Ombudsman Winnie Chiu on Tuesday announced she was starting a direct investigation into public funeral, mortuary and death registration services.

Chiu said her move comes amid increasing need for such services due to the city's ageing population, noting there was a spike in demand during the pandemic.

"In early 2022, not a few people died with Covid-19 when the disease rampaged through Hong Kong. The resulted pressure threatened to overwhelm the operations of public mortuaries and the mortuaries in public hospitals, and demand for cremation services was once pressing. The situation had added worries to the bereaved when handling the post-death arrangements of the deceased," Chiu said in a statement.

"Having gone through the trials of the pandemic, the government departments and public organisations which provide public services relating to post-death arrangements have accumulated certain experience in handling sudden surges in service demand. If they can consolidate their experience to further refine and enhance the services and the dissemination of related information, more relevant and timely services and support can be provided to the bereaved."

Chiu said she welcomes views from members of the public on the matter.