Two-thirds of stall owners in Mong Kok's Bird Garden, closed for three weeks after a trace of deadly H5N1 bird flu was found in a stall, say they will ask the government for compensation for lost trade.
Each should be paid between HK$30,000 and HK$40,000, said Shek Kwok-keung, who heads a group of stall operators.
That's despite some traders continuing to do business on Friday. Buyers were seen buying pet food over the wall of the garden, prompting suggestions they might spread the virus, even though stall owners who want to go inside the market have to wear protective gear.
The closure order was apparently being implemented more strictly yesterday, with more uniformed health officers patrolling the area.
In 2007, the last time the government shut the market, it gave traders HK$10,000. Shek did not say why they should be paid more this time.
He said they would seek to discuss compensation with officials this week .