Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said the government is following up on around 700 reports of tenancy abuse since the Report Public Housing Abuse Award scheme was rolled out in January.

She also said as of the end of May, the government had taken back 8,700 flats since the current-term administration assumed office.

Under the scheme, those who bring an instance of illegal public housing use to light can earn up to HK$3,000 and get a certificate of appreciation if the information helps authorities take back the flat.

Speaking to RTHK to mark the third year of Chief Executive John Lee's administration as well as the 28th anniversary of the SAR's establishment, Ho said 3,900 reports of public rental housing abuses have been received so far.

Of the 1,700 cases that the authorities have looked into in detail, about 700 were found to be more useful.

"Looking ahead, I hope that we will be able to hand out the first batch of rewards, perhaps by the middle of the year around the summer holidays," Ho said.

"Some residents will get this report public housing abuse award, and each of them will get HK$3,000.

"We will respect the winners' wishes on how they want to find out if they've won, and whether they want to take the certificate or cheque in person or would like us to mail it to them.

"We will try to act in accordance with their wishes."

Ho also said of the 8,700 flats taken back by the government, some involved tenants who had leased their flats online for up to HK$6,000 or turned them into a gym business.

The number of flats that had been resumed showed the government's execution capabilities and determination in combating tenancy abuses.

The housing chief went on to say that the city's first light public housing project at Yau Pok Road in Yuen Long is almost fully occupied.

The site, which offers about 2,150 units, has seen tenants moving in since March in batches.

"I have already handed out more than 2,100 keys, some of them have moved in, while others are arranging a move," Ho said.

"I believe it will be fully occupied in no time."

Ho said the first batch of tenants at another similar project on Choi Hing Road in Ngau Tau Kok would be able to start moving in at the end of June.

The project is another first-phase light public housing project and has around 2,290 units.

Looking ahead, Ho said the government will look into various ways to save on construction cost for public housing projects in the future, such as adopting direct purchases for structures built using modular integrated construction method.