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Kahon Chan

Hong Kong’s customs chief has revealed that an officer arrested after trying to stop a motorcycle rider who later crashed and died has been placed on leave, stressing personnel should be responsible for their actions on or off-duty.
Chan Tsz-tat, commissioner of customs and excise, also said on Saturday that all his officers had been given “very clear instructions” and “very comprehensive training” to carry out their duties.
“As part of the disciplined services, a customs officer ought to do his part for society, as long as it is legal and safe on and off-duty,” he told a radio programme.
“Whether one is carrying out his duty in his official capacity or doing anything off-duty, he must be held responsible, and safety is the primary consideration.”
On January 3, the off-duty customs officer attempted to intercept a motorcyclist suspected of fleeing from police in Kowloon Bay.
The rider, surnamed Wong, lost control and crashed into a metal pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident sparked widespread public debate over whether the officer’s actions were appropriate and legal, after dashcam footage of the crash went viral online.
In the video, the officer’s right hand is seen briefly connecting with the motorcyclist as the bike speeds past him.
Police later arrested the officer on suspicion of tampering with a vehicle before releasing him on bail.
Chan on Saturday did not elaborate on the nature of the leave taken by the officer, who he only described as serving in a “frontline” position.

A day earlier, the customs chief said that “most disciplined service officers have a courageous spirit in their genes and will offer help when there is injustice”.
On Saturday’s show, Chan also discussed efforts by customs to clamp down on seditious materials coming in and out of the city.
He said attempts to foster “soft resistance” against authorities still persisted in the form of publications, adding that customs officers were trained to screen for suspicious items carried by travellers.
“Our frontline colleagues have this sensitivity and will contact the relevant agencies immediately. Of course, the circumstances in each case depend on whether these items constitute sedition and violate national security legislation,” he said.
While the offence of possessing seditious publications was originally outlined in colonial-era law, it has since been incorporated into the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The legislation was enacted in March last year.
Under the ordinance, anyone in possession of a publication that has seditious intention without reasonable excuse faces up to three years in prison.


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Hong Kong customs officer involved in fatal motorbike crash placed on leave

The incident has sparked widespread public debate over whether the officer’s actions were appropriate and legal after dashcam footage of the crash went viral online. Photo: Facebook/Bosco Chu

Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat has said that officers must be held responsible for their conduct on or off-duty. Photo: Sun Yeung

Courage part of Hong Kong disciplined services, but safety first: customs chief

A screengrab from dashcam footage of the incident in Kowloon Bay. Photo: Facebook/Bosco Chu

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Family members and friends attend a roadside memorial for the motorcyclist who died last Friday in a crash while allegedly fleeing police. Photo: Sam Tsang

The 27-year-old rider had veered and crashed into a roadside pole and tree as an off-duty customs officer stood in the middle of the road to halt his course. Photo: Facebook

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The crash took place on Friday as the motorcycle was travelling along Wang Kee Street towards Lam Hing Street in Kowloon Bay, Photo: Facebook/Dennis Lui 

A screengrab from dashcam footage of the incident. Photo: Facebook/Bosco Chu

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat says officers must be held responsible for conduct on or off-duty, stressing ‘safety is the primary consideration’


Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat says officers must be held responsible for conduct on or off-duty, stressing ‘safety is the primary consideration’.


Traffic and road safety in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police

Hong Kong customs officer involved in fatal motorbike crash placed on leave

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat says officers must be held responsible for conduct on or off-duty, stressing ‘safety is the primary consideration’

Customs chief Chan Tsz-tat says officers must be held responsible for conduct on or off-duty, stressing ‘safety is the primary consideration’