FIVE mentally handicapped people moved into a controversial hostel at Tung Tau Estate yesterday amid warnings that violence might be used against them if their presence affects the livelihood of estate residents.
The Hong Kong Association for the Mentally Handicapped hostel on the ground floor of Kwai Tung House received its first residents without incident. Two plain-clothes policemen patrolled the area but claimed to be there only to collect intelligence.
Some estate residents warned later that violence might be used to vent their dissatisfaction if their lives were disrupted.
The hostel, completed a year behind schedule because of residents' opposition, will house 40 moderately and severely mentally handicapped people.
Kwai Tung House Mutual Aid Committee chairman, Wong Wing-ki, said yesterday most residents agreed to the setting up of the centre.