Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung (first left), visits the MTR Yau Ma Tei Station to receive an update from MTR representatives on an incident on a train at the station on Nov 13, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)
HONG KONG – The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has established an independent monitoring panel to closely oversee the MTR Corporation's comprehensive review of its asset management and maintenance regime.
Wai Chi-sing, former Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) and former Director of Highways, will head the panel. Its members include Warren Chim, Lee Kang-kuen and Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services Eric Pang, according to a government statement issued on Friday.
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The government is deeply concerned about the recent railway incidents. The Independent Monitoring Panel will closely monitor the MTRCL's review work.
Spokesperson, Transport and Logistics Bureau
Drawing members from different professional disciplines, the panel will closely oversee the rail operator's comprehensive review of its asset management and maintenance regime from a safety regulatory perspective, including the appropriateness of its scope, review methodology and procedures, follow-up recommendations and implementation plans, with a view to ensuring that the review is comprehensive, in-depth, sound and thorough.
"The government is deeply concerned about the recent railway incidents. The Independent Monitoring Panel will closely monitor the MTRCL's review work," said a spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau.
The panel will also monitor the MTRC's comprehensive assessment of potential risks in different areas of the railway system, in order to ensure that the MTRC's maintenance and operation management keep pace with the times, including developing appropriate inspection and maintenance measures, in particular the enhancement of preventive maintenance and the use of technology.
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"The panel will submit a report to the secretary for transport and logistics upon completion of the relevant review, and make recommendations on matters relating to railway safety regulation, so as to maintain the safety and reliability of railway services in Hong Kong," said the bureau spokesperson.