CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ACCOUNTS OF NON-WORKING PERSONS (Contributions from working relatives)

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Labour if he will allow regular contributions from working relatives to newly-opened Central Provident Fund accounts of non-working persons.

The Minister for Labour (Dr Lee Boon Yang): Mr Speaker, Sir, the CPF Board has all along welcomed people who wish to make contributions to the CPF accounts of non-working relatives. Such accounts can be opened at any of the Board's offices. Contributions can be made in cheque, cash or through NETS at the Board's main office or any post office, or in cheque or through NETS at the Board's branch offices.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin (Nominated Member): Sir, is there any specified minimum amount? Or would the Ministry prefer a minimum amount? Otherwise, there may be a lot of work handled by the Board if small amounts of cheques are sent in.

Dr Lee Boon Yang: The Board does not have a minimum amount requirement at the moment. So far, I think not that many people are doing so. We will be prepared to set a minimum contribution if in fact more and more people are coming forward to make such voluntary contributions on behalf of their non-working relatives. I am prepared to review the condition in the light of experience.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin: Sir, in view of the fact that not many people are making use of this, would it be possible for the Ministry to make it better known so that more people could make use of it?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have no objection to doing that. I will ask the CPF Board to look into how it could widely publicise this information that CPF members or any Singaporean are welcome to make voluntary contribution to the CPF account of their non-working relatives.