Police have enhanced the exchange of information across the boundary to tackle illegal tree felling activities by Mainlanders in Hong Kong, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

Dr Liao told legislators today that Police attach great importance to tackling such cross-boundary crimes.

"In addition to stepping up patrols at blackspots, Police have also applied to the court for heavier penalties to be imposed under the Organised & Serious Crimes Ordinance for cases involving organised illegal felling of Buddhist pines."

She said improvements have been seen as a result of enhanced enforcement, publicity and public education efforts by Mainland authorities. Since mid-March, Marine Police have not intercepted anyone smuggling illegally-felled trees.

Last year, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department handled 79 felling cases, 16 of which took place in country parks. Most affected up to a dozen or so trees, and only a few cases involved more than a hundred.

Most of the trees were of species commonly found in Hong Kong's countryside, such as acacia, longan, banana, ivy tree and machilus. Buddhist pines and incense trees were involved in 11 and three cases.