A lawmaker has called for additional care places to be made available for youngsters subject to suspected abuse in Hong Kong, as more cases are expected to come to light when a new law takes effect next year.

Lawmaker Connie Lam, who's also a social worker, said on Wednesday there could be more reported cases once the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance comes into effect in January.

Official data showed more than 1,500 newly registered child abuse cases were recorded last year, a slight increase compared with 2023.

"When it comes to serious physical abuse or other forms of abuse of children, people tend to prefer to over-report, rather than under-report, in hopes of protecting the children around them," she told RTHK's "In the Chamber" programme.

"Temporary accommodation services are currently insufficient, with children in need having to wait.

"The number of places has to be increased."

The law sets out how 25 types of professionals, including doctors, social workers and teachers, will face a maximum punishment of three months in prison and a HK$50,000 fine if they fail to tell the authorities when they suspect a child is suffering physical, psychological or sexual abuse.