Employment Inspectorate Department
The department seeks to foster effective management of foreign manpower through policing in partnership with other enforcement agencies and business community. The department focuses on the areas of illegal employment, illegal deployment and other violations of MOM's FM regulations.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Employment Act: Claims, Complaints and Investigation into offences
MOM : FAQs : Details
If there is a claim/complaint on salary matters relating to the provisions of the Act or terms of employment between an employee and his employer, what is the avenue for redress?
Either the employee or employer may lodge a claim with the Commissioner for Labour c/o Labour Relations Department, Ministry of Manpower. However, the following conditions must be satisfied:
(a) the employee involved must be covered by the Employment Act;
(b) the claim/complaint must be on matters arising not more than one year from the date of claim/complaint made to the Commissioner; and
(c) if the employee involved in the dispute has left employment, the claim must be lodged with the Commissioner within 6 months from the date of leaving employment.
If there is a claim/complaint on salary matters relating to the provisions of the Act or terms of employment between an employee and his employer, what is the avenue for redress?
Either the employee or employer may lodge a claim with the Commissioner for Labour c/o Labour Relations Department, Ministry of Manpower. However, the following conditions must be satisfied:
(a) the employee involved must be covered by the Employment Act;
(b) the claim/complaint must be on matters arising not more than one year from the date of claim/complaint made to the Commissioner; and
(c) if the employee involved in the dispute has left employment, the claim must be lodged with the Commissioner within 6 months from the date of leaving employment.
Complaints against medical practitioners
Complaints / Disciplinary Proceedings
Complaints against medical practitioners are dealt with under Section 40 of the Medical Registration Act 1997. The Complaints Committee can only proceed with the investigation after it has received an official complaint in writing and supported by a Statutory Declaration.
The complainant must state the full facts of his case and his allegations clearly in his letter of complaint against the doctor.
The Complaints Committee shall inform the doctor and the complainant of the outcome of their investigations when it is completed.
Complaints against medical practitioners are dealt with under Section 40 of the Medical Registration Act 1997. The Complaints Committee can only proceed with the investigation after it has received an official complaint in writing and supported by a Statutory Declaration.
The complainant must state the full facts of his case and his allegations clearly in his letter of complaint against the doctor.
The Complaints Committee shall inform the doctor and the complainant of the outcome of their investigations when it is completed.
Making a Complaint against Lawyers
Making a Complaint
Two different types of written complaints you can make to the Council of the Law Society
From the 1st September 1998, you can make two different types of written complaints against a lawyer in private practice to the Council of the Law Society (the Council).The Council is the governing body of the Law Society consisting of at least 18 lawyers.
Complaint of Professional Misconduct
Complaints of professional misconduct may for example, allege dishonesty, fraud, gross overcharging for work done, making misleading statements to you, divulging confidential information you have given to your lawyer, acting in conflict of interest or acting in breach of the Law Society's code of conduct for lawyers.
Complaint of inadequate professional service
A lawyer may be found to be providing inadequate professional service to you as a client when one or more of these circumstances are proved:
(1) failed to provide diligent legal service to you;
(2) failed to ensure that as your lawyer, he was competent to conduct your case;
(3) failed to complete your work within a reasonable time;
(4) failed to keep you as the client informed on the progress of your case;
(5) failed to acknowledge receipt of your money or securities;
(6) failed to provide a statement of accounts to you as the client;
(7) without reasonable grounds, failed to respond to your calls, letters or keep appointments;
(8) failed to explain to you important developments in your case;
(9) failed to explain to you the manner in which he would charge for his services, describe payments you as a client would be required to make, provide an estimate of fees to you and deliver bills of costs to you at regular intervals; and
(10) failed to discuss with you the possible risks or expense of proceeding with your case.
Two different types of written complaints you can make to the Council of the Law Society
From the 1st September 1998, you can make two different types of written complaints against a lawyer in private practice to the Council of the Law Society (the Council).The Council is the governing body of the Law Society consisting of at least 18 lawyers.
