Stamping a contract

Someone write to the Straits Times to complain about paying $25 to the Post Office as handling fee to stamp a contract? I was surprised. It seemed to be excessive. I wish to check the facts. Is this correct?

Read here.

If this is correct, here are a few issues:

• What is the cost to the Post Office to provide this service? If a commuter pays $2 for a train ride, surely the work involved in the Post Office to handle the stamping is much lower? 
• Is there a choice for commuters to stamp the contract through other channels, instead of the Post Office?
• Is this abuse of monopolistic power? What is the role of the Competition Commission on such matter?
• This seems to be adding to the cost of living and the cost of doing business

Tan Kin Lian