Sim Lim case: Manpower minister Tan Chuan-Jin shocked by behaviour

SINGAPORE — The Government should explore how to “strengthen or adjust” the laws to deal with cases where individuals face hurdles in seeking resolution, said Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin in a Facebook post today (Nov 6), as he shared that he was “shocked at the behaviour shown” in the Sim Lim case.

“Some are disputes that may fall short of violating any laws or regulations, but they clearly assault our sensibilities!” said Mr Tan.

Recently, a Vietnamese man was filmed begging for a refund for his mobile phone purchase at Sim Lim Square, but he only recovered S$400 of the S$950 he paid to the shop, Mobile Air. The retailer had also tried to pay another customer S$1,010 in coins after being ordered by the Small Claims Tribunal to make the refund. Other people have since reported being scammed at the mall.

“Some of you have written to me about the Sim Lim case. I fully agree with your sentiments. I’m shocked at the behaviour shown. The chap didn’t seem remorseful either,” he said, adding that it reminded him of other concerns he has been working on with residents who have encountered, for instance, errant contractors and scam investors.

However, Mr Tan also pointed out that there are errant consumers. “And I get appeals from business owners and employers too,” he said.

Mr Tan cited the establishment of an Employment Claims Tribunal to deal with similar issues on the labour front, where some disputes are not presently covered directly by regulations. “We should similarly explore what we can do on the management of these other issues as well,” he wrote.

Separately, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) released a statement today regarding the Sim Lim case.

“We are of the view that the recent unfortunate incidents at Sim Lim Square are the actions of only a few errant retailers and are not reflective of the entire retail industry,” said STB Director, Visitor Information & Experience, Ms Choo Huei Miin.

“The STB takes a serious view of errant retailers who besmirch the reputation of Singapore and will take necessary actions under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA) should evidence of specific unfair practices are found.”

Ms Choo added that the STB has reached out to the Vietnamese man, Mr Pham. They will be facilitating any necessary follow up actions that Mr Pham might wish to undertake.