Complaint of Professional Misconduct
Complaints of professional misconduct may for example, allege dishonesty, fraud, gross overcharging for work done, making misleading statements to you, divulging confidential information you have given to your lawyer, acting in conflict of interest or acting in breach of the Law Society's code of conduct for lawyers.
Complaint of inadequate professional service
A lawyer may be found to be providing inadequate professional service to you as a client when one or more of these circumstances are proved:
(1) failed to provide diligent legal service to you;
(2) failed to ensure that as your lawyer, he was competent to conduct your case;
(3) failed to complete your work within a reasonable time;
(4) failed to keep you as the client informed on the progress of your case;
(5) failed to acknowledge receipt of your money or securities;
(6) failed to provide a statement of accounts to you as the client;
(7) without reasonable grounds, failed to respond to your calls, letters or keep appointments;
(8) failed to explain to you important developments in your case;
(9) failed to explain to you the manner in which he would charge for his services, describe payments you as a client would be required to make, provide an estimate of fees to you and deliver bills of costs to you at regular intervals; and
(10) failed to discuss with you the possible risks or expense of proceeding with your case.
Listing of Food Factory Grading Award
Listing of Food Factory Grading Award
What is the food factory grading system?
First introduced in 1987, the food factory grading system categorises food factories into four grades: A, B, C and D. The grading is based on their food hygiene and food safety standards.
Why grade food factories?
The aim is to raise food manufacturers’ awareness of hygiene and food safety standards and the need for improvement. It helps to create an environment for food manufacturers to upgrade and to strive for higher grades.
How are food factories graded?
The grading of food factories is based on a set of criteria covering all aspects of food hygiene and food safety standards in areas such as:
· Design and layout
· Cleanliness and housekeeping
· Food and personal hygiene practices
· Storage facilities
· Food transport facilities
· Waste disposal system
· Food safety assurance system
· Food recall system
· Food safety training
· Documentation
What is the food factory grading system?
First introduced in 1987, the food factory grading system categorises food factories into four grades: A, B, C and D. The grading is based on their food hygiene and food safety standards.
Why grade food factories?
The aim is to raise food manufacturers’ awareness of hygiene and food safety standards and the need for improvement. It helps to create an environment for food manufacturers to upgrade and to strive for higher grades.
How are food factories graded?
The grading of food factories is based on a set of criteria covering all aspects of food hygiene and food safety standards in areas such as:
· Design and layout
· Cleanliness and housekeeping
· Food and personal hygiene practices
· Storage facilities
· Food transport facilities
· Waste disposal system
· Food safety assurance system
· Food recall system
· Food safety training
· Documentation
Saturday, March 26, 2005
XBOX Replacement Cord
Replacement Cord
Microsoft is providing new power cords at no charge to replace the cords that originally came with some Xbox consoles. You will need your Serial Number and Manufacture date to verify if your Xbox Console requires a replacement cord. This is located on the bottom of your console.
Microsoft is providing new power cords at no charge to replace the cords that originally came with some Xbox consoles. You will need your Serial Number and Manufacture date to verify if your Xbox Console requires a replacement cord. This is located on the bottom of your console.
Small Claims Tribunals - Subordinate Courts of Singapore
Small Claims Tribunals - Subordinate Courts of Singapore
The Small Claims Tribunals are part of the Subordinate Courts of Singapore. The Tribunals were established on the 1st of February 1985, to provide a quick and inexpensive forum for the resolution of small claims between consumers and suppliers.
Jurisdiction of the Small Claims Tribunals
The Tribunals have jurisdiction to hear claims not exceeding $10,000, where the claims relate to disputes arising from:
1. a contract for the sale of goods; or
2. a contract for the provision of services; or
3. tortious damage to property (but not including damage arising in connection with motor vehicle accidents)
Where the Claimant and the Respondant consent in writing, the jurisdiction can be raised to $20,000.
All claims must be lodged or filed at the Small Claims Tribunals within one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.
Bringing A Claim in the Tribunals
The procedure for bringing a claim in the Tribunals is very simple. For more information on bringing a claim, please refer to the "Claim Procedures:- A to Z of Bringing a Claim in the Small Claims Tribunals" option.
