Another Retailer Got Demand Letter from S’pore Authorities for Allegedly Profiteering with Masks

There are currently 43 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Singapore, and over 42,000 cases all over the world.

The total number of fatalities as a result of the virus is now over 1000.

Singapore has since raised the DORSCON code to Orange amidst the surge in cases with no apparent links to past cases and no recent travel history to China.

The situation is showing no signs of abating and with it came an increase in demand for surgical masks.

The masks in question are currently sold out at most retailers.

And while some are giving out surgical masks for free to others out of the goodness of their hearts, others are allegedly profiteering from the shortage by selling them at marked-up prices.

This retailer is the latest one to do it:

Another Retailer Got Demand Letter from S’pore Authorities for Allegedly Profiteering with Masks

The Price Controller has sent a letter of demand to retailer 3 Stars after it received complaints from the public of masks being sold at marked-up prices at its stores.

No wonder it isn’t called 5 Stars.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) stated in a news release today that the Price Controller has asked 3 Stars to explain the “basis of their selling prices for the sale of masks, including their cost price and profit margins.”

3 Stars have been issued a deadline of 12 February to respond to MTI’s questions.

Should they ignore the questions, they may be fined up to $10,000 for the first offence and $20,000 for the second and subsequent offences.

MTI explained that the reason for the strict stance is due to profiteering being an extremely irresponsible and damaging act.

“Profiteering is a highly irresponsible and damaging act. We urge all retailers to practise corporate social responsibility and not take advantage of the increased demand to raise prices unreasonably,” said MTI.

Other Letters Of Demand Sent

Just last month, MTI sent out at least five letters, one letter of demand to Deen Express and four other requests for information to e-commerce platforms Lazada, Carousell, Qoo10 and Shopee.

Deen Express had responded to “unreservedly apologise” for their pricing and have corrected their prices.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) have said that they will be monitoring the situation and will investigate any unfair and anti-competitive practices.

Should you spot any errant sellers, do not hesitate to contact CASE at 6100 0315.