The government on Friday reiterated that people who haven’t registered a pre-paid SIM card with their personal particulars will be able to reactivate it, as long as it hasn't expired or still has credit.

Sanda Cheuk, deputy director-general of the Office of the Communications Authority, said around 12 million cards have been registered to meet Hong Kong's new "real-name" requirement.

He said telecommunication service providers will now begin to suspend cards that have not been registered.

“Before each card is suspended, the user would receive a so-called last notice, urging them to register as soon as possible. It would also provide information including the card’s phone number,” he said.

“If some people have missed the registration deadline today, they don’t have to be too worried. They can still register with the information and reactivate the service,” said Cheuk, adding that this can be done as long as the card hasn’t expired or still has a positive balance.

He said registration can be completed either via an online platform, or at outlets of service providers and 18 post offices, and the cards will be reactivated within a day or two.

Speaking on Commercial Radio, Cheuk said each individual can register a maximum of 10 SIM cards with each service provider.

He also warned the public against buying cards from unknown sources.