High Court orders Sim Lim Square shop to stop unfair practices

SINGAPORE - The High Court of Singapore has granted a permanent injunction against Cyber Maestro Pte Ltd, prohibiting its employees and agents from engaging in several unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.

The electronics shop in Sim Lim Square topped the Consumer Association of Singapore's (Case) list of complaints more than once, The New Paper reported in August last year. The shop apparently had its signboard changed in 2012 to mask its dubious reputation, the paper said.

The injunction application against Cyber Maestro was filed by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) following the numerous complaints about its trade practices.

The shop was accused of over-charging, exerting undue pressure or influence to enter into a transaction and misleading consumers about prices and availability of goods, among other allegations.

These complaints continued despite repeated notifications from Case as well as a request from STB for Cyber Maestro to refrain from further unfair trade practices, STB said in a statement on Monday.

It also urged consumers to report errant retailers "who besmirch the reputation of Singapore as a premier tourist destination".

huizhen@sph.com.sg