The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) said on Thursday that any future large-scale electronic services by the administration must undergo an additional load and stress test and have its results confirmed by officers before their launch.

An independent third party arranged by the office will conduct the tests.

The OGCIO also said government departments should conduct adequate assessment, testing and prepare backup plans for their electronic services ahead of the release.

"The OGCIO will assist bureaux and departments in conducting additional tests for selected IT systems providing large-scale digital services before rollout," its spokesperson said.

"This being so... the bureaux and departments have the responsibility and an important role to play in ensuring the service quality and smooth operation of the system and service concerned."

The announcement came as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s recently-launched sports venue booking system, SmartPLAY, ran into login and payment issues.

Officials said they have made adjustments to the system, and it is now running smoothly.