[Interview] Sheng Zhiwen urged the government to control the price of masks, cited the famous crisis in Lincoln

Thematic interviews

Written by: Yue Yueting

2020-02-20 18:46

The outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan has caused a surge in the purchase of masks and disinfection supplies in the port. Recently, a large number of citizens have stood in the cold to line up to buy masks overnight. In contrast, Macau, which is separated from Hong Kong by sea, sells masks at cost and closes the casino for half a month. The Hong Kong government has been dealing with this epidemic repeatedly.

Sheng Zhiwen, who is also the chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group and Wynn Macau (1128), accepted an exclusive interview with "Hong Kong 01" and directly commented on the "mask shortage", as well as the SAR government's handling of the epidemic. He also estimated that if the epidemic lasts for several months, Hong Kong's economy will decline by 3% to 5% in the second quarter, and all walks of life may welcome the tide of unemployment. What exactly will he think of to "save" Hong Kong?

Sheng Zhiwen felt that disinfecting his hands was more important, so that he would have a lower chance of being infected by the virus. He just went to Thailand for a business trip earlier this month, and bought a small amount of masks and alcohol hand rubs to return to Hong Kong. (Photo by Gong Jiasheng)

In an interview at Sheng Zhiwen's office in Central, he did not show up with a "mask look", but when he returned to the office, he first disinfected his hands with alcohol hand rub.

Wuhan pneumonia is raging, and the reporter naturally opened the conversation box with the hottest topic in the city—masks. Sheng Zhiwen said that he would only wear masks in places where there are many people. If he works in the office, he will not wear them. "Even if you wear a mask, it may not be 100% protected. Disinfecting your hands is more important than wearing a mask. Pay attention to personal hygiene and do not touch your face and eyes with your hands. "

In Fanling last Sunday (16th), a medical supplies company opened a position to sell masks in the form of fundraising. Thousands of people stood in line in the morning to wait for the preparation. (Photo by Huang Weimin)

Face mask shortage is urgent, calls on the government to take action

Recently, many citizens need to run for masks and even wait in line to buy masks overnight. Sheng Zhiwen believes that because of the fear and fear of Wuhan pneumonia, people are rushing to buy masks, and the supply of masks has caused the price of masks to soar. However, the shortage of masks is not unique to Hong Kong. Many countries are facing similar problems. Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million. So far, there are only dozens of confirmed cases. The proportion of the total population is very low. Therefore, he believes that the public does not need to panic excessively. It ’s not the end of the world. Do n’t be too scared! "He added that many countries and regions, including Hong Kong, have begun to increase the production of masks, and local businesses have ordered mask machines, and researched and set up mask production lines. I believe the epidemic can be controlled and ended as soon as possible.

However, the supply of masks is tight, and some pharmacies sell masks at sky-high prices. For example, some pharmacies on Russell Street sell 10 3M masks at a price of 1,680 yuan, and some citizens have no choice but to "run expensive masks." In this regard, Sheng Zhiwen bluntly controlled, he said that although Hong Kong is a free market, businesses and consumers can buy and sell freely, but the shortage of masks and disinfection products is an emergency, especially the HA's inventory of masks is only enough for one month. Will cause big problems. He suggested that the Hong Kong government should control the price of masks. "There is a big gap in the price of masks. Some retailers have fair prices. Others are taking advantage of opportunities to make huge profits. The government must ensure that retailers will continue to import masks and have a certain margin of profit." Start to buy from mask manufacturers in various countries to solve the problem of multi-pronged approaches. However, even if the government wants to purchase from the world, it is not easy. The most important thing is to find ways to prevent the virus from spreading from person to person, isolate suspected infection cases, and avoid large-scale community outbreaks.

Is setting up a local mask production line the solution? Sheng Zhiwen rejected this plan. He explained that it is not easy to set up a factory. In addition, the current supply of mask manufacturing materials is out of stock. Even if the supply of raw materials is stable, it may take 1 to 2 months after the factory is set to be officially put into production. It may be over. The Government has made good use of the existing facilities and resources to allow the Correctional Services Department to increase the production of masks. Private companies have also studied the production of masks in Hong Kong, but the most important thing is to prevent the outbreak of the virus in the community.

