Entertainment complaints in Singapore jumped by 538% in the first half of 2024, largely due to problems with the Sky Lantern Festival and online ticketing issues.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A lot more people complained about entertainment events and ticket purchases in Singapore in early 2024 than in early 2023. Most of the complaints were about a lantern festival that went wrong and tickets bought online that didn't work properly.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should Singapore introduce stricter rules requiring event organisers to secure permits and obtain insurance before selling tickets?
👍 👎 Vote ↓Consumer complaints in Singapore’s entertainment sector have skyrocketed, raising concerns about event management and ticketing practices.
In a press release by CASE, a significant increase in entertainment-related complaints was reported for the first half of 2024.
It received 670 complaints in the entertainment sector during 1H2024, up from 105 in the same period in 2023.
This marks a staggering 538% increase in entertainment-related complaints.
The surge was mainly due to issues with the Singapore Sky Lantern Festival.
Overall, the association recorded 7,721 complaints in 1H2024, up 6% from 7,316 in 2023.
Here are some key highlights to note:
According to its President Mr Melvin Yong, “CASE is deeply concerned in the rise of entertainment complaints.”
The Singapore Sky Lantern Festival was poorly executed, leading to many complaints.
Asian Couture and Boutique, the event organisers, failed to secure necessary permits.
Complaints against ticket resellers included 4% of total entertainment complaints related to invalid tickets.
There are concerns about ticket scalping and the need for better consumer protection.
Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Entertainment Sector | 670 |
| E-commerce | 2,611 |
| Invalid Tickets | 4% of entertainment-related complaints |
| Total Complaints | 7,721 |
The association plans to expand its CaseTrust accreditation for e-businesses to improve consumer trust.
The sharp rise in prepayment losses has highlighted the need for stronger prepayment protection.
It is studying how other countries tackle issues related to events and concerts.
Consumers are advised to be cautious when making prepayments and to check the credibility of event organisers before purchasing tickets.
Should Singapore introduce stricter rules requiring event organisers to secure permits and obtain insurance before selling tickets?
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