The government was reported to be preparing a package that would make bid-rigging in building-maintenance work a criminal offence. The proposed reforms would also change repair procedures and oversight, strengthen project approval and inspections, tighten regulation of contractors and professionals, and raise maximum fines for breaches.
The fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed 168 people in November 2025. After about nine months of work and 30 hearings, the independent committee submitted its investigation report to the Chief Executive the previous week. The government was expected to publish it on 29 October.
HK01 reported that the government was considering whether politically appointed officials should bear political responsibility and examining civil-service accountability, including that of officials who held office when the fire occurred. The committee’s report also discussed suspected failures of duty involving the Independent Checking Unit, Buildings Department, Hong Kong Fire Services Department and Labour Department.
A steering committee led by the Chief Secretary for Administration was expected to review the inquiry’s recommendations and oversee the reforms. The government was also reported to be planning to submit proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance to the Legislative Council before the end of the year, HK01 reported.