Hong Kong minister rejects imposing storm chasing fines, warns against risks

Hong Kong’s security chief has ruled out introducing fines for reckless people who need to be rescued during adverse weather, adding that drafting a new law against storm chasing would be challenging.

Instead, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung warned residents on Saturday to think twice before taking the risk to chase storms, saying such action was like “committing suicide”.

Tang made the remarks during a television interview as Severe Tropical Storm Matmo headed closer to Guangdong province’s coast.

Last week, at least four people were arrested on suspicion of child neglect for taking minors storm chasing when Super Typhoon Ragasa hit Hong Kong. Another man was summoned for swimming at a closed-off beach during the typhoon.

The incidents triggered calls for rescue charges to help recover costs and discourage the behaviour.

“Saving lives is our duty. We must do our best to save lives,” Tang said.