Three consumption voucher service centers start operations today

Three additional service centers start operation today to handle the resubmission of applications for the government's electronic consumption voucher scheme.

The first batch of HK$2,000 electronic consumption vouchers were distributed on September 1 to about 810,000 people who completed electronic registration online on or after July 18 or submitted paper forms.

But thousands of people, especially elderly residents who submitted paper forms, encountered problems and did not receive the vouchers. Hundreds queued up earlier at Pioneer Cente in Mong Kok to seek advice and resubmit their applications. 

The three new centers are located at Hong Kong General Post Office in Central, Wan Tau Tong Neighbourhood Community Centre in Tai Po and Leung King Estate Community Centre in Tuen Mun. 

They were not crowded this morning, and people could enter without queuing.  

A man who went to the Tai Po center said he wanted to reregister on his father's behalf. He did not go to Mongkok before because of the crowds, and it was more convenient for him to go to Tai Po. "Young people can register online, but it is difficult for the elderly," he said.

Another elderly resident at the Tai Po center said that it is good for the government to set up more centers, but the arrangement should have been made earlier.

The three centers are open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday until September 15. Elderly residents are not required to resubmit the forms in person - they can appoint a trusted relative or friend to deliver the form on their behalf.