In Brief
MPF default complaints top HK$220m over three years
The Mandatory Provident Fund Authority received complaints of employers defaulting on more than HK$220 million in MPF contributions in the past three years, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Chan Ka-keung told legislators. The authority could not recover any arrears in 15 per cent of cases in 2004/05, 9 per cent in 2005/06 and 6 per cent in 2006/07. The number of cases reported each year since 2004 has been dropping, with 915 cases in 2004/05 compared with 290 cases in the past year.
Tourist found dead at Peninsula
A Japanese tourist was found dead in a bath in her room at the Peninsula Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui. The 51-year-old woman was found by a hotel worker at about 1.45pm and was declared dead at the scene by ambulancemen. An investigation found nothing suspicious.
Exploding flare injures officer
A policeman was injured when a flare exploded near him during an exercise at a training ground of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau in Mount Butler Road. The trainee officer, surnamed Ho, 40, was hit by fragments of the flare. He was taken to hospital for treatment to an ear and finger and discharged after treatment.
Nearly HK$400m in burial grants
The government paid HK$397 million in burial grants for dead welfare recipients over the past three years, the welfare secretary, Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, told lawmakers. The current maximum grant is HK$10,610.
Lantau fire raged for 33 hours
A hill fire in northern Lantau that at one stage threatened Mui Wo and Discovery Bay Golf Course was put out yesterday after raging for more than 33 hours. Firemen started fighting the blaze after it broke out at about 10.30pm on Monday. It was put out shortly before 8am. No casualties were reported.
Injured pedestrian fights for life
A 41-year-old woman was fighting for her life last night after being hit by a bus while crossing Choi Hung Road, near Rhythm Garden, at 6.30pm. She was in critical condition in Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
