Travel agents whose licences have been suspended or revoked may soon have to disclose this to their customers. Singapore's 1,200 licensed travel agents will also face heavier penalties for unlicensed activities.

The Singapore Tourism Board will be able to require third parties to provide evidence, and take photos as well as audio and video recordings. These proposed changes to the Travel Agents Act were introduced in Parliament yesterday by Senior Minister of State (Trade and Industry) Sim Ann.

Last year, the Consumers' Association of Singapore received 607 complaints against travel agents, placing the travel industry in 10th place on the list of sectors most complained about.

Changes to the Sale of Food Act were also introduced by Senior Minister of State (National Development) Koh Poh Koon.

These include the regulation of health-related content on food labels, promotion and advertising, plus extra powers for the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority to effect food recalls.