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Lack of post code has SAR lost in the mail

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LOCAL INTERNET users trying to register for services are often at a loss when they are prompted for a postal code that does not exist. If the number of residents and the total time they have spent on such inconveniencies are taken into account, the problem has already become a major public nuisance.

It is a common practice for cyber-mall operators, such as Amazon.com, to ask their patrons to provide a post code or 'Zip' code in online transactions. However, unlike many of its counterparts, Hongkong Post has not developed such a numbering system.

If you leave the item blank, an error message would flash to remind you to furnish the information. The submission will be rejected until the requirement is met. Frequent Web surfers will know that most systems can easily be fooled by punching in nonsensical digits such as 000, but using this method for completing a bona fide transaction should not be encouraged.

Working under a 'trading fund' arrangement, Hongkong Post has been hailed as among the most efficient of the government departments.

The only popular complaint against it is its impending plan to raise fees and charges next April. But as far as the use of a postal code is concerned, its handling of a query about the issue is marked with typical bureaucratic inertia.

The issue was raised in an e-mail inquiry to the department. In a swift reply, Wendy Siu Wing-mui, assistant controller of posts (development) with Hongkong Post, noted: 'Depending on the different requirement of a country with its variable geographical situation, not all countries have a Zip-code system. At present, we do not have any postal-code or Zip-code system in Hong Kong.

'Senders only need to write the complete address on mail items for our delivery. Therefore, you may wish to inform the companies concerned accordingly should they require you to complete a Zip code/postal code.'

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