Press Releases 2019

The Consumer Council of Fiji convened a panel discussion on Thursday November 14th with the theme “Public Perceptions of Quality and Affordability in Housing Sector” to provide a holistic look at issues found by stakeholders in the housing sector.

As Diwali is one of the biggest shopping seasons in Fiji, “Sale, Diwali Bonanza, Deals and Discount” schemes are a large factor to lure consumers. Many shoppers even advance their shopping to make the most of the so called “Discount Sales”.

Traders are being sternly warned that human error and technical glitches are unacceptable excuses for contrasting shelf and point of sale prices.

The Consumer Council of Fiji commemorated the closing of the Green Action Week today with a commitment to continue to push the green consumerism agenda for Fijian consumers.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) will soon have an automated electronic complaints management system that will streamline their data aggregation, storage and recall processes.

The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB), in collaboration with the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF), will conduct a Joint Roadshow in the Northern Division this month as part of an effort to educate consumers on issues related to the Real Estate Industry in Fiji

The Consumer Council of Fiji welcomes the move by the three telecommunication companies, Telecom Fiji Limited, Vodafone Fiji, and Digicel to absorb the new data levy of 10 cents for every gigabyte used by their customers.

The Consumer Council of Fiji has noted increased incidences of traders tampering with expiry dates and is urging traders to cease this practice. These unscrupulous traders are placing consumer’s health at risk by deliberately changing expiry dates in a bid to get money from items that no longer have value.

The Consumer Council of Fiji will conduct an awareness workshop with key stakeholders in Lautoka this week in its effort to raise discussions and boost consumer confidence.

The Consumer Council of Fiji views the 2019 – 2020 Budget to be futuristic, practical and economically sustainable. It not only provides stable present but also secures stable future for all Fijians.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning Fijian restaurants to lift their standards after recent market surveillance found rampant poor hygiene practices that are placing consumers at risk.

Traders and importers of food items are being warned to ensure the products they retail abide by labelling requirements under the Food Safety Act 2003 or they may face having these products removed from shelves.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is concerned with the recent announcement made by BIMA insurance on the closure of its operations in Fiji without providing any alternatives or refunds to loyal consumers who have an insurance policy with their company.

Consumers are urged to take advantage of Mobile Unit that will be set-up in Suva to lodge their complaints or simply seek advice on consumer issues.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is concerned with the way some traders label customers on receipts whilst waiting to be served.

Consumers are urged to check the quality of meat products and the hygiene of its storage when they are out shopping. This comes as a concern when the Council while carrying out its market surveillance found that there is a growing disregard of hygiene practices required under the Food Safety Act 2003 and Food Safety Regulation 2009 by a number of supermarkets across the country.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on minibus operators to refrain from charging increased fares to passengers at different locations around the country as this is illegal.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is extremely concerned that consumers continue to be cheated and misled by unscrupulous car dealers around the country.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is cautioning traders to avoid skirting the law by not providing receipts to consumers. This warning comes as Council’s market surveillance team witnessed how consumers are not being issued their receipts whilst shopping.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is extremely concerned at the cavalier attitude with which phone company Gartile continues to treat its consumers.