Concerns were raised after photos showing the poor conditions of a flat on the lower floors of the building circulated on the internet. Concrete fell from the walls and ceiling, allowing the eyes to see the rusted steel bars within. On the streets, a crack could also be spotted on the exterior wall.

A resident there believed the cracks on the walls were “not a big deal” and there was no evidence that the building could collapse at any moment.

Another also said poor conditions of concrete falling off or steel bars sticking out were never heard of after living there for more than two years, and that flat was probably an isolated case.

Merchants expressed faith in the structure of the building as well and showed little concerns on its impact on businesses.

On Friday morning, police cordoned off the area already and were conducting investigations.

The Buildings Department said staffers were mobilized to inspect that flat after the case was referred by the Yau Tsim Mong District Office on Thursday afternoon.

As staffers could not get into the flat, they posted a notice on the door and told the owner to contact the department for another inspection.

The situation of the flat -- with cracks on the exterior wall -- remains similar to the inspection carried out by staffer early this year, and residents' safety is no endangered, according to the department.

The department continued that it ordered the owner on January 23 to commission qualified professionals and registered engineers to inspect the structure of the flat and submit a proposal of fixing the damaged concrete parts.

The department added it will closely monitor the situation of the flat. It may also appoint government contractors to conduct renovation works and charge owners the fees.