The Hong Kong government’s relief fund set up for the Tai Po Hung Fuk Estate fire has so far received donations of HK$3.1 billion (RM1.641 billion) from the public. Together with HK$300 million (RM159 million) in start-up funds from the government, the total amount has reached HK$3.4 billion (RM1.8 billion).
According to a CNA report, following the deadly fire on November 26, the Hong Kong government established the Tai Po Hung Fuk Estate Relief Fund to accept donations from all sectors to assist residents affected by the fire. Since the fund’s inception, many large and well-known enterprises in both Hong Kong and China have made donations.
Starting from the 1st of this month, the relevant departments have distributed a condolence payment of HK$200,000 (RM106,000) and a funeral subsidy of HK$50,000 (RM26,500) to each family of the fire victims.
Hong Kong Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing announced at a press conference on the 10th that the authorities will provide an additional special allowance of HK$100,000 (RM53,000) to each household in Hung Fuk Estate to help with daily expenses.
In addition, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han previously stated that the foreign domestic helpers who unfortunately died in the Hung Fuk Estate fire will receive statutory compensation, with the initial estimated amount exceeding HK$500,000 (RM265,000). Together with a HK$200,000 payment and a HK$50,000 subsidy from the Hong Kong government, the total compensation will be approximately HK$800,000 (RM424,000).
So far, the fire has caused 160 deaths, with 6 people still missing. Among the deceased were 10 Indonesian maids and 1 Filipino maid.
The death toll from the Hung Fuk Estate fire ranks third in Hong Kong’s history. The deadliest fire occurred in 1918 at the Happy Valley Racecourse stables, resulting in 670 deaths; the second deadliest took place in 1948 at the Wing On Company warehouse in Shek Tong Tsui, causing 176 deaths.