SINGAPORE - The management council of Sim Lim Square said on Monday it is open to the consumer watchdog's suggestion for shop owners to include a clause in their tenancy agreements, stating that tenants have to observe and comply with all approved by-laws.

The council added that it would consider this approach, after consulting with its legal counsel.

Earlier, the council had said that it was unable to compel landlords to kick out tenants that run dishonest businesses or to force them to sell their units.

The latest development came during a meeting on Monday with Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck and representatives from the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case), to discuss possible measures to deal with errant retailers.

Sim Lim Square has been in the news recently for some of its retailers' unsavoury sales tactics.

At the meeting, the mall's management council also shared plans to raise the service standards of its retailers. On the cards is a training and accreditation programme to enable more retailers to qualify under its STARetailer scheme, which involves a code of conduct for retailers to promote honest and fair sales practices.

Mr Teo said at the meeting that the Government is studying ways to enhance the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.

"There were some good ideas raised, some of which could be taken in as part of the Government's review to enhance the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act," he said in a statement after the meeting.

"I am glad that Case and Sim Lim Square management council are coming together to take a strong stand against errant retailers, and to share ideas and explore possible actions that can be taken to deter such retailers from engaging in unfair business practices."