The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) is urging members of the public not to trespass on closed venues such as parks, gardens and leisure areas in line with COVID-19 prevention measures, according to a statement yesterday.
The venues, the statement noted, have been closed to the public since June 19, adding that those who disobey the measures and trespass closed venues will be punished.
The bureau said that some members of the public have recently disobeyed regulations and trespassed on closed venues, adding that some have “even used abusive words at the management staff who persuaded them not to violate the regulations”, according to the statement.
Moreover, the statement pointed out that the infractions are suspected violations of Article 185 of the Penal Code, being punishable by up to a three-month imprisonment or a fine. The statement added that the acts were also suspected to violate Clause 3 of Article 3 of the General Regulations Governing Public Places and Clause 12 of Article 1 of the List of Infringements, which are punishable with a 300 pataca fine.
The bureau has put up notices at the closed areas and has enhanced staff patrols. The statement emphasised that the public should comply with the government’s COVID-19 prevention measures and not trespass venues.
This undated handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows a guard and barriers set up to prevent members of the public from entering a closed public area due to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
