Protecting consumers from pay-TV salesmen urged

Legislator Priscilla Leung has urged new legislative amendments aimed at protecting consumers from malpractice by salesmen for pay-TV service providers. Leung's remarks came after the latest in a series of complaints about pay-TV salesmen. A recent secondary graduate in search of a summer job claimed he was deceived into signing a contract for pay-TV service he did not want. The 20-year-old, who was alone at home when the salesman came, was told he would be "guaranteed" a job after meeting managers and supervisors of TVB Pay Vision. The young man said arrangements, including training and possible salary, were discussed. The graduate, still receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, unwittingly signed a contract for 18-month service at a HK$138 monthly fee. He prepaid HK$414 for the first three months. The pay-TV service provider finally terminated the contract upon a complaint by the graduate. Leung urged amendments to the law, including cooling-off periods and perhaps a clause, giving customers the right to terminate service after a specified period.

Ocean Park delays fee hike until October 5

The board of directors of Ocean Park has voted to delay a 20 percent hike in admission prices until October 5. Park chairman Allan Zeman said it will cost the park about HK$40 million in lost revenues. The park originally planned to raise admission prices from HK$208 to HK$250 for adults and from HK$103 to HK$125 for children on August 1. The price hike had met with vigorous opposition from legislators and the travel sector. Zeman had said earlier that it was inevitable that the park charge higher entrance fees to repay the principal and interest on its HK$5.5 billion redevelopment project. Commencing in 2011, the park will be required to repay about HK$300 million annually to service its debt.

Woman succumbs to swine flu virus

A Filipino maid, critically ill with human swine flu, died at the United Christian Hospital yesterday.

The Hospital Authority said the case has been referred to the Coroner by the hospital for investigation.

The 37-year-old arrived in Hong Kong June 28 to work for a couple living in Kwun Tong. She fell ill with flu-like symptoms the next day and sought medication from a private clinic. Her condition deteriorated and she was sent to the United Christian Hospital's intensive care unit on July 7. She was confirmed to have the human swine flu virus on July 11.

China Daily - Agencies

(HK Edition 07/29/2009 page1)