PAYMENT OF PUB BILLS THROUGH POST OFFICES

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Public Utilities Board will allow payment of its bills through the post offices.

The Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr Lim Boon Heng)(for the Minister for Trade and Industry): PUB has been studying ways to improve its service to customers. In this respect, PUB is actively promoting payment of bills by GIRO which is cashless, safe and convenient. Customers on GIRO do not have to worry about forgetting to pay their bills. They also enjoy a lower deposit - one month's bill, as against 1 1/2 months' bill if they use other modes of payment.

PUB recognises that a small percentage of customers are unable to join GIRO for various reasons and will have to continue making payments over the counter. These customers are presently making payments at the PUB and 19 bank collection centres. From 1st February 1993, PUB bills can be paid at the 66 post offices which are located island-wide. This will make it very convenient for customers who are paying their bills over the counter.