Why Did the Minister Say the $6,000 Handout Would Be Done Despite the Hassle?

Why Was the Handout Logistically Complex?

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury K C Chan said switching the Budget’s MPF injection to a direct $6,000 cash handout meant building a brand-new system from scratch, since the government held no central record of citizens’ bank accounts — fairness and privacy both had to be protected. With a huge eligible population, the government knew the task would be complex.

How Would the Handout Work?

Residents had to return registration forms to their banks for verification; those without bank accounts or living overseas had to mail forms to GPO Box 186000 and verify identity in person at a post office to collect a cheque. A government webpage explaining the details would launch within ten days, with a major publicity push in early August and workshops through social-welfare groups.