The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (November 27) that the deadline for application for the subsidy scheme for promotion of contactless payment in public markets under the third round of the Anti-epidemic Fund will be extended from November 30 to December 21, to allow more time for eligible tenants of public markets to prepare their applications.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Having regard to the very nature of market operations, the desirability of using contactless payment from the public hygiene perspective and the conduciveness to reducing the risk of virus transmission in markets, the Government launched the subsidy scheme for promotion of contactless payment in public markets on October 15. A one-off subsidy will be provided to tenants of FEHD market stalls (including cooked food stalls) at a flat rate of $5,000 per stall for use to meet the initial set-up costs as well as service and other fees in relation to the provision of at least one contactless payment means, which will be processed through a licensed bank or a stored value facility licensee regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, or a debit/credit card scheme, for market patrons."

     To facilitate the promotion of contactless payment in public markets, the FEHD has strengthened the wireless networks provided in public markets through wireless network service providers in September this year. The service plans and related information provided by service providers of contactless payment have also been compiled into an information pack for reference by market stall tenants. In addition, the FEHD and service providers have conducted promotional activities in most of the FEHD's markets, including distribution of leaflets to market stall tenants and answering their related enquiries.

     Interested tenants of FEHD market stalls should submit their applications to District Environmental Hygiene Offices of the FEHD in person or by mail. The application form can be obtained from District Environmental Hygiene Offices of the FEHD. A tenant is required to submit an application to the FEHD and obtain approval in principle before signing a service contract with a service provider in relation to the provision of at least one contactless payment means, and the tenant has to produce a valid service contract of a duration no less than two years signed by the tenant. The FEHD will conduct inspections to ensure completion of installation before disbursing the subsidy.

     The FEHD appealed to eligible stall tenants of public markets to actively participate in the programme to reduce the risk of virus transmission in markets.

Ends/Friday, November 27, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:00

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