Over the weekend, Simba, a local telco, launched a limited-time promotion offering customers “recharge S$60 and get S$120 credits.” The offer, valid for only one hour each day from 3pm to 4pm between December 12 and 14, drew massive crowds and left many frustrated.
The promotion was announced via SMS, which encouraged customers to visit “any Simba Service Centre,” listing 18 locations. However, some people said they only received the messages on Saturday morning, rushing to outlets only to find long queues already formed.
@sataysource Long queues and frustration erupted at Simba outlets across Singapore after a limited-time promotion, prompting police to step in at the Serangoon service centre. #sataysource #singapore #sgnews #rain ♬ original sound – Satay Source
Queues Snaking Across Outlets
Across Singapore, customers reported snaking lines at several Simba outlets. Some queues stretched across multiple floors, and in Bedok, people remained outside despite heavy rain. Many seniors were seen waiting patiently, highlighting the wide appeal of the promotion.
One netizen described the queue at Thomson Plaza as “pure madness” and doubted that everyone could be served within the one-hour window.
Frustration at Serangoon Outlet
At the Serangoon Bus Interchange outlet, the situation became chaotic. Ms Ke, 39, told Shin Min Daily News that she arrived at 2.45pm and waited until 5pm but was unable to get the promotion because the system had closed.
“As frustration boiled over, some in the crowd started arguing with staff,” she said. Police arrived around 5.05pm to handle the situation. Staff told customers to return the next day and closed the shutters, declining further comment. A nearby shop worker said many accused the outlet of “scamming customers,” prompting around ten police officers to be deployed.
Similar Issues at Other Locations
Other outlets faced similar problems. Mr Hu, 69, waiting at Canberra Plaza, was told before 4pm that his transaction could not be processed and to return the next day. Ms Yang, 49, at Orchard Central, said staff stopped the queue at 3.05pm despite customers lining up from noon. Mdm Xie, 63, complained of poor queue management and a lack of information on expected waiting times.
