Secretary for Food & Health Dr Ko Wing-man says hawker control officers had taken no enforcement actions before violence broke out near Portland Street yesterday.
Speaking to the media today, Dr Ko said the officers were surrounded, scolded and pushed by over 50 people. Two carts carrying cooked food, boiling oil and running gas flames were pushed towards the officers.
In the interest of safety and the large number of people at the scene, officers called for police assistance.
Dr Ko condemned the violent acts in Mong Kok, adding that hawker control officers have all along been tolerant in handling illegal hawking activities.
Generally officers will warn and disperse dry goods hawkers, but will take enforcement action against cooked food hawking due to food safety and environmental hygiene concerns.
He noted calls to establish open-air bazaars and night markets, saying the Government will keep an open mind on the idea.
“We have to consider the operation of hawking business on the one hand, and address public concerns over environmental hygiene, food safety and obstruction to public passageways on the other.”
Dr Ko said those who sincerely care about hawkers should adopt a pragmatic attitude and work with the Government and District Councils, rather than take radical action.
