The Weighty Matter of Fair Pricing: How Singapore Ensures Accurate Weighing for Festive Shoppers
2025-01-27
Author: Li
SINGAPORE: As shoppers gear up for the Chinese New Year festivities, many may not consider the importance of precise weight measurements, yet these numbers can significantly impact their wallets. An extra 50 grams of festive delicacies like ginseng or sea cucumbers can inflate prices by up to S$100 (US$74). This reality has pushed retailers to double down on ensuring that their scales offer accurate measurements.
Peggy Ho, the owner of the dried goods store Sum Khiong Lian Kee Trading in Bugis, shared her meticulous approach to weighing. "I turn off the fan and clear the area around the scale to eliminate any interference with the reading," she explained. To maintain accuracy, a representative from the supplier calibrates the scales every three to four months.
Similarly, Bee Cheng Hiang, a renowned name in bak kwa (barbecued pork jerky), emphasizes precision in their measurements. "Before we weigh products, we check the built-in level of our scale to ensure correct readings," said supervisor Liew Jiew Chiang at their Bugis Village outlet.
To enforce these standards, officers from Enterprise Singapore's Weights and Measures Office routinely conduct spot checks on weighing instruments at popular stores. Recently, they inspected both Sum Khiong Lian Kee and Bee Cheng Hiang, confirming compliance with the weight accuracy regulations. However, last year, a staggering 280 expired labels and unverified scales were discovered during checks, marking a 65 percent rise compared to previous years. These inspections encompass around 1,200 locations across the island, spanning supermarkets, goldsmiths, and even Chinese mala hotpot stalls.
Beatrice Wong, Director of the Weights and Measures Office, attributed the spike in infractions to more focused on-ground checks. "Our data analysis now helps us identify businesses with expired accuracy labels, allowing us to target them for inspection," she stated.
The consequences of flouting these regulations are dire, with businesses facing fines of up to S$5,000, three months' imprisonment, or both.
Businesses are encouraged to update their accuracy labels through authorized verifiers, such as KSA Metrology, which calibrates both digital and analog scales with various weights. These validators ensure all sensitive areas of weighing instruments are evaluated, paving the way for a fair shopping experience.
Wong's department is also working to raise public awareness regarding the importance of checking accuracy labels while shopping. "We’ve put up digital posters in the heartlands to inform consumers," she stated, urging retailers to ensure their scales are on level surfaces and read zero before use.
For the convenience of shoppers, it’s crucial they check for a valid accuracy label. Wong also introduced a QR code system that consumers can scan to verify the scale's calibration status. "This lets shoppers check the legitimacy of the instrument right from their phones, giving them peace of mind when they shop," she added.
As the festive shopping season approaches, consumers are reminded to keep an eye on the scales, ensuring that they receive fair pricing for their hard-earned money. After all, every gram counts!