Speaking on a radio program today, Lau said the Hong Kong community have put more emphasis on safeguarding the city’s country parks nowadays.

“With the coronavirus, along with the aging population in Hong Kong, more and more people are heading to the country parks for hiking,” said Lau.

He said any plan regarding the development of country parks will be likely to face resistance.

Meanwhile, the former director of lands said the Fanling Golf Course should be retained, citing the golf course for its high-value landscape.

“The golf course should be preserved for its heritage values, and for our future generations,” said Lau.

The government earlier announced that thirty-two hectares of the Fanling Golf Course will be taken back by the government in 2023 and be ready for public housing to begin in 2024.