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Letters

I would like to respond to your report, “HK$5,000 vouchers: everything you need to know about the torrent of offers from payment platforms, retailers and restaurants” (July 29).
The Hong Kong government’s HK$36 billion (US$4.6 billion) consumption voucher scheme is due to launch tomorrow, with about 6.1 million people, or almost 85 cent of those eligible, set to receive their first instalment of HK$2,000 via the digital platforms of either Alipay HK, WeChat, Tap& Go or Octopus cards.
A lot of shopping malls and other businesses have joined the plan, with their own promotions and coupons to show that they support this policy.
Why Hong Kong’s spending voucher scheme is a winning idea
Already people are sharing their opinions on social media about how to get more cash ­coupons. Both sides, consumers and businesses, just want to get the most out of this government handout.
Although the cash coupons are only for HK$5,000 per person, we can still do a lot with that in Hong Kong. I, for one, would spend most of it on dining and entertainment. I’m always reminded of the line from Dom Toretto in the first Fast& Furious movie, “I live my life a quarter-mile at a time ” – we just need to enjoy this moment in time, and not think too much of the future.
But there’s one concern about the government’s attempt to boost spending in an economy hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic by giving out cash coupons.


While there have been several rounds of wage subsidies and other government aid, it is undeniable that businesses are earning much less than before the pandemic. While there have been several rounds of wage subsidies and ­other government aid for businesses, it is undeniable that they are earning much less than before the pandemic.
With so many billions of ­dollars in spending money about to hit the market, businesses and shop owners may have a perverse incentive to raise product prices. I think the government should set up rules to cap the prices of eligible products and services. Otherwise, the voucher scheme may not benefit the poor to the ­intended extent.
O’Neal Lam, Tseung Kwan O


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Coronavirus Hong Kong

Coronavirus in Hong Kong: watch out for profiteering as HK$36 billion spending voucher scheme launches

Shops in Causeway Bay get ready with payment systems as the Hong Kong government prepares to give out HK$5,000 in consumption vouchers to each eligible resident from August 1. Photo: Warton Li

Why Hong Kong consumers need to spend handout vouchers on ‘useless’ things

Shops in Mong Kok get ready with the payment systems for the Hong Kong government’s HK$5,000 consumption voucher scheme on July 10. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong economy grows 7.5 per cent in second quarter, reflecting receding coronavirus crisis and improving global outlook

Hong Kong saw continued GDP growth in the second quarter of the year, coinciding with a relaxation of social-distancing rules. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Shoppers look for bargains at a shop in Causeway Bay. 30JUN21 SCMP / May Tse

Opinion


With so many billions in spending about to hit the market, businesses and shop owners may have a perverse incentive to raise prices. The government should not allow this to happen



With so many billions in spending about to hit the market, businesses and shop owners may have a perverse incentive to raise prices. The government should not allow this to happen.


Hong Kong budget 2021-2022

Hong Kong economy

Mobile payments

Letters | Coronavirus in Hong Kong: watch out for profiteering as HK$36 billion spending voucher scheme launches

With so many billions in spending about to hit the market, businesses and shop owners may have a perverse incentive to raise prices. The government should not allow this to happen