Hong Kong’s MTR Corp asks for report after wrong tiles allegedly installed

Hong Kong’s rail operator has requested a report after a subcontractor allegedly procured and installed tiles manufactured in mainland China, instead of a German-made brand specified in the contract.

In a reply to the Post on Sunday evening, the MTR Corporation confirmed that it had received complaints after a media report alleged that the contract originally required the use of German-made “YTong” tiles at Tung Chung East station. The subcontractor reportedly supplied a similarly named product – “Beijing YiTong” – believed to be manufactured on the mainland.

The MTR Corp confirmed that the materials were bricks used for partitions in station equipment rooms. The brick tiles were procured and installed by a subcontractor appointed through tender by the main contractor, with works commencing in June.

“Upon receiving the complaints, we have inquired with the main contractor concerned and instructed it to examine the case and provide us with a full report on the matter,” a spokesman for MTR Corp said.

He did not name the contractor or subcontractor.

“We will independently check and verify the report,” the spokesman said.