Tai Po fire inquiry: Anti-trust watchdog calls for bid-rigging to be criminalised as closing arguments begin

Hong Kong's antitrust watchdog has called for bid-rigging in the city's building renovation sector to be criminalized, as closing arguments commenced in the public inquiry into the deadly Tai Po fire. The remarks were made as hearings for an independent committee investigating the Tai Po fire last November resumed for closing submissions.

Authorities suspect that faulty wiring in a temporary structure at the Tai Po Industrial Estate caused the blaze, which raged for more than 20 hours and required over 200 firefighters to bring under control. The fire resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and injuries to three others. The incident also led to the evacuation of more than 1,000 people from nearby residential buildings.

The inquiry has focused on the role of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and the Fire Services Department (FSD) in approving the temporary structure, as well as the conduct of the contractors involved in its construction and maintenance. The watchdog's call for criminalization highlights concerns about potential collusion and unfair practices within the construction and renovation industries, particularly in the aftermath of such a tragic event.