The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued a reminder to traders to avoid exploiting the festive season for profit. In a statement, FCCC chief executive Joel Abraham emphasized the organization’s commitment to combat practices such as price gouging, deceptive promotions, and unfair trading.
Abraham highlighted the importance of maintaining fairness during this time, stating, “Let us work together to uphold fairness and ensure that the festive spirit is not marred by unethical practices.” To enforce these standards, the FCCC has been diligently conducting inspections and surveys nationwide, particularly in November, when they executed over 700 inspections focused on preventing unethical pricing and promotions. This initiative uncovered 44 potential violations, including issues like excessive pricing and lack of visible pricing on goods.
To address these breaches, the FCCC is prepared to implement a range of enforcement actions, from warning letters to surveillance, and potentially prosecuting offenders. Recently, the commission has already carried out 417 pre-Christmas inspections to ensure traders are complying with fair practices during the busy shopping season.
In addition to advocating for consumer rights, Abraham encourages people to embrace the holiday spirit by showing kindness and supporting vulnerable members of the community, whether they be elderly neighbors or individuals spending the holidays alone. He stated, “A small act of kindness… can make a world of difference to those who may not be as fortunate as you.”
This proactive stance not only promotes fair trading but also reinforces the essence of community solidarity during the festive season, reminding us all of the importance of kindness and support for one another.
Overall, the FCCC’s actions reflect a commitment to consumer protection and ethical business practices, fostering a fairer environment during a time that is meant for celebration and goodwill.
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