Lawyers are not permitted to represent any of the parties in proceedings before the Tribunals. Unless the Tribunals decide that a claim is either vexatious or frivolous, costs are not awarded to the winning party.
To lodge or file a claim at the Tribunals, a party is required to pay a lodgment fee. The applicable lodgment fees are as follows:
Attending the Consultation / Mediation
After a claim is lodged or filed, the Tribunals will fix the claim for a Consultation / Mediation before the Registrar. The Tribunals will generally fix the Consultation / Mediation within 10 to 14 days from the date of lodging or filing of the claim. If a claim is not settled at the Consultation before the Registrar, it will generally be fixed for hearing within 7 days from the date of Consultation. For a tourist claim or an urgent claim, the Tribunals can fix both the Consultation / Mediation and the Hearing within 24 hours of the lodging or filing of the claim.
The Tribunals employ mediation extensively in their proceedings. At the Consultation before the Registrar, the Registrar will mediate the claim, to assist parties in resolving the dispute. If the claim is fixed for Hearing before the Referee, the Referee will also explore the possibility of settlement, before adjudicating the claim.
Our Operation Hours
Mondays to Thursdays: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
Fridays : 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
(Lunch time: 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Saturdays: 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Filing or Lodging Times for your Claims and Counterclaims
Mondays to Fridays : 9.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Saturdays: 9.00 am to 12.00 noon
The Small Claims Tribunals are part of the Subordinate Courts of Singapore. The Tribunals were established on the 1st of February 1985, to provide a quick and inexpensive forum for the resolution of small claims between consumers and suppliers.
Jurisdiction of the Small Claims Tribunals
The Tribunals have jurisdiction to hear claims not exceeding $10,000, where the claims relate to disputes arising from:
1. a contract for the sale of goods; or
2. a contract for the provision of services; or
3. tortious damage to property (but not including damage arising in connection with motor vehicle accidents)
Where the Claimant and the Respondant consent in writing, the jurisdiction can be raised to $20,000.
All claims must be lodged or filed at the Small Claims Tribunals within one year from the date on which the cause of action accrued.
Bringing A Claim in the Tribunals
The procedure for bringing a claim in the Tribunals is very simple. For more information on bringing a claim, please refer to the "Claim Procedures:- A to Z of Bringing a Claim in the Small Claims Tribunals" option.
Lawyers are not permitted to represent any of the parties in proceedings before the Tribunals. Unless the Tribunals decide that a claim is either vexatious or frivolous, costs are not awarded to the winning party.
To lodge or file a claim at the Tribunals, a party is required to pay a lodgment fee. The applicable lodgment fees are as follows:
| Consumer | Non-consumer | |
| Not exceeding $5,000 | $10 | $50 |
| Exceeding $5,000 but not exceeding $10,000 | $20 | $100 |
| Exceeding $10,000 but not exceeding $20,000 | 1% of claim amount | 3% of claim amount |
Attending the Consultation / Mediation
After a claim is lodged or filed, the Tribunals will fix the claim for a Consultation / Mediation before the Registrar. The Tribunals will generally fix the Consultation / Mediation within 10 to 14 days from the date of lodging or filing of the claim. If a claim is not settled at the Consultation before the Registrar, it will generally be fixed for hearing within 7 days from the date of Consultation. For a tourist claim or an urgent claim, the Tribunals can fix both the Consultation / Mediation and the Hearing within 24 hours of the lodging or filing of the claim.
The Tribunals employ mediation extensively in their proceedings. At the Consultation before the Registrar, the Registrar will mediate the claim, to assist parties in resolving the dispute. If the claim is fixed for Hearing before the Referee, the Referee will also explore the possibility of settlement, before adjudicating the claim.
Our Operation Hours
Mondays to Thursdays: 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
Fridays : 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
(Lunch time: 1.00pm to 2.00pm)
Saturdays: 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Filing or Lodging Times for your Claims and Counterclaims
Mondays to Fridays : 9.00 am to 12.00 noon and from 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm
Saturdays: 9.00 am to 12.00 noon
COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
CAD will investigate offences under the Securities Industry Act, Companies Act, the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) Act, and complex fraud under the Penal Code.
