As more visitors visiting the area around the High Island Reservoir East Dam (the East Dam) are anticipated during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 8), the Government will adopt the following series of enhancement measures:
 

• The Transport Department (TD) has co-ordinated with the minibus operator to extend weekday services during the Golden Week. Route 9A (Pak Tam Chung - High Island Reservoir East Dam) will operate throughout the entire Golden Week, from October 1 to October 8, and increase the service frequency subject to passenger demand. The number of minibuses operating on normal weekends and public holidays will be substantially increased from four to no less than 30 with reserved standby vehicles and drivers to accommodate visitors visiting the area around the East Dam. The operator will strengthen the service frequencies flexibly in co-ordination with the traffic control measures implemented by the Police to ease passenger waiting times;
   
• The TD will set up a message sign in front of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD)'s Pak Tam Chung Barrier to disseminate information of traffic conditions on the roads leading to the area around the East Dam;
   
• The Hong Kong Police Force will implement targeted measures, including deploying uniformed officers to patrol strategic areas at the Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Man Yee Road and the East Dam, as well as conducting temporary traffic control and assisting the pedestrian flow, to ease traffic and ensure visitor safety. In addition, corresponding publicity and enforcement actions will be taken based on operational priorities to combat any illegal acts by taxi drivers;
   
• The Water Supplies Department has completed temporary improvement works at some locations on Sai Kung Man Yee Road to facilitate the maneuvering of two-way traffic on a single-lane road;
   
• The AFCD will strengthen the management of the country park area surrounding the East Dam. This includes deploying additional personnel to patrol the region, maintain order, and enhance cleaning services; remind visitors to observe hiking safety protocols and use the designated hiking trails; and promote messages that emphasise the importance of environmental protection and proper disposal of refuse; and
   
• The AFCD, in collaboration with the Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), will disseminate visitor flow information in the East Dam area via the AFCD website (www.hiking.gov.hk/crowd) and HKTB (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/national-day-golden-week-special-information.html) during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland to enable visitors' planning of their trips, strengthen the promotion of other hiking routes in Hong Kong and publicise relevant hiking guidelines to tourists, encouraging them to be well-prepared for their trips.

     Regarding the management enhancement of the Sai Kung East Country Park and traffic arrangements at the East Dam, relevant government departments have consulted the Sai Kung District Council, the transport sector and relevant local stakeholders in mid-August. They will continue to communicate with stakeholders, with a view to exploring feasible long-term enhancement measures.

Ends/Monday, September 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:30

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