Excess bodies in the Victoria and Kowloon Public Mortuaries will be moved to the new Kwai Chung facility. The morgue was originally scheduled to open in September, but it will be used sooner as at offers 220 storage spaces and its refrigeration facilities are ready.

Visiting the facility today, Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan said the Department of Health is contacting family members about the transfer, and assured that bodies will be treated in a dignified manner.

He said overcrowding in public mortuaries can only be eased if families claim bodies as soon as possible.

Dr Lam said the department is considering installing closed-circuit television systems to ensure bodies are handled properly.

"We have reminded staff to handle bodies with respect and to follow proper procedures," he said, adding recent allegations of bribery involving mortuary staff have been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

As a long-term solution, Dr Lam said the department is looking to relocate Victoria Public Mortuary and is working with other departments to identify a suitable site.