LegCo Panel on Security visits Sha Tau Kok and Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security visited Sha Tau Kok and Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point today (July 11) to learn more about the Administration's plan to gradually open up the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area and the operation of the boundary control point.
Members first visited Chung Ying Street in Sha Tau Kok and were advised that the Security Bureau and relevant Departments are carrying out a series of preparatory work and complementary works, including the development of an electronic closed area permit system and re-provisioning of the checkpoint of Chung Ying Street to tie in with the proposed gradual opening-up of Sha Tau Kok (except Chung Ying Street) in early 2024. Members also visited a cluster of 22 shophouses in San Lau Street which were built in the 1930s and were confirmed as Grade 2 historic buildings in 2012.
Members also headed to the Sha Tau Kok waterfront to visit the new landmark Cape of Sha Tau Kok and Sha Tau Kok Pier, and viewed Ying Hoi House, which is commonly known as "colourful public housing estate", of Sha Tau Kok Chuen. Members learnt that having reviewed the implementation of the Sha Tau Kok Pier opening up scheme commenced since June 2022, the Administration has planned to allow tour groups and individual visitors to visit Sha Tau Kok (except Chung Ying Street) year-round to promote cultural and eco-tourism, though subject to a daily cap. Members were advised that efforts will continue to be made to develop Sha Tau Kok for a full opening up in the end.
Members then visited Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point which is Hong Kong's first-ever control point designed with the concept of "direct access by passengers and vehicles" and has been fully commissioned since February 6, 2023. They observed the immigration and customs clearance procedures for travellers at the departure hall and the arrival hall, and the clearance arrangement for private cars at designated kiosks, including the Administration's corresponding contingency measures for the recent temporary closure of the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point (northbound). Members noted that in view of the increasing usage of the boundary control point, the Hong Kong and Shenzhen governments will continue to closely monitor relevant situation and consider whether it is necessary to extend the opening hours in future.
Before concluding the itinerary, Members went to the public transport interchange to understand the public transport arrangements for passengers travelling to and from the boundary control point.
A total of 14 members and non-members of the Panel on Security joined the visit.
Ends/Tuesday, July 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 21:25
Issued at HKT 21:25
NNNN
Photo
