Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen has addressed online allegations suggesting that the District Services and Community Care Teams faced endangerment during their post-typhoon operations. She stated that such claims are based on digitally altered or AI-generated images that seek to discredit the efforts of the volunteers.
Her comments came in response to circulating images showing Care Team members using power tools like chainsaws to remove fallen trees under unsafe conditions.
Speaking on a TV program on Sunday (Sep 28), Mak clarified that numerous images circulated exhibited exaggeration or falsification, citing one example of a photo depicting about 20 care team members pointing at a single tree as a deliberate attempt to undermine their efforts.
While urging the public to verify the authenticity of online information, Mak emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing the safety of care team members.
Mak highlighted that the team members possess relevant skills, such as electrical work or engineering knowledge, enabling them to operate tools safely.
She also reassured the public that insurance is secured for all participants before every deployment.
Meanwhile, the second-term service of the care teams will see an expansion to 455 teams, with funding increased by 50 percent.
She explained that the additional resources will help streamline administrative processes, allowing team members to focus on community service.
While the first term primarily involved visiting residents, the next term will feature collaboration with property management companies to enhance support in building management.
