Park safety stepped up, says agriculture chief
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has deployed more officers in country parks to step up security in the wake of recent attacks on hikers.
Director Thomas Chan Chun-yuen said his department and the police had already reinforced safety measures, but he urged hikers to take care when out walking in country parks.
'More staff from the department have been sent to patrol in remote areas,' Mr Chan said.
'Avoid starting hiking at sunset, since it would be difficult for our department to provide protection.'
Many of the recent attacks, however, took place during the day. He reiterated advice to hikers such as going in groups and notifying families or friends of the location and duration of their hiking activities.
Mr Chan was speaking after the department's book launching ceremony held at Cheung Sha Wan government offices yesterday.
The ceremony introduced a number books the department helped publish to promote the conservation of the natural environment in Hong Kong.
The 10 books introduced will be on sale at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2004, which runs from July 21 to 26, and in Hong Kong book stores afterwards.
