Lawmaker-cum-restaurateur Andrew Chan Chak Mo, who chairs the Legislative Assembly’s 2nd Standing Committee, said that the committee asked the government yesterday to clearly define the areas where weapons cannot be carried.
The weapons bill proposes to prohibit carrying weapons and related items in certain locations.
Addressing a press briefing after yesterday’s closed-door meeting, Chan said that the committee members suggested that the government assess whether any risks exist in certain places where sporting events and public performances take place, so that the Public Security Police (PSP) and other relevant entities could designate these places as “controlled areas”, with the area and time frame concerned to be announced on time before the respective event or performance starts.
Chan said that the committee yesterday also suggested that the bill also cover the controlled use of airguns, ammunition and projectile weapons as this would further clarify the bill’s legislative intent.
According to Chan, four shooting ranges are under the control of the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau (DSFSM) that are not open to the general public, whereas, Chan added, the government would need to discuss whether the International Shooting Range managed by the Sports Bureau (ID) could be used for training by members of the public in the future.
Lawmaker-cum-restaurateur Andrew Chan Chak Mo (right), who chairs the legislature’s 2nd Standing Committee, and the secretary of the committee, Lam Lon Wai, look on during a regular press briefing after the committee’s closed-door meeting yesterday. – Photo: Lisa Li Chi Mang