Making a Complaint
If you suspect that an individual or company has committed an offence of a commercial nature, especially one in contravention of the Companies Act and The Securities and Futures Act, you can lodge a complaint with the Department by either making it in writing or in person :
Written Complaint
The complain may be submitted in writing to the Department at the following address :
Commercial Affairs Department
391 New Bridge Road
#06-701 Police Cantonment Complex Block D
Singapore 088762
The following information should be contained in the report :
1. An account of the relevant facts
2. Copies of the relevant documents, if available
3. Name, address, telephone number and Passport / NRIC no. of the person submitting the complaint.
A Complaint in Person
You may appear in person at the same address. To avoid any inconvenience, you are advised to call the Department at 6 325 0000 to make an appointment.
Our office hours are :
Monday to Thursday - 8.30 a.m to 6.00 p.m
Friday - 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m
CAD will investigate offences under the Securities Industry Act, Companies Act, the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act, Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Selling (Prohibition) Act, and complex fraud under the Penal Code.
Making a Complaint
If you suspect that an individual or company has committed an offence of a commercial nature, especially one in contravention of the Companies Act and The Securities and Futures Act, you can lodge a complaint with the Department by either making it in writing or in person :
Written Complaint
The complain may be submitted in writing to the Department at the following address :
Commercial Affairs Department
391 New Bridge Road
#06-701 Police Cantonment Complex Block D
Singapore 088762
The following information should be contained in the report :
1. An account of the relevant facts
2. Copies of the relevant documents, if available
3. Name, address, telephone number and Passport / NRIC no. of the person submitting the complaint.
A Complaint in Person
You may appear in person at the same address. To avoid any inconvenience, you are advised to call the Department at 6 325 0000 to make an appointment.
Our office hours are :
Monday to Thursday - 8.30 a.m to 6.00 p.m
Friday - 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m
Friday, March 25, 2005
Consumer Watch
Consumer Watch
Every Tuesday, 7.20am, 1.20pm and 6.20pm, 93.8FM
If you feel you have been shortchanged as a customer or think that your consumer rights have been violated, share your story with May Wong and Wu Shang Yuan on Consumer Watch where they'll investigate your problem.
Call the Consumer Watch hotline at 62512003 or email consumerwatch@mediacorpradio.com
Speak Up on Consumer Watch or Lose Out.
Every Tuesday, 7.20am, 1.20pm and 6.20pm, 93.8FM
If you feel you have been shortchanged as a customer or think that your consumer rights have been violated, share your story with May Wong and Wu Shang Yuan on Consumer Watch where they'll investigate your problem.
Call the Consumer Watch hotline at 62512003 or email consumerwatch@mediacorpradio.com
Speak Up on Consumer Watch or Lose Out.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Which? - Expert advice from an independent source
Which? - Expert advice from an independent source
Read a copy of the offline Which magazine. Quite informative. Could be a good target to aim for in a local consumer magazine. Available for borrowing at Ang Mo Kio Library.
Read a copy of the offline Which magazine. Quite informative. Could be a good target to aim for in a local consumer magazine. Available for borrowing at Ang Mo Kio Library.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act
This Act is the first one specifically enacted for consumers in Singapore.
SPECIFIC UNFAIR PRACTICES
1. Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, ingredients, components, qualities, uses or benefits that they do not have.
2. Representing that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style, model, origin or method of manufacture if they are not.
3. Representing that goods are new or unused if they are not or if they have deteriorated or been altered, reconditioned or reclaimed.
4. Representing that goods have been used to an extent different from the fact or that they have a particular history or use if the supplier knows it is not so.
5. Representing that goods or services are available or are available for a particular reason, for a particular price, in particular quantities or at a particular time if the supplier knows or can reasonably be expected to know it is not so, unless the representation clearly states any limitation.
6. Representing that a service, part, repair or replacement is needed or desirable if that is not so, or that a service has been provided, a part has been installed, a repair has been made or a replacement has been provided, if that is not so.
7. Representing that a price benefit or advantage exists respecting goods or services where the price benefit or advantage does not exist.
