Latest news with #ConsumerCouncil
Scoop
15 hours ago
- Scoop
Fiji: Calls For Urgent Review Of E-Ticketing System Challenges
Press Release – Consumer Council of Fiji The Council gathered feedback from 122 bus commuters across the three cities. While 52 percent of respondents indicated satisfaction with the e-ticketing services, 48 percent expressed frustration, citing ongoing issues that have remained unaddressed … A revealing snap survey has laid bare the growing frustration and logistical chaos surrounding Fiji's e-ticketing system for public buses, prompting calls for an urgent overhaul. The recent heightened public discourse and increasing concern over the challenges faced by consumers led the Consumer Council of Fiji to conduct a snap survey in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa. While the sample size was small, comprising 122 participants, it included only regular bus users from three major urban centres, and it reflects a broader pattern, consistent with the complaints the Council continues to receive. The Council gathered feedback from 122 bus commuters across the three cities. While 52 percent of respondents indicated satisfaction with the e-ticketing services, 48 percent expressed frustration, citing ongoing issues that have remained unaddressed for far too long. Among the issues highlighted, several key concerns emerged: the first is a glaring lack of top up locations, especially for those living in semi-urban or rural areas, long queues at top-up locations, unreliable network connectivity, limited access to recharge points after hours (especially in rural areas), and the lack of alternative payment options when the system is down. The Council is also concerned that the discontinuation of disposable cards has left many consumers without a backup option during emergencies. Some commuters have reported being left behind when bus drivers refused to accept any alternative form of payment during system outages. While the Council recognises that accepting cash is illegal and could result in fines for both drivers and passengers, it raises an important question: what alternatives are commuters supposed to rely on when the system fails? Furthermore, one of the most persistent issues is the removal of printed receipts, which has left many consumers, particularly the elderly and those without smartphones, unable to verify fare deductions or monitor their remaining balance. In light of these findings, the Consumer Council is calling for immediate action from Vodafone Fiji and all stakeholders involved in the administration of the e-ticketing system. 'Consumers are struggling with a system that was supposed to make their lives easier,' said Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji. 'While we fully support the growing digital economy and our collective move towards a cashless society, we cannot ignore the challenges faced by ordinary people in accessing this basic service. When the system fails, it doesn't just inconvenience people, it disrupts livelihoods. This became apparent for everyone to see during the recent nationwide disruption to the e-Transport Bus Card top-up system, where there was no backup plan in place for commuters. are urging Vodafone Fiji to address these issues urgently, transparently, and in consultation with the public.' 'The Council is particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact on elderly passengers and rural communities, who face the greatest barriers to access and the least digital support,' added Ms. Shandil. 'This is not the first-time concerns about e-ticketing have been raised. However, the Consumer Council now considers the situation urgent and unacceptable, and is calling for a national review of the system's effectiveness and fairness.' While the Council understands Vodafone has launched an app and has taken steps to rectify some of the issues, it must communicate these actions more clearly, consider the real challenges people are facing, and work towards practical, people-centred solutions. This includes launching a massive information campaign to ensure consumers are informed, empowered, and equipped to use the system confidently. 'The future of transport must be inclusive, accessible, and consumer-centred,' Ms. Shandil emphasised. 'We are calling on service providers to listen to the people who rely on these services daily and take decisive steps to fix what is broken.' Consumers facing issues with the E-ticketing services are advised to contact the Toll-Free National Consumer Helpline 155, or email complaints@
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Scoop
Fiji: Calls For Urgent Review Of E-Ticketing System Challenges
Press Release – Consumer Council of Fiji The Council gathered feedback from 122 bus commuters across the three cities. While 52 percent of respondents indicated satisfaction with the e-ticketing services, 48 percent expressed frustration, citing ongoing issues that have remained unaddressed … A revealing snap survey has laid bare the growing frustration and logistical chaos surrounding Fiji's e-ticketing system for public buses, prompting calls for an urgent overhaul. The recent heightened public discourse and increasing concern over the challenges faced by consumers led the Consumer Council of Fiji to conduct a snap survey in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa. While the sample size was small, comprising 122 participants, it included only regular bus users from three major urban centres, and it reflects a broader pattern, consistent with the complaints the Council continues to receive. The Council gathered feedback from 122 bus commuters across the three cities. While 52 percent of respondents indicated satisfaction with the e-ticketing services, 48 percent expressed frustration, citing ongoing issues that have remained unaddressed for far too long. Among the issues highlighted, several key concerns emerged: the first is a glaring lack of top up locations, especially for those living in