SINGAPORE - A bid by the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) to stop a furniture businessman from using unfair practices on his customers has gone through.
In a statement today (Sept 16), Case said that they have been granted a court order against Mr Chiok Wee Juo, the sole proprietor of at least three companies - Olena (formerly known as Mattress Atrium), Bez Gallery (formerly known as Michelle Mattress) and The Exquisite Promenade.
This is the first time that the consumer watchdog has obtained a court order against an individual. It typically takes out court orders against companies.
Such a move stops Mr Chiok from unfair practices in the future, as continuing such acts will mean contempt of court, making him liable to jail or fines. The order also applies to Mr Chiok's wife and employees.
Case has received 44 complaints against Mr Chiok's three companies between 2008 and July this year. Many of the transactions took place at furniture fairs.
In most of the cases, Mr Chiok persuaded the customer to pay full price for a piece of furniture upfront, dangling discounts to entice them to do so. He would then make arrangements for the item to be delivered at a later date.
The goods, however, were then not delivered at the promised dates, and were found to be a different colour, model or size from what was ordered.
