Over $6 billion of subsidies approved under Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme and Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms

     A Government spokesman said today (September 2) that the vetting work of the Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme (RSSS) under the first round of the Anti-epidemic Fund (the Fund) and the Subsidy Scheme for Beauty Parlours, Massage Establishments and Party Rooms (BMP) under the second round of the Fund has been completed, with over $6 billion of subsidies approved under the two schemes.

     The Secretariat of the Fund (the Secretariat) has completed vetting all of the approximately 93 000 RSSS applications and reviewed some 12 500 appeal cases. The RSSS has been concluded, with about $5.5 billion of subsidies approved for nearly 69 000 eligible retailers.

     In addition, the Secretariat has also completed vetting some 14 000 BMP applications. About 13 000 applications have been approved so far, involving over $610 million in subsidies. The Secretariat is now processing hundreds of appeal cases. More applications may be approved after review. Upon the completion of the vetting work of the BMP, its telephone hotline (1836 188) will cease operation at 6pm on September 15 (Tuesday). If applicants have any questions on the scheme, they may send an email to enquiry@bmpsubsidy.hk.

     During the vetting and appeal reviewing process, the Secretariat has discovered individual suspected fraudulent cases and has already referred those cases to the Police for follow-up as appropriate. The Secretariat will fully assist in the relevant investigation.