AFCD Urges Safety and Compliance in Country Parks Amid Increased Holiday Visitors

AFCD reminds visitors to pay attention to hiking safety during holidays

In light of the expected increase in visitors to country parks during the upcoming holiday, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (February 10) appeals to the public to pay attention to safety, observe the Guidelines and Code for Visiting Country Parks, and use designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the AFCD.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), Photo source: news.gov.hk

The AFCD anticipates that visitor numbers will be particularly high around the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung during the holiday period. The department will closely monitor the situation, and if necessary, implement crowd management measures at the entrance of the High Island Geo Trail - Po Pin Chau Section. Visitors may be required to queue up to avoid overcrowding at the scenic spot. Visitors are reminded to pay attention to and follow the instructions of on-site staff.

The AFCD has placed information boards and direction signs at appropriate locations in country parks. Warning signs have also been erected near locations with dangerous terrains to remind visitors not to get close to dangerous areas to avoid accidents. Visitors must follow the direction signs, stay on designated hiking trails, refrain from crossing railings, and avoid standing close to cliff edges or coastal fringes, steep slopes or other dangerous locations. Visitors must prioritise their personal safety and should not take risks by using shortcuts or for the sake of taking photos or sightseeing.

The AFCD reminds visitors to protect the natural environment, and practice "Take Your Litter Home" and hiking etiquette. Camping is permitted only at designated campsites, and fire can only be used at designated barbecue sites or campsites. Do not disturb or harm wild animals and plants or cause a nuisance to other visitors. Country parks are extremely valuable natural resources. Caring for the natural environment and keeping it clean are every visitor's responsibility. Visitors should keep the area clean and be considerate when camping and using public facilities. Do not shout, and only use fire in stoves or barbecue pits at designated locations to prevent damage to the surrounding environment. Anyone littering in country parks is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. The AFCD will step up patrols at ecotourism hotspots, strengthen publicity and education, and take enforcement action against any irregularities.

The AFCD promotes comprehensive trail information through the "Enjoy Hiking" website (www.hiking.gov.hk) to help visitors select suitable routes. Visitors should pay attention to weather conditions and hike with family and friends where possible. The website also provides detailed information on various hiking trails, including trail length, difficulty and nearby facilities, enabling visitors to plan trips according their personal conditions. The website also lists out high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, with a view to reminding visitors to avoid these areas.

For information on hiking safety, please visit the AFCD page.

Photo source: hiking.gov.hk

Chief Executive in Council adopts recommendation on Statutory Minimum Wage rate

The Chief Executive (CE) in Council has adopted the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) on raising the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate from its prevailing level of $42.1 per hour to $43.1, an increase of $1.0 or 2.38 per cent.

The Government will publish the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2026 in the Gazette next Friday (February 20) and table it in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on February 25. Subject to the approval of the LegCo, the revised SMW rate will come into force on May 1 this year.

When conducting the review under the new annual review mechanism of the SMW, the MWC adopted the formula approved by the CE in Council to recommend the new SMW rate (please refer to the Annex).

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that the MWC had thoroughly drawn up the implementation arrangements for adopting the formula, examined the data of each indicator in the formula, and assessed the relevant impacts. The indicators adopted in the formula are objective and easily comprehensible, which enhance the transparency and predictability of the SMW adjustment, minimise controversy and are conducive to fostering harmonious labour relations. An annual review also allows closer alignment of the SMW with socioeconomic changes. He is very pleased with the MWC's smooth completion of the review under the new mechanism, and paid warm tribute to the Chairperson of the MWC, Ms Priscilla Wong, for leading all MWC members in making valuable contributions.

Mr Sun said, "After careful consideration, the Government is of the view that the MWC has ably discharged its statutory function of reviewing the SMW rate. The recommendation of the MWC is in line with the policy objectives of the SMW to maintain an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while giving due regard to sustaining Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness."

The 2026 Report on Reviewing the Statutory Minimum Wage Rate has been uploaded to the MWC's website (www.mwc.org.hk).

The Government will publish the Employment Ordinance (Amendment of Ninth Schedule) Notice 2026 in the Gazette on February 20 and table it in the LegCo on February 25. The Notice concurrently amends the monthly monetary cap on the requirement for employers to record the total number of hours worked by employees in a wage period. An employer will be exempted from the requirement to record the total number of hours worked by an employee in a wage period if the wages payable to the employee for that wage period are not less than $17,600 (currently $17,200) per month. The revised monthly monetary cap will come into force on the same day as the revised SMW rate takes effect, which is May 1 this year.

Photo source: online image