The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has apologised over the suspected theft of files that contained the personal data of about 100 people. Officials said the incident involved two internal document files stored at the Kowloon City District Environmental Hygiene Office. The FEHD said the files contained records of public complaints against environmental nuisances in the district, including the names and contact information of about 100 complainants. The department has reported the case to the police and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data as well as affected complainants. "While the case is believed to be an isolated incident, the department will take stringent action should the investigation reveal any negligence or mishandling by any officer," a spokesman said in a statement. "The FEHD will also review the current personal data security measures to ensure effective protection of the personal data it collects."
