24 TRADERS CHARGED

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has charged a total of 24 traders sofar this year for breaching provisions of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010 (FCCC Act 2010).

Majority of the charges laid are against traders in the central division with the total of 21 while two have been charged in the western division and 1 in the northern division.

FCCC chief executive officer Joel Abraham says FCCC has on numerous occasions warned traders against engaging in unethical practices. However, it continues to note a handful of unscrupulous traders in the Fijian market who try and take advantage of vulnerable Fijians.

Mr Abraham said, FCCC will not condone negligent behaviour from traders. Some traders argue that they were not aware of the provisions of the FCCC Act 2010, however, this is not a reasonable excuse. Negligence of the law is not a defence.

As such, strict enforcement should act as a deterrent for those thinking of acting outside the FCCC Act 2010. The 24 traders charged were found to be engaging in unconscionable conduct, accepting payment and failing to supply as ordered, deceptive conduct, false and misleading representation, failing to display prices on price-controlled and non-price controlled goods, overcharging, failing to keep proper records and failing to furnish information.

These are breaches under Parts 6 and 7 of the FCCC Act 2010. FCCC is reminding traders and service providers to be fair in their dealings at all times.

Fijians are encouraged to report any unfair trade practices to FCCC.