After evaluation, the Macau government has decided that the entertainment venues will be shut down for 15 days starting at 00:00 on February 5 and will be reopened today. (Profile picture)

Approval of Hong Kong government "slow half-shot" should work with the public to fight the epidemic

Talking about the fight against the epidemic, many people compared the measures of the Macao government with selling masks and shutting down casinos for half a month, compared with the Hong Kong government. As the chairman of Wynn Macau, Sheng Zhiwen pointed out that after Macao Chief Executive He Yicheng recorded a confirmed case in the local area, he immediately announced that visitors from the Hubei Province of the Mainland, who had visited Hubei two weeks ago, needed to submit a doctor's paper to enter, and called on Hubei Passengers leave Macau by themselves, otherwise they will be forced to quarantine. Later Macau decided to close the casino. These are brave and decisive measures. "Macau is small. Many mainland tourists will visit casinos and other attractions. The epidemic will easily spread. If such measures are not taken, it is believed that the impact will be greater."

On the other side, he criticized the Hong Kong government for being too slow. Chief Executive Lin Zheng Yue'e should show his leadership and stand up to talk to the public and explain to the public how the government will fight the epidemic. "Even if there are still many people who do not trust the government, the government still has to fulfill its responsibilities and work with the citizens to fight the epidemic. Otherwise, it will only lead to a greater disaster!"

In the face of this public health crisis, Sheng Zhiwen believes that the solution is to work together. He quoted the famous speech of the 16th President of the United States Lincoln, "The government of the people, by the people, for the people". He continued to suggest that the Hong Kong government should be the leader and expert And doctors to prevent the epidemic from spreading further; while Chief Executive Lin Zheng Yue'e had to personally talk to the public and announce the latest developments of the epidemic and the situation grasped by the government, so that the citizens understand that the government and the public will be on the same front.

Hong Kong's domestic and foreign affairs are in dire straits. Sheng Zhiwen estimates that if the epidemic lasts for several months, Hong Kong's economy will record a 3% to 5% recession in the second quarter. (Profile picture)

[Catering Frigid] About 54 stores of Daoxiang, Fulin and Star Seafood Restaurant are closed or closed

More than 200 retailers are reported to have called for a reduction in rent of about 20 shops in Harbour City.

Hong Kong people are smart enough to overcome fear

If the epidemic resistance is Hong Kong's most important front at the moment, how to withstand its impact on the economy is another battle. Sheng Zhiwen said that the Sino-U.S. Trade war has not yet been clear, and that social movements have continued for many months. Hong Kong has already fallen into an economic recession. The epidemic has stalled economic activity in Hong Kong. Tourists have not visited Hong Kong, companies have employees working at home, and citizens have reduced their outing. Switching to online shopping and the use of takeaway services, restaurants, shops and malls are almost "quiet enough to shoot black fly", the situation is tragic.

He estimated that if the situation continued for several months, Hong Kong's economy would fall by 3% to 5% in the second quarter, and then there would be a wave of unemployment in all walks of life. Even if the government introduced relief measures to support SMEs, it would also require business to continue. In addition, due to the epidemic, many events and exhibitions have to be cancelled. Overseas investors are also unwilling to go to Hong Kong to find other places as alternatives. He described the situation as more severe than SARS.

The Hong Kong Government has earlier launched several rounds of relief measures to help companies weather the crisis. Sheng Zhiwen said that Hong Kong has more than 1 trillion yuan in fiscal reserves and believes that the Hong Kong government is able to launch more support measures for SMEs. At present, many merchants have insufficient liquid funds and difficulties in turnover. He hopes that more banks can launch special short-term programs. To help SMEs solve their financial difficulties. After the epidemic is over, the HKTB can make special promotions to attract tourists. For example, it can provide discounts to make tourists feel that it is cheap to come to Hong Kong. "Hong Kong people are smart, we can overcome our fears. (Hong Kong people are smart, we can overcome our fears)."

Shengzhi Wenlan Kwai Fong Group Wynn Macau Hong Kong Economy