The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today said it is investigating an incident involving cleaning workers who allegedly removed display bills posted in Sham Shui Po, and has instructed the contractor to suspend the staff members concerned from their contractual duties until the investigation is completed.

The department made the statement in response to media enquiries about a video circulating on social media, in which outsourced cleansing workers were suspected of removing display bills they posted in Nam Cheong Street.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the four staff members involved were employed by an outsourced street cleaning service contractor.

The department said it has immediately requested the contractor to submit a report on the incident and reiterated that it attaches great importance to the performance of contractors and the conduct of their employees.

If the investigation confirms the allegation, the department will hold the contractor liable in accordance with the contract, which may include the deduction of service fees and put on record the incident as a considering factor for future service procurement.

Additionally, the department will refer the suspected falsification of records to Police for follow-up.

The FEHD noted that the workers concerned are responsible for removing unauthorised display bills and posters in public places, and must take photos for record purposes. It has not set a minimum target for the number of bills and posters to be removed by the contractors.

The department added that it will closely monitor the contractor's service performance to ensure compliance with the service contract requirements.