Forum Replies

I thank Mr Cheang Peng Wah for his letter, "Why are monies still unclaimed?" (ST, July 21).

The standing rule is that government agencies must make all reasonable efforts to promptly refund monies when they are due.

This includes sending notification letters to contact the parties concerned, and reminder letters if no responses are received.

If the monies still remain unclaimed, then the unclaimed-monies records would be published on the unclaimed-monies website.

In the four cases cited by Mr Cheang, one company - Cerebos (S) Pte Ltd - has been voluntarily wound up.

For the other three cases, we agree with Mr Cheang that there is no good reason why the refunds have not been made and have directed the government agencies concerned to do so promptly.

We have also directed all agencies to review their listings of unclaimed monies to make sure only those who are truly uncontactable remain on the list.

FONG YONG KIAN
DIRECTOR (MANAGING FOR EXCELLENCE)
MINISTRY OF FINANCE