On February 22, 2025, four external workers contracted by Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) were caught on video allegedly engaging in deceptive practices by falsifying cleaning records. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 PM, was recorded by local activist Wong Ho-yin near the intersections of Nam Cheong Street and Fuk Wing Street.
According to Wong, the workers were seen setting up street advertisements and taking photos as proof of their 'cleaning' efforts. After taking the photos, they removed the signs, prompting questions about the authenticity of their work records. When Wong confronted the workers about their actions, he was met with hostility, as one of the workers reportedly wielded a knife, creating a threatening atmosphere.
The FEHD responded quickly to public outcry, stating they were thoroughly investigating the incident, which has drawn significant attention on social media. They confirmed the workers suspended pending the outcome of the investigation were employed through Biyau Cleaning Services, the contractor responsible for street cleaning operations.
"We take this incident very seriously and expect the contractor to submit a full report on the matter. Should the investigation confirm any wrongdoing, we will take stringent action based on our contract, which includes financial penalties and recording the incident for future procurement decisions," stated the spokesperson for the FEHD.
The lack of minimum removal targets for street advertisements has raised concerns about the potential for similar situations to occur. The spokesperson clarified, "There are no set minimum requirements for the number of signs to be removed. This lack of oversight might contribute to the conditions leading to the incident."
Local officials have echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust. "Such dishonesty is intolerable. The public relies on these workers to uphold cleanliness and safety standards. We cannot allow for any act of fraud to undermine their efforts," asserted District Councilor Lau Kwok-hsun, who has been vocal about the need for accountability.
Witness Roni, who recorded the event, shared his thoughts: "I respect cleaning work deeply, but the naked truth of falsification must not be overlooked. The department's management must step up to rectify these practices to restore faith among the public." He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability moving forward.
Social media users expressed outrage over the incident, with many highlighting previous encounters with cleaning staff who seemed to merely go through the motions of their duties. Comments such as "I've seen workers clean the same spot repeatedly just to snap photos" have echoed sentiments of frustration among residents accustomed to seeing the same insincere practices.
Following the public sharing of the video, the FEHD has been prompted to tighten oversight of contract workers, emphasizing the importance of accountability within their ranks. "Cleaning is fundamental to public health—if these practices continue, it jeopardizes the wellbeing of our communities," the FEHD spokesperson remarked.
The investigation is set to continue, with the FEHD also referring the matter to the police for potential criminal action due to the suspected falsification of records. This referral indicates the seriousness with which the department is treating the allegations and the public interest involved.
The outcome of this situation may lead to broader reforms within the FEHD's management of contract cleaning services. District officials have called for stricter guidelines surrounding contractual obligations to prevent any future malfeasance. The need for systematic checks and balances becomes increasingly apparent as more community members express dissatisfaction with observed practices.
Looking forward, community leaders and officials hope this incident will spur the FEHD to implement reforms ensuring integrity and transparency across all cleaning operations. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for holding contract workers accountable for their actions, thereby preserving the public trust.