The government said it’s improved its Centralised Organ Donation Register (CODR) system to make it easier for people to check their registration status.

Under the new arrangement that takes immediate effect, those who do not use the government’s iAM Smart app can check their registration status by providing the date of issue of their ID cards, instead of having to wait for an identity check through the phone or email.

Since May, iAM Smart users can already access this information through their app.

The government’s “refinement” of the registration system follows what it said was an abnormal surge in applications for withdrawals from the donation register in May, after officials said they’re considering an organ sharing programme with the mainland.

It said many of the applications for cancellation were invalid as the applicants either never registered for organ donation or didn't complete an identity check.