Radio Television Hong Kong Programme Officer Chan King-chong, 40, has been sentenced to 160-hours' community service by the District Court for making $93,900 in false claims for scriptwriting and research fees.

Chan, 40, was convicted of 10 counts of an agent using a document with intent to deceive his principal and two counts of conspiracy to defraud.

From February 21, 2001, to January 30, 2002, Chan fraudulently prepared and submitted 10 claim forms amounting to $41,300 for his mother's provision of scriptwriting services or research work for The Morning Suite programme produced by Chan, and other shows. His mother never provided the said services.

He had also conspired with staff to prepare and submit 16 similar claim forms from October 2000 to February 2002, costing the broadcaster $49,600.

From May 4 to 10, 2001, Chan also conspired with staff to prepare and submit a claim form, falsely representing his mother had performed in the Brave New Teacher show to claim the $3,000 service fee.

The broadcaster said it is revamping payment procedures for service providers to uphold checks and balances, remove loopholes and ensure proper use of public money.

Administrative units have been formed to centralise the handling of matters relating to recruitment, service records and payments for service providers.

The department has also implemented the Audit Commission's recommendations to enhance monitoring procedures and has been maintaining regular contact with the Independent Commission Against Corruption.