The Security Bureau may revoke part of the Mai Po closed area and revise the boundary of the frontier closed area, allowing visits without the need to apply for the relevant permit from the Hong Kong Police Force.
According to a document submitted to the Legislative Council on Thursday, the bureau noted that it is planning to amend the Frontier Closed Area Order to further open up the area for convenient access to Mai Po.
Citizens will only need to apply for a Mai Po Marsh Entry Permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) in accordance with the existing Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, and will no longer be required to apply for a Frontier Close Area Permit from the police.
The AFCD will continue to enforce the related ordinance to ensure effective control of visitor numbers and protect vital ecological environments from excessive human disturbance.
The document also noted that following the establishment of Robin's Nest Country Park, the government opened a designated section of road within the frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok as a temporary arrangement. It exempts passengers of the franchised minibus service from needing a permit. The measure was well-received.
Authorities plan to amend the Frontier Closed Area (Permission to Enter) Notice as a permanent measure, allowing passengers of public minibus services to enter or exit these border-restricted routes around Lin Ma Hang Village.
This is expected to facilitate long-term visits for residents and visitors to access the Robin’s Nest Country Park area, allowing them to appreciate the natural landscape and cultural heritage of Hong Kong.
The Security Bureau said it plans to submit relevant subsidiary legislation to the Legislative Council in the first half of this year for the negative vetting procedure, expecting the measures to be rolled out mid-year.
Last year, the authorities opened up parts of the Starling Inleti closed area, allowing visitors to enter Sha Tau Kok Market (excluding Chung Ying Street) and Sha Tau Kok Town and explore the nearby waters, with 32,000 visitors having applied for the permit to access these restricted areas.
