HONG KONG, March 25 — Hong Kong’s competition regulator today launched proceedings against a group it accused of involvement in building maintenance contracts worth HK$700 million (RM354.9 million), including one for a complex hit by a deadly fire in November.
Hong Kong has stepped up its crackdown on graft linked to such contracts after last year’s 168 deaths in the massive fire that ripped through seven high-rise towers in the northern district of Tai Po.
Six construction companies and 12 people face tribunal proceedings over tenders for building maintenance contracts at 11 housing developments across the city between April 2022 and September 2023, the Competition Commission said.
Investigation showed the syndicate sought to corner 25 per cent of the building maintenance market by illicit methods such as bid-rigging, price-fixing, market-sharing, and exchanging sensitive information, it added in a statement.
Reuters could not immediately reach the companies and individuals involved to seek comment.
An independent committee set up by Hong Kong leader John Lee began hearings last week, tasked with recommending preventive measures after the Tai Po fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex.
