Multiple sources report that a public inquiry heard that the owners' corporation failed to convince workers to use fire-resistant materials due to a lack of statutory requirements. Specifically, one web search result mentions the owners' group failing to convince workers due to the absence of requirements, and another web search result mentions a public hearing where safety measures failed, which aligns with the claim's core assertion.

Two separate web search results attribute the statement regarding residents feeling 'helpless' when trying to compel the contractor to replace flammable polyfoam boards with corrugated plastic sheets to Tony Tsui Moon-come, chairman of the management committee of the incorporated owners of Wang Fuk Court.

Two web search results report that Tsui stated that Prestige insisted that the law did not prohibit the use of flammable materials, nor did it require fire-retardant items to be certified before use.

Two web search results confirm that the committee only managed to persuade the contractor to purchase fire-resistant boards in the later stages of the HK$336 million (US$42.9 million) project, and that existing flammable materials could not be removed.

Three independent web search results report the specific figures: 168 deaths and nearly 5,000 displaced people resulting from the fire at Wang Fuk Court last November.