1. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) issued a letter of demand pursuant to Section 11 of the Price Control Act to the retailer 3 Stars on 10 February 2020, following public complaints of 3 Stars profiteering from the sales of face masks. Inspections of multiple 3 Stars’ premises were subsequently carried out on 17 February 2020 after initial responses to the letter of demand were incomplete.

2. 3 Stars has cooperated with the inspections at its company headquarters, warehouse, and multiple outlets. Through the inspections and interviews with the owners and its staff, 3 Stars has provided the information required, including records and invoices showing significant increases in the cost price of face masks from their overseas suppliers. They have apologised and reduced the price of masks, as well as undertaken to take greater care in their pricing practices.

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