A total of 531 requests under the Code on Access to Information were received in the first quarter of the year, of which 87.9% were met and 3.8% refused.

The Home Affairs Bureau said the remaining 44 requests included withdrawals by applicants and requests being processed.

This brings the total number of requests received since the introduction of the code in March 1995 to 15,474. Of these, 13,928 (90%) were met. Only 297 requests (1.9%) were refused.

The remaining 1,249 included those referred to other organisations, withdrawals by applicants and requests being processed.

The Ombudsman received two complaints relating to the code in the quarter. One was concluded by the Ombudsman's rendering assistance and clarification to the complainant after examination of information provided by the department concerned. The remaining one was discontinued by the complainant.