On 10 February 2020, MTI issued a letter of demand to 3 Stars pursuant to Section 11 of the Price Control Act (“the Act”) for information relating to their pricing charges for masks. 3 Stars is required by law to provide complete information and documentation explaining the basis of their selling prices including invoices and sales receipts. Members of public have continued to complain of 3 Stars outlets taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation to profiteer.

Despite repeated exchanges with 3 Stars, the information furnished remained incomplete and its pricing practices have not changed.

MTI has therefore exercised powers under the Act to conduct 
inspections on 17 February 2020 at 3 Stars’ registered business address and warehouse, as well as five of its retail outlets. MTI will assess the need for further action after reviewing 3 Star’s responses and the information gathered during the inspections.

Please click here for the press release.