When something is perceived as impotent, unable to rise up to the challenge, chances are, something else will take its place. The same thing can be said of the cyberbullying served to the owner of an electronics shop in Sim Lim Square who reportedly scammed his customers. Netizens rise up in arms to name and shame him. And his wife wasn’t spared either.
We are not going to discuss about the legality or morality of the action by the vigilantes although deep within the recesses of our human hearts, and considering the asinine behaviour of the owner of the shop, we did experience a slight tingling sensation that justice has been served.
There is only one obvious reason as to why the vigilantes are taking matters into their own hands; the present law governing customer protection is seen as inadequate and thus the authorities is viewed as powerless. There have been numerous reports of unfair practices against the owner and apparently nothing has been done to stop him from continuing with his scamming ways. And it is not only him that indulged in such practices. Sim Lim Square and Lucky Plaza are notorious for being the hotbeds of scammers and cheaters and Singaporeans avoid those two places like a plaque. Yet, the authorities are seen as turning a blind eye although we understand that they are limited by the powers given to them. But Singaporeans want swift justice and so they turn to the vigilantes.
No doubt the law needs to be changed. The authorities need to be given more bite to protect customers from unscrupulous companies and individuals. For starters, a dedicated body should be set-up to oversee customer protection. CASE is being limited in what they can achieve by the fact that they are a non-profit organisation.
Secondly, the Small Claims Tribunal is limited by the limited powers given to them. Therefore, the present law needs to be updated and expanded. We would suggest that companies selling electronic products should be prevented from selling add-on services such as warranties. After all, most electronic products already have their own in-house warranty. And the law must allow for contacts that are deemed to be unfair and in bad-faith to be nullified.
Lastly, there seems to be a lack of punitive element in the present law. To take the example of the owner who is presently in the spotlight. He was ordered to refund the customer of the excess that he has been deemed to have unfairly charged to the customer. Surely this meant that he had run foul of the law. Yet, he was only asked to return the excess amount. How would this deter him from repeating his offence? There should be a fine imposed on him and should he repeat his offence, his license should be revoked.
Vigilantes are good if they help to support existing laws. But not when they try to fill a void in the legislation because it can spiral out of control and it is not something that we wish to see.
TSB
*The author blogs at http://thesingaporebeacon.wordpress.com/