​A property owner was convicted and fined $213,550 in total, of which $113,550 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts yesterday (September 9) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

     The case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 1 354 square metres on three lots in D.D. 80, Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without the prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

     A spokesman for the BD said today (September 10), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

     Failure to comply with a removal order without a reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Ends/Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:00

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