SINGAPORE – Aggressive and forceful – that is how some companies selling fire safety-related products are approaching members of the public. Some have even threatened people with fines if they do not purchase any products.
In a statement released on Monday (Jul 25), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) clarified that contrary to the claims some salespeople have made, it was not involved in the sale of fire extinguishers or insurance policies.
According to SCDF, the employees of such companies would persuade members of the public to purchase their products, fire insurance policies or to sign up for fire safety talks and training seminars.
In some instances, they also presented the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook to give the impression that they were representing the SCDF.
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SCDF said that while it does make house visits to talk to residents about SG Secure to raise awareness about crisis handling, it has not authorised any company to sell anything on its behalf, and added that members of the public should “exercise caution when dealing with such person or company”.
Officers who make such visists must display a warrant card, NS Identity Card or letter of authorisation.
Households in Singapore are not legally required to own a fire extinguisher, and there are no penalties imposed on those who don’t have one.
ljessica@sph.com.sg
