'We're Not Exaggerating Damage,' MTR Says

The MTR Corporation on Tuesday hit back at allegations that it's exaggerating the damage to its network - or that police or MTR staff disguised as protesters have deliberately vandalised equipment to put the blame on demonstrators.

It also dismissed suggestions that it was suspending some services to make the protesters unpopular.

"Allegations of MTR staff vandalising railway facilities or allowing people in disguise of protesters to carry out such acts are false and absurd," it said in a statement, adding that it needed to deploy "a tremendous amount of manpower and incur additional expenses" to carry out repairs.

It said that as of October 7, 85 heavy rail stations and 53 light rail stops had been vandalised, with a large number of facilities damaged "to varying degrees".

The railway company said that while some machines might look intact, they might not be able to function "stably and consistently".

The MTR rejected "unfounded accusations that the Corporation intentionally suspends the service of station facilities, such as escalators, during peak hours in order to create inconvenience and even chaos in order to put the blame on protestors".

It said vandalism had caused extensive damage but it might be difficult for passengers to see the full extent of the damage to inner components.