A development official on Friday said a lack of restrictions for land record searches may lead to privacy concerns, prompting the authorities to adjust the mechanism.

Her remarks came after the government proposed legislative amendments, saying land record searches must meet one of nine specified purposes.

Speaking to lawmakers, Permanent Secretary for Development of Planning and Lands Doris Ho said there should be room for the media to carry out investigative reporting by allowing the search in the public interest, including the reporting of large-scale unauthorised building works.

“We believe that there should be a mechanism – a not too difficult one – for the media to carry out reporting that serves public interest,” she said.

“We want to have this type of reporting. Therefore, although an application and some information will be required in the future… we believe the chance of approval is very high.”

Ho added that although there is no appeal mechanism, if an application is rejected, the applicant could submit grounds that were not previously provided for authorities to reconsider.

Authorities are also looking at the introduction of a mechanism to inform home owners whose properties are being searched, she said.


Edited by Aaron Tam