A file photo of Independent Commission Against Corruption. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- Hong Kong's corruption watchdog has warned against an increase of complaints regarding malpractices by teachers and other staff members at kindergartens in the first half of the year, local paper Sing Tao Daily reported.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has issued a new regulation seeking to prevent corrupt behavior and promote ethical practices.
The ICAC said it had so far received five complaints this year, accusing teachers or staff members of corruption, including receiving gifts and accepting free services from children's parents. The number was two more than the commission received in 2015.
"Some parents tried to foster a good relationship with the kindergarten teachers in the hope that their little kids would be better cared for," an ICAB officer said. "Parents show their thanks and good will by giving gifts and helping teachers in different ways, such as by providing maintenance and design services, or buying stationery for the kindergartens."
"However, some behaviors can ruin the kindergartens' reputation, or even breach the law," the officer warned.
She suggested teachers and kindergartens should disclose such gifts and share them. The ICAC also planned to issue a guideline to manage enrollment and purchasing at kindergartens.
Hong Kong will spend HK$6.7 billion ($863 million) implementing free education in its 1,000 kindergartens during the 2017-18 year.
