The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is calling on people to report unscrupulous traders who are overcharging people as CEO Joel Abraham says unfortunately, they are a bit laid-back in terms of their presence in certain areas because they do not have the budgetary means to be able to deploy people full-time.
While responding to a question on what the FCCC is doing about exorbitant prices of goods in rural and maritime areas on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Abraham says they have a work plan whereby with the budget they get from the government, they are able to send officers out.
He says they want to have area enforcement officers in all these areas because when FCCC officers get onto the boat, messages will get to the island that FCCC is coming and by the time they get there, the rates are low.
The CEO says when they recruit people in areas, after some time, somebody hires them and take them away because businesses in those areas do not want enforcement officers.
He says if these officers are paid higher salaries then questions are asked why they are paid so highly but they need to have people based there and incur cost.
Abraham says if they have area enforcement officers then they have localised presence and as soon as they receive a complaint, they will immediately respond.
He says if you come across an instance of non-compliance, note as much details as you can such as place, time, receipt and if they do not provide a receipt then note the details or take photos and videos.
Abraham says all these things will help them so they are able to pin-point the issue of non-compliance. Abraham says people can send the details on the FCCC Facebook page, email on fccchelpdesk@fccc.gov.fj, call on 8921991 or on live chat feature on the FCCC website.
He says people can also call the National Consumer Helpline toll-free number 155 that is operated by the Consumer Council of Fiji.
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