Inflation fears, blackout woes loom large in public grievances
Nearly three quarters of residents worry about rising prices due to inflation, according to the findings of a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Research Association.
That came in a survey by the association of 1,134 adults between June 13 and 23.
Of these, 73 percent of the respondents said they were concerned about inflation.
Sixty-seven percent expect further increases in prices over the next three months while 15 percent believe prices will remain stable.
Significantly, over 70 percent reported that inflation had impacted on their daily lives.
The poll also touched on attitudes toward social-distancing measures, with 41 percent hoping the measures will be relaxed while 37 percent are satisfied with the current arrangement. Another 13 percent said the measures should be tightened.
Regarding the large-scale blackout in New Territories west last week, 41 percent said they were dissatisfied with the government's handling of the incident.
The blackout was the subject of a Yuen Long district council meeting yesterday, during which Daniel Cham Ka-hung, chairman of the Tin Shui Wai south area committee, said the Communications Authority should have issued an emergency alert.
He also suggested enhancing the fire alarm system on the cable bridges.
Other subcommittee councillors criticized the government's reticence on the matter, noting they must resort to the media for updates. They also called on CLP Power to provide compensation.
A representative from the authority said the emergency alert system has its own limitations and cannot be relied upon, adding it had sought to keep the public updated by releasing information via media outlets after the incident.
The latest update came from CLP on Tuesday. It announced that the supply capability of its power grid in the affected area has been fully restored and the collapsed bridge will be removed within a week.