Mailbox: $60 fee discouraging replacement of old IC

THE Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) continues to insist on charging a $60 fee for identity card replacement, despite repeated public requests for a waiver ("What IC fee covers"; last Friday).

Many people do have valid reasons for wanting to replace their ICs.

Senior citizens may no longer bear much resemblance to the IC photos of their younger selves. Others may have ICs that are cracked and chipped.

My own IC was issued 21 years ago. I understand that the law requires citizens to carry their ICs with them at all times, and I have done so.

At no time was it subjected to anything beyond "normal handling", yet it is now chipped at one corner such that a string of numbers has been lost.

It is clear that the "highly durable polycarbonate material" has exceeded its use-by date.

My photo also bears little resemblance to me now.

I would like to do the right thing and get my IC replaced, but am put off by the ICA's fee.

Seah Jin Wah

This article was first published on August 22, 2014.
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