8. Charging a price for goods or services that is substantially higher than an estimate provided to the consumer, except where the consumer has expressly agreed to the higher price in advance.
9. Representing that a transaction involving goods or services involves or does not involve rights, remedies or obligations where that representation is deceptive or misleading.
10. Representing that a person has or does not have the authority to negotiate the final terms of an agreement involving goods or services if the representation is different from the fact.
11. Taking advantage of a consumer by including in an agreement terms or conditions that are harsh, oppressive or excessively one-sided so as to be unconscionable.
12. Taking advantage of a consumer by exerting undue pressure or undue influence on the consumer to enter into a transaction involving goods or services.
13. Representing in relation to a voucher that another supplier will provide goods or services at a discounted or reduced price if the supplier making the representation knows or ought to know that the other supplier will not do so.
14. Making a representation that appears in an objective form such as an editorial, documentary or scientific report when the representation is primarily made to sell goods or services, unless the representation states that it is an advertisement or a promotion.
15. Representing that a particular person has offered or agreed to acquire goods or services whether or not at a stated price if he has not.
16. Representing the availability of facilities for repair of goods or of spare parts for goods if that is not the case.
17. Offering gifts, prizes or other free items in connection with the supply of goods or services if the supplier knows or ought to know that the items will not be provided or provided as offered.
18. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a stated period of time if the supplier knows or ought to know that the goods or services will continue to be so available for a substantially longer period.
19. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a particular reason that is different from the fact.
20. Using small print to conceal a material fact from the consumer or to mislead a consumer as to a material fact, in connection with the supply of goods or services.
SPECIFIC UNFAIR PRACTICES
1. Representing that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, performance characteristics, accessories, ingredients, components, qualities, uses or benefits that they do not have.
2. Representing that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style, model, origin or method of manufacture if they are not.
3. Representing that goods are new or unused if they are not or if they have deteriorated or been altered, reconditioned or reclaimed.
4. Representing that goods have been used to an extent different from the fact or that they have a particular history or use if the supplier knows it is not so.
5. Representing that goods or services are available or are available for a particular reason, for a particular price, in particular quantities or at a particular time if the supplier knows or can reasonably be expected to know it is not so, unless the representation clearly states any limitation.
6. Representing that a service, part, repair or replacement is needed or desirable if that is not so, or that a service has been provided, a part has been installed, a repair has been made or a replacement has been provided, if that is not so.
7. Representing that a price benefit or advantage exists respecting goods or services where the price benefit or advantage does not exist.
8. Charging a price for goods or services that is substantially higher than an estimate provided to the consumer, except where the consumer has expressly agreed to the higher price in advance.
9. Representing that a transaction involving goods or services involves or does not involve rights, remedies or obligations where that representation is deceptive or misleading.
10. Representing that a person has or does not have the authority to negotiate the final terms of an agreement involving goods or services if the representation is different from the fact.
11. Taking advantage of a consumer by including in an agreement terms or conditions that are harsh, oppressive or excessively one-sided so as to be unconscionable.
12. Taking advantage of a consumer by exerting undue pressure or undue influence on the consumer to enter into a transaction involving goods or services.
13. Representing in relation to a voucher that another supplier will provide goods or services at a discounted or reduced price if the supplier making the representation knows or ought to know that the other supplier will not do so.
14. Making a representation that appears in an objective form such as an editorial, documentary or scientific report when the representation is primarily made to sell goods or services, unless the representation states that it is an advertisement or a promotion.
15. Representing that a particular person has offered or agreed to acquire goods or services whether or not at a stated price if he has not.
16. Representing the availability of facilities for repair of goods or of spare parts for goods if that is not the case.
17. Offering gifts, prizes or other free items in connection with the supply of goods or services if the supplier knows or ought to know that the items will not be provided or provided as offered.
18. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a stated period of time if the supplier knows or ought to know that the goods or services will continue to be so available for a substantially longer period.
19. Representing that goods or services are available at a discounted price for a particular reason that is different from the fact.
20. Using small print to conceal a material fact from the consumer or to mislead a consumer as to a material fact, in connection with the supply of goods or services.
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