Police had to get tough on doctors who abusively issued vaccine exemption certificates to their patients because their behavior was harmful to anti-Covid efforts, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said.

Tang in a television interview said police arrested five doctors and three clinic workers earlier this month for issuing over 20,000 jab-waiver certificates. In the same interview, Tang said it is necessary to enact a fake news law and protect authentic news workers.

"We only issued vaccine exemption certificates for people who indeed suffer from medical conditions and are diagnosed to be unfit for vaccines. People who bought the certificates in order to not be vaccinated were putting themselves and everyone on the line and must be brought to justice," Tang said.

He reminded the public that anyone who abuses the use of vaccine exemption certificates and hinders the community's effort in returning to "normal lives" is putting everyone in jeopardy and will be liable for prosecution.

So far five doctors, three working staff and 22 people who bought vaccine exemption certificates have been arrested.

A 76-year old doctor, Tai Kong-shing, was arrested at Yau Ma Tei on September 20 and charged with three counts of criminal or dishonest intent, as he allegedly issued jab-waiver certificates to over 3,000 patients and pocketed at least HK$12 million. He was granted HK$100,000 bail. The case was adjourned to December 16.

Elsewhere, three doctors were arrested in Yuen Long, Tin Shui Wai and Chai Wan on September 22 for alleged abuse in issuing vaccine exemption certificates.

Another 64-year-old doctor was arrested in Yuen Long on September 5 for allegedly making false instruments after issuing over 6,000 jab-waiver certificates for HK$500 each.

Tang also said the government is looking at implementing an anti-fake news law and berated some news media for reporting fake news, which incite hatred toward the government.

He said the identities of reporters are vague and that the news media industry should consider proposing ways for the public to distinguish reporters with professional training.

Asked whether Article 23, a proposed law to prohibit any act of treason, succession or sedition against the central government, would be implemented soon, Tang said there has not been a clear timetable as yet.

Chris Tang slams actions that harm anti-Covid efforts.

Tang defends hard line on vax waivers