MTR imposes luggage weight restrictions

Blame it on unrestricted parallel goods trading by mainlanders.

Starting yesterday, MTR train passengers in Hong Kong face luggage restrictions resulting from a crackdown by government on widespread parallel goods traders from the mainland. The new rule limits the weight of baggage carried by each passenger to 32 kilograms with the length of any one side no longer than 1.3 metres.

MTR Corporation, which runs Hong Kong’s metro rail system, said the new policy is on a three-month trial basis.

Passengers with big luggage may be asked to weigh their bags. If they refuse to do so, they will be denied entry, given a warning and possibly face prosecution.

As a result, electronic scales are now located at the border towns of Sheung Shui, Fanling, Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau.

Parallel goods traders, however, are reported to be countering the new measure by making more trips with smaller loads.