Senior Technician Admits To Faking Bridge Test

A senior lab technician has admitted to faking tests on concrete that was used in the construction of the Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai Bridge.

Mak Pui-shing, a supervisor at a government-contracted lab, admitted to the District Court on Monday that he signed papers defrauding the authorities even though he knew the concrete tests were not done properly.

The court heard that the defendant had told investigators that the quality of the concrete used on the bridge was not affected.

In mitigation, Mak's lawyer said the defendant was very remorseful.

The lawyer said Mak now understood that even though there was a shortage of manpower at the time, that was no reason for him to carry out "a very stupid act" and he was now willing to fully accept his criminal responsibility.

The case was adjourned until July 26 when Mak could be sentenced.

Last week, another technician, Ng Kai-yiu, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud, after manipulating test reports. He was remanded into custody, pending sentencing.

In December Wong Kwok-yiu – who was employed by a government contractor and had input a measurement incorrectly – was jailed for eight months after admitting falsified tests.

The ICAC has linked 21 people to its investigation into test manipulations. Their arrests last year had sparked fears about the safety of the multi-billion dollar project. But the government says subsequent checks have found no problems.