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The Consumer Council of Fiji has applauded some of the reforms and policies put in place by the government to protect consumers in Fiji.
Council chief executive officer Premila Kumar said the council has been fighting vigorously for consumer protection since its establishment in 1976.
“Only in recent years have we seen our hard work materialising with positive policies from the government,” Kumar added.
The council highlighted several reforms and policies including:
- Raising the bar of the Small Claims Tribunal from $2,000 to $5,000 helping consumer’s access justice for cases with a monetary value of up to $5,000, and which helps consumers avoid exorbitant legal fees for hiring lawyers in the Magistrates’ Court.
- The move towards the merger of consumer protection agencies so that a single consumer body with comprehensive consumer protection law will ensure a voice for consumers.
- The Consumer Credit Act increasing not only protection of consumers for hire purchase and housing loans/mortgage but also improving confidence in the retail credit market.
- The Food Safety Act 2003 and Food Safety Regulation 2009 which the council said is a major gain for consumers in terms of food safety and quality by making distributors and retailers more responsible for food items they make, sell and distribute.
- The Medical and Dental Practice Decree which protects consumers from professional misconduct and malpractice.
- The Reserve Bank of Fiji’s consumer complaints unit where customers can lodge complaints against their financial service provider.
- The Legal Service Commission where consumers can lodge complaints with the Chief Registrar’s Office which can investigate and action issues of poor service delivery, excessive or unreasonable fees.
Kumar said it is consumers who are most vulnerable to abuse by corrupt elements of society.
