Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): MacLehose Trail marker removal sparks safety fears
Content provided by British Council
[1] A video has surfaced online showing a man removing a distance marker on Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail. The act has upset many internet users. They are concerned that his actions could pose risks for hikers who might need emergency assistance.
[2] The 21-second clip has been widely shared on the Chinese social media platform RedNote. It shows a man pulling up marker No. 148 along the Tai Mo Shan trail. While speaking in Mandarin, he says something that can be translated as 'I easily handled the MacLehose Trail.' He then lifts the pole onto his shoulder and jogs a short distance.
[3] The man in the video also says: 'Goodbye to this 148, don't even think about taking photos here; I'm taking it away.' Later in the clip, he returns the marker to its original position and says: 'That was too tiring'.
[4] The user had recently posted content referencing the MacLehose Trail. But this clip raised safety concerns. Distance posts are important markers that help hikers understand where they are and ensure rescuers can locate them during emergencies.
[5] The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department stated that it had immediately dispatched staff to the location upon learning of the incident. 'We discovered that the base of distance post number M148 was loose. We have cordoned off the post and will arrange for repairs and reinforcement as soon as possible,' a department spokesman said. 'Regarding the online video, the department will follow up and conduct an investigation.'
[6] Intentionally or carelessly damaging any installations, including distance posts and fences managed by the department within country parks or special areas, is a criminal offence. One can be fined up to HK$2,000 (approximately US$257) and face up to three months in jail. Ongoing damage can lead to an additional HK$100 fine per day.
[7] In recent years, Hong Kong's scenic hiking trails have become increasingly popular among visitors from mainland China. The MacLehose Trail stretches nearly 100km across the New Territories.
Source: South China Morning Post, May 11
Questions
1. What does 'the act' in paragraph 1 refer to?
2. According to what the man says in paragraph 3, why did he return the marker?
3. One of the primary purposes of distance posts is for hikers to ..., according to paragraph 4.
A. get help quickly
B. take photographs
C. take rest
D. find out how far they have walked
4. In paragraph 5, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said post number M148 needs to be … and … .
A. repair; reinforces
B. repairing; reinforce
C. repaired; reinforced
D. repairs; reinforcement
5. What is the maximum amount of time a person could go to jail for purposely damaging trail markers, according to paragraph 6?
6. Based on paragraph 7, the MacLehose Trail is almost 100km …
A. deep.
B. high.
C. wide.
D. long.
Distance markers are very important on hiking trails, and it is against the law to damage them. Photo: Handout
Answers
1. A man removing a distance marker from Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail.
2. It was too tiring carrying it. (accept all similar answers)
3. A
4. C
5. three months
6. D
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