Three govt officers underperformed in bottled water procurement scandal

發佈日期: 2026-01-20 20:45

TVB News

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A months-long disciplinary investigation has found that three government officers underperformed in their duties in the bottled water procurement scandal.

The probe found the officers failed to report irregularities to their seniors.

Yet, the investigation team did not find any act of negligence on the part of former Director of Logistics Carlson Chan Ka-sun, but pointed out that Chan should have done better. 

The government has decided to withdraw the awarding of the Silver Bauhinia Star to Chan. 

The case involves Xin Ding Xin Trade Limited, which defrauded the government by providing counterfeit bottled water.

Months of investigation revealed lapses by staff in the Government Logistics Department.

Led by the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare Alice Lau, the probe team reviewed more than 20 officers from the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Logistics Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

After reviewing relevant documents, the team found three Logistics Department officers failed to perform to the standards commensurate with their ranks and experience.

They demonstrated a lack of vigilance and judgement, thus failing to identify obvious irregularities and flag them to their seniors in a timely manner. 

This resulted in the department missing the chance to detect the false documents and take appropriate action earlier. 

Two Logistics Department officers, including a directorate grade officer, will face disciplinary proceedings and punishment based on the findings. 

The remaining officer was found to have lacked vigilance, which will be reflected in his appraisal. The trio will have their salary increments deferred. 

The investigation did not find former Director of Logistics Carlson Chan negligent, because subordinates failed to report the information regarding the procurement to him. However, it noted Chan should have done better.

"I think this procurement of drinking water incident has drawn extensive attention from the public and brought serious disrepute to the government," said Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung. "In this light, after consulting the owners and non-official justices of the Peace Selection Committee, the government has decided to reverse the previously announced decision to award the Silver Bauhinia Star to Mr Chan, and Mr Chan has been informed. 

"This is after consideration of the investigation result and all the facts revealed."

Yeung added this is not a punishment for Chan, but a decision to deny him the award.