Sim Lim vigilantism not solution, but can Govt step in earlier?

I refer to the report “Some individuals have ‘gone too far’ in Sim Lim Square case: Iswaran” (Nov 8, online).

Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the police have begun looking into reports on the case as well as a related report on harassment.

I guess that people were upset about the humiliation Vietnamese tourist Pham Van Thoai was subjected to, so some resorted to harassment and online vigilantism against retailer Jover Chew.

Although I agree with Mr Iswaran that individuals should not take matters into their own hands, as restraint must be exercised, I wonder why the authorities took that long to step in.

Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin wants laws changed to protect the vulnerable. (“Sim Lim case: Citizen action may be against the law”: Nov 7)

But I also wonder whether teamwork between the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and the relevant government agencies, such as the Trade and Industry Ministry, can be improved. Many people feel that CASE has no bite.

While a good Samaritan like Mr Gabriel Kang stepped forward to raise more than S$12,000 from donors, Mr Pham’s experience can still tarnish Singapore’s reputation as a tourist attraction.

Generally, while people would remember the good, they would also not forget the bad events that have happened to them.

It is futile to spend millions to turn Singapore into a vibrant, world-class city if rogue retailers are allowed to get away with unfair business practices, which has been the case for some time.

Moreover, the Government is investing a lot in training for the service industry.

When such problems are spotted, it is imperative to be proactive, rather than reactive. Otherwise, a tourism crisis could occur.