A registered minor works contractor (RMWC) was convicted and fined $27,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts this month for carrying out minor works after its registration had expired.

     The contractor submitted certificates to the Buildings Department (BD) in August 2019, certifying that minor works had been carried out in several units in a commercial building on Nathan Road. The BD's check revealed that the registration of the contractor had expired and it was removed from the register of minor works contractors in early July 2019. As the contractor was not a prescribed registered contractor at the time the offence took place, it was prosecuted by the BD. The contractor pleaded guilty and was fined $27,000 on June 15.

     Pursuant to section 14 of the Building (Minor Works) Regulation (Cap. 123N), an RMWC must submit the application for renewal of registration to the BD not more than four months but not less than 28 days prior to the expiry of the registration. An RMWC has the responsibility to ensure the registration is renewed within the above specified time.

     A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any person other than a prescribed registered contractor or a person acting under the supervision of any such contractor carrying out minor works commits a serious offence. If contraventions are found, the BD will consider instigating prosecution action.

     Pursuant to the section 40(2G) of the Buildings Ordinance, any person other than a prescribed registered contractor or a person acting under the supervision of any such contractor, who, without reasonable excuse, certifies or carries out minor works commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for six months, and to a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 11:30

NNNN