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The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) has obtained an order for payment of outstanding MPF contributions at more than $1,300,000 against Sing Pao Newspapers Management Limited in the High Court.
The High Court issued a judgement against Sing Pao Newspaper Management Limited and it was served on the defendant yesterday (July 6). The defendant was ordered to pay the MPFA the sum of $1,379,317.43, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable to 376 employees.
Meanwhile, MPFA today (July 7) pursued four claims in the Small Claims Tribunal for some $58,000 on behalf of five employees, who were owed MPF contributions by the employer.
Cheung Hak Ping trading as Luen Hing Cleaning Service Co., did not dispute the amount claimed. The Adjudicator ordered the employer to pay the MPFA the sum of $4,914, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable.
The other three defendants - Nuclear Construction And Engineering Company Limited, Gee Boutique Fashion Limited and Real China Fashion Company Limited trading as Rainbow Beauty & Fitness Salon - did not appear at today's hearing. In their absence, the Adjudicator ordered them to pay the MPFA the sums of $38,362, $10,816.59 and $4,120.33, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable.
The amounts both awarded at the High Court and the Tribunal will be reimbursed to the employees' MPF accounts as soon as they are received by the MPFA. The High Court and the Tribunal respectively further awarded payments of $1,550 and $140, $160, $90 and $200 for the Tribunal cases as costs in respect of the claims.
Gee Boutique Fashion Limited pleaded guilty at Kwun Tong Magistracy earlier to one count of failing to make MPF contributions on time and was fined $6,000.
Ends/Friday, July 7, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:32
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