Question

Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) since January 2020, how many hair and beauty salons previously reported for unfair practices, particularly for engaging in pressure sale tactics, have signed Voluntary Compliance Agreements or have been investigated by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore respectively; (b) how many of such firms have opened a new outlet or relocated an existing outlet; and (c) how many of such new outlets are in HDB heartlands.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling)

1. Since January 2020, eight hair and beauty salons have signed Voluntary Compliance Agreements (VCA) with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or been investigated by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). Of these, six firms have opened new outlets or relocated an existing outlet. There were four such new outlets in HDB heartlands.

 2. Three of the eight salons are under active investigations. These are listed on CASE’s Company Alert List.  CASE monitors salons that have entered into VCAs very closely and will not hesitate to refer them to CCCS for investigation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. We urge consumers to exercise extra caution in dealing with firms on the Company Alert List. Those who have encountered suppliers with egregious conduct should approach CASE as the information will help CCCS with investigations.