Written reply to PQ on Addressing Late Payment Practices Within Food and Beverage Sector, and Measures to Support Small Suppliers

Question

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry is aware of late payment practices to suppliers, particularly in the food and beverage sector; (b) if so, what is the scale of such practices; and (c) what measures are the Government considering to protect small suppliers from late payments by larger buyers.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong:

The Government does not have data on late payments between businesses. For disputes involving amounts of up to $30,000, suppliers can file civil claims with the Small Claims Tribunals. Suppliers may also seek recourse through mediation and adjudication services provided by mediation bodies such as the Singapore Mediation Centre.