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Two employers were fined $23,000 at the Kwun Tong Magistracy today (July 4), after being convicted of offences under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance.
Manchester Bykas Limited pleaded guilty to six counts of failing to make MPF contributions within the prescribed time for the contribution period from September, 2005, to February, 2006. The defendant was fined $6,000 for the first summons and $2,000 each for the remaining summonses, totalling $16,000.
UTEC Limited pleaded guilty to one count of failing to make MPF contributions within the prescribed time for the contribution period in September, 2005. The defendant was fined $7,000.
An MPFA spokesperson reminded employers, who had received a summons to make himself available to appear before court on the scheduled date and time specified in the summons. If not, the court may issue an arrest warrant.
Two arrest warrants had earlier been issued against employers, Wu Kwok Kuen Alex trading as Alex Wu & Company and Yiu Chun Fat trading as Fat Kee Bean Curd Factory.
Wu Kwok Kuen Alex trading as Alex Wu & Company was charged for an offence under section 7A(8) of the Ordinance. An arrest warrant was issued on April 12, 2005, and the defendant was subsequently brought to court for trial. On May 30, 2005, the defendant pleaded guilty to six counts of failing to make MPF contributions within the prescribed time for the contribution period in May to October, 2003, and was fined a total of $6,000.
Yiu Chun Fat trading as Fat Kee Bean Curd Factory was charged for an offence under section 7(1A)(b) of the Ordinance. A warrant to arrest was issued on June 1, 2004, and the defendant was subsequently brought to court for trial. On April 26, 2005, the defendant pleaded guilty to an offence under section 7(1A)(b) of the Ordinance and was fined $6,000 for failing to ensure enrollment of its employee throughout his employment period in an MPF scheme as required by the Ordinance.
The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority today obtained an order for payment of outstanding MPF contributions at around $110,000 against one employer in the District Court. The authority today also pursued four claims in the Small Claims Tribunal for some $80,000 on behalf of four employees, who were owed MPF contributions by their employers.
The District Court today issued a judgement against an employer, Mak Chi Kuen trading as Shing Yip Metal Factory. The defendant was ordered to pay the MPFA the sum of $114,661.68, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable to three employees of the defendant.
At the tribunal's hearing today, Ng Ming Sing, Ko King Sam trading as Yat Yik Stationery Company, did not dispute the amount claimed. The Adjudicator ordered the employer to pay the MPFA the sum of $34,716.3, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable.
The other three defendants, Fung Fuk Chuen trading as Wah Sang Printing Factory, Kailab Eight Limited and All Clad Asia Limited, did not appear at today's hearing. In their absence, the Adjudicator ordered them to pay the MPFA the sums of $26,993.84, $10,500 and $7,166.25, being mandatory contributions in arrears and surcharges payable.
The amounts both awarded at the District Court and the Tribunal will be reimbursed to the employees' MPF accounts as soon as they are received by the authority. The District Court and the tribunal respectively further awarded payment of $930 for the District Court case and $190, $180, $270 and $270 for the Tribunal cases as costs in respect of the claims.
Ends/Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:04
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