Security Chief says authorities can do better on fire prevention

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says the government could improve their work on fire prevention. Tang says authorities plan to introduce legislative reforms to enhance fire safety in Hong Kong. The comments come a day after the Independent Committee's legal team delivered its closing submission at the final public hearing investigating the Tai Po fire.

Sources say the committee may delay its report submission to the chief executive until mid-October due to the time required to process a substantial amount of documents and evidence.

In his closing address, Victor Dawes, the committee's senior counsel, states the government bears partial responsibility for the tragedy. He says the disastrous event exposed systematic weaknesses among the official bureaus, including the Fire Services Department.

Speaking on a radio programme, Secretary for Security Chris Tang says authorities could improve their work on fire prevention, such as acting more proactively in referring and following any complaints the FSD has received. While he notes the government has a clear division of labour, Tang says a new mindset needs to be adopted.

The security chief also says the bureau will conduct a series of legislative reforms to strengthen fire safety in buildings by increasing the penalty and the scope of responsibility.