Lawmakers Back 'flawed' Covid Relief Fund

Two pro-Beijing lawmakers on Friday said they will support the government's latest coronavirus relief package, despite accusing it of not doing enough to help businesses stay afloat.

Under the administration's proposal, sectors most affected by the government's latest anti-epidemic measures, such as restaurants, gyms, beauty parlours and cinemas, will share HK$5.5 billion in relief funding.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, the Federation of Trade Union's Luk Chung-hung said it's disappointing that there's no help for employees, especially those in aviation sector.

"There’s no reason to vote it down, but we will think of ways to put pressure on the government to make improvements later," Luk said.

Luk added that "80 percent of the population across the political spectrum" is not happy with the government's handling of the pandemic.

Lo Wai-kwok from the Business and Professionals Alliance said construction workers and those providing corporate training have been left out.

He also called on the government to conduct a new round of universal testing to identify more hidden cases, so that Hong Kong can reopen its border with the mainland soon.

Meanwhile, the government had said that the bulk of the relief fund, around HK$3.4 billion, will go to the catering industry in two separate tranches over the next two months.

Simon Wong, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, questioned why the money had to come in two batches.

"If the money comes bit by bit, it’s like keeping us barely alive. It’s even worse. I'd rather they give us the money in one-go," Wong said.

He also said the government should provide direct help to employees, as some restaurant owners may temporary close their businesses while waiting for the money.

Legco’s finance committee is expected to discuss the funding application on Monday.