CCCS seeks court order for TLM to cease alleged false or misleading claims on its alkaline water filtration systems
Singapore , 16 December 2022
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”) has filed court proceedings in the State Courts against Triple Lifestyle Marketing Pte. Ltd. (“TLM”) and its director, Tan Jia Huang, under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act 2003 (the “CPFTA”). CCCS has applied to the State Courts to make findings against TLM that it has made false claims and misled consumers on its alkaline water filtration systems and maintenance service packages. CCCS has also applied to the court for an injunction to stop TLM from engaging in this alleged conduct.
Background
3. TLM supplies water dispensers, alkaline water filtration systems and maintenance service packages to consumers. Tan Jia Huang is the sole director and shareholder of TLM.
4. CCCS had commenced an investigation into TLM following a referral from the Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) in November 2020. In view of the high number of complaints received by CASE against TLM, CASE had issued company alerts on TLM in February 2021 and in April 2022 to warn consumers of TLM’s unfair practices. CASE had asked TLM to enter into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement (“VCA”), however TLM did not sign the VCA.
Alleged Unfair Practices
5. CCCS is asking the State Courts to make findings that TLM has engaged in various alleged unfair practices, including the following:
a) TLM made the false claim that TLM or TLM’s products were accredited and that Thomson Medical Centre was one of its customers;
b) TLM represented that its water dispenser was free for a limited time when the price benefit or advantage did not exist;
c) TLM misled consumers that it would repair or replace faulty water dispensers or provide the change of water filters when requested by consumers to do so under the maintenance service package, or misled consumers by giving false excuses about its delay or inability to do so;
d) From at least January 2020 until in or around December 2020, TLM accepted payment for its maintenance service packages which included the provision of a 1-year warranty for its “tankless” water dispenser to consumers, when TLM knew or ought to have known that it would not be able to repair or replace faulty water dispensers with functioning units within the warranty period; and
e) TLM misled consumers that alkaline and/or filtered water can prevent or improve the condition of diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, kidney or colonic disorders and psoriasis.
6. CCCS has also applied to the State Courts for an injunction to stop Tan Jia Huang from knowingly abetting, aiding, permitting or procuring TLM to engage in various alleged unfair practices, including the unfair practices listed above.
