Hong Kong’s leader has tasked government departments with looking into the spending patterns of commuters under a transport subsidy scheme for the elderly and investigating cases of abuse after economists called for a review of the policy and raised concerns about its financial sustainability.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday told reporters he understood the concerns, but he stopped short of confirming whether a review was needed. Instead, he said the priority should be on investigating cases of abuse under the so-called HK$2 (25 US cents) scheme, which allows elderly residents to travel on designated public transport paying a concessionary fare.

“Looking at some of the cases, there are suspicions [of abuse] and it is important that we step up enforcement actions,” he said. “We should deal with such abuse in a serious manner … We will not tolerate this, and I have asked relevant departments to do their best to enhance law enforcement.”