificate of appreciation and a cash reward of up to HK$3,000.

As of the end of July, the society had received a total of 16 reports through the reward scheme, accounting for approximately 10 percent of all reports received during the period. Nine of these cases involve allegations of vacant units or misreported income and assets, and are currently under investigation.

As of Wednesday, one case involving long-term vacancy of a public housing unit has been verified, resulting in the approval of both the cash reward and certificate of appreciation for the informant.

The Housing Society will notify the reporter to collect the award in due course, though attendance at any award ceremony will not be mandatory.

(Marco Lam)