Story perspectives

Hong Kong Bar Association Pushes Bid-Rigging Legislation After Fire

12/18/2025

31 7

Summary

Story summary

In response to the Tai Po blaze that killed at least 160 people, the Hong Kong Bar Association plans to propose legislation to criminalize bid-rigging and to enforce construction safety guidelines.
The association is led by Chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet.
Bid-rigging is currently treated as a serious anti-competitive act under the Competition Ordinance, with penalties limited to fines.
Maurellet says targeted legislation could reduce bid-rigging, acknowledging challenges in proving such agreements.

1 of 1

Story summary

In response to the Tai Po blaze that killed at least 160 people, the Hong Kong Bar Association plans to propose legislation to criminalize bid-rigging and to enforce construction safety guidelines.
The association is led by Chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet.
Bid-rigging is currently treated as a serious anti-competitive act under the Competition Ordinance, with penalties limited to fines.
Maurellet says targeted legislation could reduce bid-rigging, acknowledging challenges in proving such agreements.