The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today said it has reported to Police a suspected theft of files containing records of public complaints about environmental nuisances, including data pertaining to the complainants.

The incident involves two internal files stored at the Kowloon City District Environmental Hygiene Office. They contained records of public complaints regarding environmental nuisances in the district, including the names and contact information of approximately 100 complainants. The contact information includes telephone numbers and email addresses.

The department said it attaches the utmost importance to the matter. As the files contain personal data, it has immediately contacted all the individuals concerned to offer apologies and appeal for their heightened vigilance.

The office area concerned is access-controlled by a digital lock and has an independent door lock. As the incident may involve criminal acts, the FEHD has reported it to Police and will fully co-operate with investigations. It has also notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

The FEHD also emphasised that it attaches great importance to the security of personal data, and has laid down internal guidelines and control mechanisms to ensure compliance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and other relevant laws and ordinances. Staff members are regularly reminded to adhere to these guidelines and provisions.

While the case is an isolated incident, the department said it will take stringent action should the investigation reveal any negligence or mishandling by any officer. The FEHD will also review the current personal data security measures to ensure effective protection of the personal data it collects.