More groups of households will be surveyed in August for the Household Expenditure Survey. This time, the survey will cover households in Ang Mo Kio, Commonwealth, Jurong West, North Bridge Road, Punggol, Selegie, Sengkang, Tampines, and Tanglin Halt. These households, which have been divided into two groups, will be surveyed for a period of two weeks each, starting from Aug 5 and from Aug 19.

This is the tenth time the Singapore Department of Statistics is conducting this survey which collects up-to-date information on households' expenditure for updating the weighting pattern and the basket of goods and services used in the compilation of the Consumer Price Index. Data collected also serves as input for social and economic policy planning, said a statement by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Monday.

The year-long survey covers a total of 11,000 households. Survey officers will carry identification cards and letters of authorisation when they visit selected households.

Households who wish to verify the identity of the survey officers may call 1800-888-1213 from 8.30am to 10pm. All information will be kept in confidence, said the Department.