High motorbike COE prices raise concern

MP files parliamentary question after unusual bidding leads some to speculate about manipulation

The latest COE tender last week saw COE premiums for motorcycles dipping merely 10.9 per cent, despite a 56 per cent increase in supply starting this month.
The latest COE tender last week saw COE premiums for motorcycles dipping merely 10.9 per cent, despite a 56 per cent increase in supply starting this month. ST FILE PHOTO
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Unusual bidding patterns in the motorcycle certificate of entitlement (COE) category have raised flags, prompting another parliamentary question on the possibility of market manipulation.

The Straits Times understands that Mr Sitoh Yih Pin, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport, has filed the question for the next Parliament sitting to reflect concerns raised by the public on the possible manipulation of motorcycle COEs, which has kept prices high.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 17, 2018, with the headline High motorbike COE prices raise concern. Subscribe