Sanda Cheuk Sing-tak, deputy director-general of the Office of the Communications Authority, said around 12 million SIM cards had completed real-name registration before the deadline set for Thursday, which was in line with expectations.

He said those who missed the registration deadline can still register with the information and reactivate the service, as long as the SIM cards have not expired or still has a positive balance.

Cheuk said users will receive a final SMS notification reminder sent by their respective telecommunications service providers before the suspension of their card.

The registration can be completed either via an online platform, or at outlets of service providers and 18 post offices, and the cards will be reactivated within a day or two.

Meanwhile, the government official warned the public against buying pre-registered SIM cards from unknown sources, as it is a crime to knowingly make false statements to the government.