Police investigate Sentosa Sky Lantern Festival, as Case advocates full refunds for disappointed attendees
Case says it was not right for the organisers to go ahead with the event without notifying about the cancellation of the sky lantern release
SINGAPORE — Police are investigating the trouble-filled Singapore Sky Lantern Festival, following complaints from attendees who are demanding full refunds due to the event not meeting their expectations.
In response to Yahoo Southeast Asia on Friday (8 March), the police confirmed that a police report has been lodged on the festival, which took place on 21 February at Sentosa. It had promised attendees photogenic releases of sky lanterns and food, but attendees discovered neither food nor the lanterns were taking off as promised.
Subsequently, one of the organisers mentioned a rescheduling for early April in a now-deleted Facebook post without specifying further details.
Case president advocates full refunds
The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) president Melvin Yong said that, given the circumstances, attendees should be entitled to a full refund.
He told Yahoo Southeast Asia on Friday that it was not right for the organisers, Asian Couture and Boutique, to go ahead with the event without notifying consumers about the cancellation of the sky lantern release, a major draw for ticket buyers.
The firm also failed to secure necessary licenses and permit approvals to carry out the release of sky lanterns.“There is also no clarity on the replacement event suggested by the company,” Yong added.
To date, Case has received 32 consumer complaints against Asian Couture and Boutique regarding the festival. Yong urged affected consumers to contact Case for assistance through its hotline 6277-5100 or its website.
Event organiser stand firm on non-refundable tickets
ST reported that Asian Couture and Boutique director Shiermie Bautista responded to Yong's statement by saying that ticket sales for the event were final and non-refundable.
This decision was made because other parts of the programme, such as the music festival, proceeded as planned, and many participants attended.
Bautista noted that 2,500 individuals collected their lanterns on 21 February. She also assured that the organisers would provide updates on the exact date of the rescheduled event once preparations are completed.
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