http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/sim-lim-case-citizen/1458478.html
As the netizen-led campaign against Sim Lim Square shop owner Jover Chew continues, lawyers warned that such tactics – in part driven by frustration over ineffectual action on unscrupulous retail practices – put perpetrators at risk of running afoul of the law.
Mr Chew’s troubles began following reports that he had attempted to pay a S$1,010 refund ordered by the Small Claims Tribunal in coins to a customer, and in a separate incident, Vietnamese tourist Pham Van Thoai had gone down on his knees to beg for a refund.
His shop, Mobile Air, which had 25 complaints lodged against it with Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) between August and October, quickly became a symbol of the seedier side of Sim Lim Square.
Mobile Air has also been served the Voluntary Compliance Agreement by CASE.
On Thursday (Nov 6), a T-shirt printed with a Hokkien vulgarity was placed outside his shop, which was closed. Mr Chew’s particulars were also reportedly used to order three large pizzas to his home on Wednesday.
Lawyer Raj Mannar of Peter Low LLC said Mr Chew could take legal action against the source of harassment, especially if the online postings prove to be emotionally harassing and damaging to his business.
Mr Sunil Sudheesan, partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP, pointed to existing provisions under the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act which could apply in this scenario. This would require a person to make a police report – Mr Chew’s wife is said to have filed one – followed by possible action by the Attorney-General’s Chambers after weighing the merits of the case.
However, little can be done if the person behind the harassment is not identified, Mr Raj pointed out.
While the Protection From Harassment Act – which is meant to better tackle harassment online – was passed in March, TODAY understands it is not fully in force yet.
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