Complaints against claw machines spike in Hong Kong as consumer watchdog urges fair gameplay

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SINGAPORE: When it comes to finger equipment, most of us have walked aside empty-handed more days than we’ve won. &nbsp,

A recent surge in formal complaints in Hong Kong may enable the state’s customer guardian to take action as finger system arcades have become almost ubiquitous. &nbsp,

According to Hong Kong’s Consumer Council officers, issues have more than doubled in the past year compared to only 16 for the entire time 2023. The Consumer Council reported that it received 42 from January to November this season. &nbsp,

” These games rely purely on luck and use valuable prizes such as game consoles, mobile phones and even cash to attract consumers”, said Gilly Wong Fung-han, the council’s chief executive in a statement on Monday ( Dec 16 ).

” We believe it’s about time to examine whether we should manage spear system companies”, she added. &nbsp,

Claw equipment companies are not subject to the Hong Kong Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance, which means that owners and suppliers do not need a license to open a business.

Most problems have been made against devices that make it difficult to pick up things, according to Wong.

Additionally, there were prizes that didn’t properly fall away, as well as a lack of assistance from entrance staff or operators who were fixing technical issues. &nbsp,

The government said that” the business frequently modifies finger options or introduces obstacles inside spear machines to make winning more difficult.” &nbsp,

Modifications or obstacles should also be “reasonable”, it added, and conditions of play should be” clearly mentioned” to provide a “positive consumer experience, as extreme difficulty or unjust adjustments could aggravate users”. &nbsp,

” Fair and clear guidelines” for winning awards should also be displayed, it said. &nbsp,

Additionally, the government provided information on situations filed by citizens who fell victim to spear machines. &nbsp,

In one case, a man spent HK$ 500 ( S$ 85 ) trying to win a waffle maker from an “instant prize” claw machine- guaranteeing immediate rewards to players. &nbsp,

He refused the medal and instead accepted only a few items after playing for nearly an hour. He contacted the technician, who offered him a dessert pond system instead. Despite extensive debate, there was no deal, and he lodged a formal complaint. &nbsp,

The machine’s terms and conditions for the prize set were likewise absent. &nbsp,

” As for, he believed that consumers should have the right to select their reward”, the council said. &nbsp,

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China extends visa-free transit stays to 10 days

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HONG KONG: China announced on Tuesday ( Dec 17 ) a relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travellers to 240 hours, or 10 days, from the original 72 to 144 hours, as authorities aim to lure more foreign visitors. The measure, which isContinue Reading

Chinese officials arrive in Taipei for rare visit

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Trips like this are needed more than ever in times of stress, according to Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an of the primary opposition Kuomintang party, which has traditionally facilitates close relationships across the strait but denies being pro-Beijing. Chiang, who visited Shanghai last year for the exact area forum, does numberContinue Reading

North Korea state media slams South’s Yoon as ‘ringleader of rebellion’

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According to Yonhap, authorities detained both the current and former faces of the Defence Intelligence Command on Sunday in connection with the uprising allegations.

According to Yonhap, the prosecution even requested an arrest warrant for Kwak Jong-keun, the head of the Army Special Warfare Command.

During the martial law application, Kwak is accused of sending special makes troops to congress, which led to a serious fight between soldiers and political team.

The leader of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party ( PPP ), who is being supported by the impeachment and is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday at 10.30am local time, is also scheduled to speak.

However, the government of South Korea has attempted to venture business as usual.

Speaking president Han reportedly spoke with US President Joe Biden on Sunday, underscoring the strength of diplomatic relationships.

Han has likewise mandated that the military “enhance attention” against North Korea, which essentially is still at war with the South.

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As it happened: South Korea’s President Yoon impeached over martial law declaration

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