Weighing Scandal Unveils Tampered Scales at Dalian Restaurant Amidst Public Outrage

The city of Dalian has been rocked by a scandal involving electronic scales used at a local restaurant, which have been found to be tampered with, leading to potential weight discrepancies in the measurement of goods. This revelation has sparked widespread outrage on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users expressing frustration and disappointment towards the responsible authorities for failing to detect and address such a glaring issue earlier.

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12 November 2023

The controversy emerged after an inspection by Wuxi Institute of Metrology and Testing revealed that the electronic scales used at Finder Restaurant in Zhongshan District were suspected of deliberately using damaged metrological instruments, in violation of standard measurement practices. The issue was first brought to light by Dalian Municipal Market Supervision Bureau on November 12th, and since then has gained significant traction on Weibo, with many users expressing disbelief and anger over the matter.

One user commented, "With something as absurd as this causing such a stir, are some people living up to their responsibilities for the national salary? The lack of responsibility, passivity, and covering up problems at the grassroots level is truly detrimental!" This sentiment was echoed by many others, who criticized the inefficiency and negligence of the local government departments in handling such a serious issue.

The 'ghost scale' refers to a method of modifying electronic scales by tampering with their motherboards and software, allowing for the alteration of measurement units with passwords. This can lead to short weightings or lack of weights, resulting in the display of false material weights according to need while using passwords for operation. Such practices are particularly problematic for law enforcement personnel who are unable to detect these alterations during inspections.

The Weibo community has reacted with shock and disappointment at the revelation of such widespread ghost scale usage in Dalian, with some users questioning the city's ability to test electronic devices for tampering. A user wrote, "A device said must be sent to the south for confirmation before being considered cheating, but in Dalian city as a whole we do not have this ability to test it. Is it still unwilling to check?" This sentiment reflects the frustration and lack of trust in local authorities' capabilities to address such issues effectively.

The problem of rampant ghost scales has been raised as a matter of urgency by many Weibo users, with some calling for stricter regulations and more effective enforcement measures. A user commented, "The problem of rampant ghost scales must be addressed urgently! The weibo video of Hanyu Sir" highlights the widespread nature of this issue and the need for immediate action from relevant authorities.

Some users have also questioned the role of influencers in resolving such cases, with one user commenting, "The joke is that fraud is settled by influencers, what does the Industry and Commerce Bureau and the Market Supervision Bureau do?" This criticism highlights the perceived inefficiency and lack of action from government departments in dealing with such issues.

In light of this scandal, many Weibo users have offered practical advice on how a normal person should deal with such merchants, with one user suggesting, "The scales were tested three times and passed the exam almost, but I nearly laughed to death... B has been involved in several situations of short weight before going out. There are also threats encountered ,I hope it can be thoroughly investigated properly ."

This incident has led many users to express disappointment towards the Dalian Municipal Market Supervision Bureau for its perceived inability to detect and address such issues effectively. One user sarcastically commented, "The market supervision department in Dalian is not capable enough, and department leaders are not punished for their negligence" highlighting the lack of accountability among responsible authorities.

The controversy has also sparked debates over the responsibilities of government departments in ensuring accurate measurement practices and maintaining public trust. While some users have expressed support