Concern groups yesterday urged the government to take immediate steps, such as imposing rent controls, building homeless shelters in the short term and building more public housing.
Meanwhile, the Social Welfare Department said it was "highly concerned" about the plight of street sleepers and help was available.
CCTV footage showed the woman, aged between 50 and 60, entering the restaurant at 8.39am on Friday. At 1.20am on Saturday, she suddenly slumped over the table. Nobody paid her any attention as customers ate their late-night meals around her.
Wendy Lam, senior director of corporate affairs for McDonald's Hong Kong, expressed grief over the incident, promising that the fast food chain would cooperate with police in their investigation.
McDonald's clarified that the woman had not ordered any food but staff noticed that she was moving, and she had asked for water from the counter.
"To complement the modern lifestyle of people in Hong Kong, some McDonald's restaurants operate 24 hours a day. We welcome everyone to visit out restaurants any time," Lam said.
"In order to provide a pleasant dining environment, we would not disturb our customers, but our service will be offered promptly upon request."
Concern groups said the woman's death was tragic, pointing out that some homeless people were not unemployed – but because their salaries were so low they would rather spend their little money on food than rent. (
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