Strict review pledged on welfare payments in Tuen Mun child neglect case
Authorities are reviewing the welfare payments of a Tuen Mun family suspected of child neglect, with any fraudulent claims referred for prosecution. The three children will enter residential care after hospital discharge, while a multidisciplinary conference will decide on potential court protection
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said authorities are scrutinising the welfare payments of a family under investigation for suspected child neglect in Tuen Mun, warning that any fraudulent claims will be referred to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Speaking after a public event on Friday, Sun outlined immediate protective measures for the three young children at the centre of the case, confirming they will be placed into residential care following their discharge from hospital. He was responding to growing public outrage after the mother of a ten-year-old girl – who was filmed hauling heavy bags of beer through Fu Tai Estate – claimed in a media interview that the family was receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance while taking multiple overseas vacations each year.
Sun emphasised that the Social Welfare Department is actively reviewing the family’s assistance records and will take decisive action under established procedures if any violations are confirmed. “The government strictly safeguards the integrity of social safety net resources and treats any potential exploitation seriously,” he said. Should the review uncover non-compliance or fraudulent declarations, the administration will act in accordance with existing regulations, and in instances of serious misconduct or suspected welfare fraud, the matter will be referred to the police for formal criminal investigation.
Turning to the children’s welfare, Sun stated that the ten-year-old girl, alongside her younger brother and sister, is undergoing medical checks in hospital and is expected to be discharged within days. Because an immediate return to the family home has been ruled inappropriate, authorities are arranging temporary placement in suitable residential institutions. Sun noted that due to operational and age-group requirements among care facilities, the three siblings might not necessarily be accommodated in the same institution, but they will remain under professional supervision while social workers carry out comprehensive assessments.
The Social Welfare Department will convene a multidisciplinary case conference on suspected child abuse to examine the family dynamics and long-term childcare capabilities. The cross-sector conference is expected to yield initial recommendations within one to two weeks. Sun explained that if the home environment remains unsuitable or poses potential risks to the children’s well-being, the department will apply to the court for a care or protection order. The children will remain in residential facilities until the case conference concludes its deliberations.
The incident drew widespread public concern after video footage circulated online showing the young primary school girl carrying two heavy plastic bags packed with canned beer. Following investigations, police arrested both parents on suspicion of ill-treatment or neglect of a child or young person under their care.
