WSD's registered consumer convicted of failing to provide relevant information or documents for suspected case of overcharging for water
The Water Supplies Department (WSD) announced that a registered consumer of a subdivided flat in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, was convicted today (January 8) of failing to comply with the Water Authority's request to provide relevant information or documents for a suspected case of overcharging for water, in contravention of regulation 47A of the Waterworks Regulations. The registered consumer pleaded guilty to the offence at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts. This case is the first conviction pursuant to the new regulation of 47A of the Waterworks Regulations, which has been effective since the enactment of the Waterworks (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the amended WWO) on April 19, 2024.
A spokesman for the WSD said that the amended WWO has strengthened the power of the Water Authority in evidence collection and information disclosure during the investigation of suspected cases of overcharging for water. The Water Authority can request landlords, their agents, consumers, etc, to provide the tenancy agreement, receipt or payment record for water charges. Failure to comply with such a request can be an offence and the offender is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and a further fine of up to $1,000 for each day the offence continues. It is anticipated that there will be more prosecution cases. The maximum penalty for overcharging for water has been raised to $25,000 to deter this illegal act. Moreover, providing false or misleading information to the Water Authority is also an offence with a maximum penalty of a $25,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.
The WSD spokesman strongly appealed to landlords to apply for the installation of separate water meters for their subdivided units (SDUs), which can greatly reduce the risk of contravening the amended WWO. The water fee deposit and the charge for providing a meter for each separate meter installed under the Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for Subdivided Units will be waived. Individual water bills will be provided for each water meter account. The first 12 cubic metres of water are free at four-month intervals. SDU tenants can contact the WSD to request separate water meters. Upon receiving such requests, the WSD will contact the landlords for the installation of separate meters. If the landlords refuse, the WSD may require them to provide information on the recovery of water charges from their tenants in suspected overcharging cases. Details of the scheme can be obtained from the WSD website
(www.wsd.gov.hk/en/customer-services/application-for-water-supply/pilot-scheme-for-installation-of-separate-water-me/index.html).
The WSD encourages the public to report any illegal act of overcharging SDU tenants for water for follow-up and investigation by the department. The public can call the WSD Hotline 3468 4963 or WhatsApp 5665 5517 to apply for the installation of separate water meters for SDUs. The WhatsApp hotline also handles matters relating to water overcharging in SDUs. Alternatively, the public can call the WSD Customer Enquiry Hotline 2824 5000 to report water overcharge cases. After calling the hotline and choosing a language, they can press "7" for reporting to staff directly.
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video)
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (January 8) began his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. He attended the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in the morning, addressing over 1 500 leaders from the commerce and industry, financial, and innovation and technology sectors in Indonesia and nearby regions to promote Hong Kong's new advantages and new opportunities.
Mr Chan noted in his speech that Indonesia's economy has developed rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent over the past decade. The youthful labour force, fast-growing middle class, expanding consumer market and rapid urbanisation have made Indonesia an emerging market full of opportunities.
Mr Chan said that with the unique advantages of connections to both Mainland China and foreign countries under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong serves as the "super connector" and "super value-adder". Hong Kong is not only an international financial, shipping and trading centre,and an international hub for high-calibre talents but also a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, making it the most convenient and efficient gateway for Indonesian enterprises to enter Mainland China.
In his speech, Mr Chan also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in financial services and green technology. As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong has full-chain fundraising capabilities. Through mutual access with the capital markets of Mainland China, Indonesian companies that are listed in Hong Kong can access both Mainland and international funds simultaneously. In light of Indonesia's massive infrastructure investment needs, infrastructure projects in Indonesia can be financed in Hong Kong through various channels such as public listings, issuing bonds, forming real estate investment trusts, bonds, and even securitisation of the projects. In addition, Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore RMB business hub. With the continuous rise in trade between China and Indonesia, Indonesian businessmen holding RMB can take advantage of the various RMB-denominated investment and risk management tools offered by Hong Kong to earn better returns and manage risks effectively. They can also issue RMB-denominated securities in Hong Kong to raise funds to support their business development needs in the mainland. Regarding green and sustainable finance, Hong Kong's relevant standards are highly aligned with international ones, which can support Indonesia and the region's green transformation. Additionally, the Science Park and Cyberport have gathered many green technology companies that can provide innovative green solutions for Indonesian partners.
Mr Chan also introduced Hong Kong's advantages in high-value supply chain management services. Under the prevailing international political and economic landscape, many companies are seeking to diversify risks by re-aligning their industry and supply chains. They require services such as supply chain management, trade financing, corporate treasury services and professional consulting. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder," Hong Kong is well-positioned to offer these services. Indonesian companies are welcomed to establish their international or regional business headquarters, corporate treasury centres, and supply chain management centres in Hong Kong.
Organised by the HKTDC, the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium brought together about 120 government representatives, business leaders, start-up representatives and professional service providers from Hong Kong to strengthen commercial connections between Hong Kong and Indonesia. An exhibition zone for professional services and start-ups was set up at the event to showcase products and solutions from Hong Kong companies, facilitating business matching between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Afterwards, Mr Chan met with various senior government officials of Indonesia, including the Minister of Finance, Ms Sri Mulyani Indrawati; the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Dr Airlangga Hartarto; the Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry, Mr Rosan Perkasa Roeslani; and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri. Mr Chan introduced them to the advantages and development opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the unique role and functions of Hong Kong therein. They discussed strengthening co-operation in bilateral trade, investments, finance and innovation and technology. Mr Chan welcomed them to visit Hong Kong and lead business delegations to Hong Kong and the GBA to explore more business opportunities and strengthen collaboration.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Wang Lutong, to understand the latest developments on collaboration between the country and Indonesia, and exchange views on strengthening economic and people-to-people relations between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Mr Chan had lunch with key members of the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia to understand the Indonesian social economic conditions and business environment and their experience in Indonesia, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
This evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner organised by the HKTDC where he addressed more than 400 Indonesian leaders from commerce and industry to promote Hong Kong in business, culture, tourism and lifestyle.
Mr Chan will continue his visit to Jakarta tomorrow (January 9). He will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon local time.
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS begins visit to Jakarta, Indonesia (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
