The Government today announced that it has established the Independent Monitoring Panel to closely oversee the MTR Corporation (MTRC)’s comprehensive review of its asset management and maintenance regime.

The panel is chaired by Wai Chi-sing, and members include Warren Chim, Lee Kang-kuen and Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services Eric Pang.

With members from different professional disciplines, the panel will closely oversee the MTRC’s comprehensive review of its asset management and maintenance regime from a safety regulatory perspective, including the appropriateness of its scope, review methodology and procedures, follow-up recommendations and implementation plans, with a view to ensuring that the review is comprehensive, in-depth, sound and thorough.

The panel will also monitor the MTRC’s comprehensive assessment of potential risks in different areas of the railway system, in order to ensure that the MTRC’s maintenance and operation management keep pace with the times, including developing appropriate inspection and maintenance measures, in particular the enhancement of preventive maintenance and the use of technology.

Noting that the Government is deeply concerned about the recent railway incidents, the Transport & Logistics Bureau stressed that the Independent Monitoring Panel will closely monitor the MTRC’s review work and submit a report to the Secretary for Transport & Logistics.

The panel will make recommendations on matters relating to railway safety regulation, with an aim to maintain the safety and reliability of railway services in Hong Kong, the bureau added.