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.'
It is neither fair nor efficient to expect residents to notify online companies every time they run into this post-code hassle. It is more reasonable for the local authorities to deal with the issue on behalf of the SAR once and for all.
Apart from online shoppers, those who want to subscribe to newsletters via e-mail maintained by major portals are also expected to give a post code. It is unrealistic to expect these corporations to revise their software specifically for Hong Kong residents.
The Zoning Improvement Programme (Zip) code system was first used in the United States in 1963 to simplify mail distribution. The designated combination of numbers, which forms part of a postal address, helps the sorting of mail items without the need to read through the whole address.
In 1983, the American Postal Service introduced an expanded nine-digit scheme, which specifies individual delivery routes. The use of Zip code is voluntary, though discounts are offered to large-volume mailers employing the system.
Nations from Algeria to Switzerland have adopted a similar system. Singapore provides a handy postal code finder on the Web at Singpost.com/pc6d. One can key in the name of a building and a detailed address complete with a six-digit postal code will appear.
China has adopted a nationwide six-digit post code. Hong Kong officials are eager to preserve the SAR's own identity, lest it be reduced to just another Chinese city. In the case of post codes however, compatibility with a global trend is in order.
Andy Ho is a political commentator
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