Firm accused of cost-cutting, false declarations over fire-safety parts in 48 lifts

Hong Kong authorities have uncovered alleged corner-cutting and false declarations involving fire-safety components in a contractor’s replacement of 48 lifts at two public housing estates.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department said on Thursday that surprise inspections had found serious deficiencies in projects carried out by Taizoom Elevator (Hong Kong) at Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong and Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin.

It said 39 lifts replaced between May 2025 and July this year were affected at Pok Hong Estate. Nine lifts replaced between February and July at Tsui Ping (North) Estate were also affected.

The department said that although Taizoom had submitted fire-resistance test reports, inspectors found that it had only installed fire-resisting doors and not the corresponding door-frame components required before reporting the works as completed.

Officials described the omission as a serious construction defect and a breach of regulatory requirements.

The department said preliminary evidence suggested that Taizoom might have committed serious negligence or misconduct in relation to the lift work, and that it would take enforcement and regulatory action under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance.

It has also referred the case to police for further investigation, saying it would not rule out possible criminal offences involving fraud and false representations.

But the department said the affected lifts remained safe for normal operation despite the missing components.

It has ordered the contractor to reinspect all affected lifts and install the missing door-frame components at its own expense. Rectification work was expected to begin shortly and be completed within a month, it added.

A citywide inspection of all lifts installed by Taizoom was under way, the department said.

The Housing Authority said it was “highly concerned” about the incident and was maintaining close contact with the department. It vowed to pursue responsibility over the deficiencies in the lift replacement works.