CHANGE OF IDENTITY CARD (Period of waiting)

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is the average length of time that an applicant has to wait at the Registry of Persons in order to obtain a change of Identity Card.

Mr Ong Pang Boon: Mr Speaker, Sir, the average length of time that an applicant has to wait at the Registry of Persons in order to obtain a change of identity card is about half an hour. The procedure entails a number of checks in order to ensure that the card to be replaced belongs to the applicant and that details on the card are correct and brought up to date.

Mr David Marshall: Is the Minister aware of a complaint that on the 4th of April, one lady waited from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. to obtain a change of identity card?

Mr Speaker: Order. I cannot allow that type of question which merely offers information. Perhaps if the Member for Anson would give prior notice to the Minister, he would get an answer.