Speaking on a radio program, Chan said that the government had built a huge database last year when giving out the HK$5,000 vouchers, and it means citizens can get the money quicker than expected this time when distributing the vouchers.

He underlined that it is the best and fastest arrangement despite public voices that believe giving cash is better to alleviate citizens' economic and livelihood pressure.

When asked will the government give the vouchers to only the vaccinated, Chan believed it is best not to tie vaccination and vouchers together after thorough consideration. He explained that most unvaccinated citizens in Hong Kong are elderly people who are in dire need of financial assistance.

The financial chief also responded to a 14-year-old caller who doubted most measures proposed in the Budget are for adults, including the voucher scheme, and said the Budget will put more resources in education development as well since education is the best investment for youngsters.

A citizen also asked whether Hong Kong will be forced to adopt the "living with Covid" strategy if the pandemic situation continues to worsen and more people are infected with the coronavirus. To that, Chan answered he believes under the leadership of the Chief Executive, and with the compulsory universal testing, the city will soon put the fifth wave under control.