SINGAPORE — The Sim Lim Square Management Council has agreed today (Dec 15) to consider setting by-laws to ensure fair business practices among tenants in the electronic products hub, a suggestion first mooted by a consumer watchdog earlier this month.

The council, which had indicated earlier that it was unable to set these by-laws under existing legislation, will consider having owners include a clause in their tenancy agreements stating that tenants have to comply with all by-laws approved by the council, said a Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) statement today.

This followed the council’s meeting with Minister of State (Trade and Industry) Teo Ser Luck and representatives from Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) to discuss possible measures to deal with errant retailers, said the ministry. During the meeting, Mr Teo said that the Government is studying ways to enhance the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.

The three parties agreed that it is also important for government agencies, CASE and the management council to work closely together to promote fair trading and deter errant retailers.

“We had a fruitful discussion today as all parties are aligned on the next steps to take in dealing with errant retailers,” said Mr Teo. “There were some good ideas raised, some of which could be taken in as part of the Government’s review to enhance the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.”

Mr Teo said he is glad the consumer watchdog and the council are coming together to take a strong stand against errant retailers, and to share ideas and explore possible actions that can be taken to deter such retailers.