Hong Kong: Vitasoy get into trouble for words

Vitasoy, the company where Leung Kin-fai worked for, has offered its condolences and assistance to the family of a Hong Kong man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer on a street in Causeway Bay on the night of July 1. Those suspected of “beautifying violence” and “shielding terrorists” even threatened to boycott all Vitasoy products on Weibo.

According to Hong Kong media reports, Vitasoy International Group today issued an internal notice entitled “Death of a colleague in an accident”, saying that it is with a heavy heart to inform you that Mr. Leung Kin-fai, Procurement Officer of Hong Kong Purchasing Department, “unfortunately passed away” in the incident that occurred in Causeway Bay on July 1st. The company “extends our deepest condolences to the family,” the notice said, adding that the human resources department has been in touch with the family and will follow up and provide assistance if needed.

After the announcement was leaked, many Chinese netizens took to Vitasoy’s official Weibo to ask, “What is suicide after killing a police officer called ‘unfortunately pass away?’” They criticized Vitasoy for “supporting terrorists” and demanded that Hong Kong’s sole milk products be expelled from China. They even threatened to boycott Vitasoy products from today.
Vitasoy International had no further comment by press time.