Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung warned the public that chasing waves or seeking out strong winds during extreme weather places a burden on public resources, underscoring the government's "zero-tolerance" stance towards offenders.
The government has deployed 1,300 personnel for 81 cases involving mountain rescues and drowning accidents during extreme weather over the past two years, Tang stated on Wednesday (Oct 8) in response to a lawmaker's inquiry.
The security chief condemned the "highly selfish and reckless" acts during typhoons, noting that individuals who engage in storm-chasing often underestimate the risks of severe weather and overestimate their ability to escape danger.
Tang emphasized that such behavior also places rescue personnel in extremely perilous situations and diverts public rescue services from those in urgent need.
During Super Typhoon Ragasa, police conducted three operations and arrested four individuals on suspicion of child neglect, who were allegedly taking their children to coastal or high-risk areas for storm-chasing.
He reiterated that the offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment, serving as a significant deterrent.
Additionally, a man was prosecuted for suspected violation of the Bathing Beaches Regulation after swimming at the closed Golden Beach in Tuen Mun.
Tang emphasized that police will actively follow up on other related cases and announce enforcement actions in due course to demonstrate a "zero-tolerance" stance toward such behavior.
