In light of an expected increase in people hiking in country parks during the New Year holidays, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today urged hikers to pay attention to safety and to use the designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the department.

The department has added barriers and placed warning signs around the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform in Sai Kung and its vicinity to prevent hikers from wandering into dangerous areas and suffering accidents.

It reminded the public that the cliffs near the viewing platform have been weathered and eroded over the years and said hikers must follow waymarks, stay on designated hiking trails and refrain from striding over railings.

During the New Year holidays, the department will deploy additional staff at the platform and in its vicinity to disseminate messages about hiking safety.

It added that it provides comprehensive information about trails on the "Enjoy Hiking" website, and that this can be used to plan suitable hikes.

The department has also placed information boards and signs at appropriate locations within the country parks. Warning signs have been installed near various dangerous areas.