semi-urban or rural areas, long queues at top-up locations, unreliable network connectivity, limited access to recharge points after hours (especially in rural areas), and the lack of alternative payment options when the system is down. The Council is also concerned that the discontinuation of disposable cards has left many consumers without a backup option during emergencies. Some commuters have reported being left behind when bus drivers refused to accept any alternative form of payment during system outages. While the Council recognises that accepting cash is illegal and could result in fines for both drivers and passengers, it raises an important question: what alternatives are commuters supposed to rely on when the system fails? Furthermore, one of the most persistent issues is the removal of printed receipts, which has left many consumers, particularly the elderly and those without smartphones, unable to verify fare deductions or monitor their remaining balance. In light of these findings, the Consumer Council is calling for immediate action from Vodafone Fiji and all stakeholders involved in the administration of the e-ticketing system. 'Consumers are struggling with a system that was supposed to make their lives easier,' said Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji. 'While we fully support the growing digital economy and our collective move towards a cashless society, we cannot ignore the challenges faced by ordinary people in accessing this basic service. When the system fails, it doesn't just inconvenience people, it disrupts livelihoods. This became apparent for everyone to see during the recent nationwide disruption to the e-Transport Bus Card top-up system, where there was no backup plan in place for commuters. are urging Vodafone Fiji to address these issues urgently, transparently, and in consultation with the public.' 'The Council is particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact on elderly passengers and rural communities, who face the greatest barriers to access and the least digital support,' added Ms. Shandil. 'This is not the first-time concerns about e-ticketing have been raised. However, the Consumer Council now considers the situation urgent and unacceptable, and is calling for a national review of the system's effectiveness and fairness.' While the Council understands Vodafone has launched an app and has taken steps to rectify some of the issues, it must communicate these actions more clearly, consider the real challenges people are facing, and work towards practical, people-centred solutions. This includes launching a massive information campaign to ensure consumers are informed, empowered, and equipped to use the system confidently. 'The future of transport must be inclusive, accessible, and consumer-centred,' Ms. Shandil emphasised. 'We are calling on service providers to listen to the people who rely on these services daily and take decisive steps to fix what is broken.' Consumers facing issues with the E-ticketing services are advised to contact the Toll-Free National Consumer Helpline 155, or email complaints@
South China Morning Post
26-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Ex-head of Hong Kong Consumer Council denies quitting due to Nongfu Spring debacle
The former head of the Hong Kong Consumer Council has denied her departure was prompted by the watchdog's unusual backdown over its controversial verdicts on a mainland brand of 'natural drinking water'. Gilly Wong Fung-han, who stepped down as chief executive of the council earlier this month at the end of her term, said she had done so after suffering from two serious bouts of cold that left her 'reflecting on life' and needing to 'take a rest'. But she conceded that the council had wronged Nongfu Spring, China's leading bottled water company, when it listed the brand in an incorrect category last year after warning of high levels of bromate in one of its products. 'It has always been our policy that we should be fair and objective, open and honest, and assume accountability,' Wong said in a radio interview on Monday. 'We handled the [Nongfu Spring] case in the same manner …. So, when we discovered that we made mistakes, we took a responsible step to rectify and make corrections.' Last July, the watchdog suggested consumers avoid buying bottled water after tests on various brands, including Nongfu Spring.
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Deep Dive: Hong Kong's consumer watchdog finds pets bought online likely to have more health problems
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. Hong Kong's annual Dogathon raises HK$2.2 million for animal welfare The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writers Question prompts 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using News, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. How does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using News and Glossary. Photo A veterinarian makes an injection of a vaccine to a pet cat. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to News, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using News and Glossary. Issue: Survey finds problematic sales tactics among online pet sellers Operation reached out to 13 social media accounts selling dogs; only one could provide documentation None of the sellers provided contracts to ensure they would honour their promises A recent mystery shopper operation by Hong Kong's Consumer Council has raised suspicions that 90 per cent of online pet sellers were smuggling in animals from mainland China or operating unlicensed local breeding or trading businesses. The operation involved reaching out to 13 social media accounts that appeared to sell dogs. Among the sellers contacted, five claimed their dogs came from breeding farms or kennels on the mainland, with some vendors saying delivery to Hong Kong could take one to two days. Five of the sellers identified themselves as Hong Kong-based 'private breeders'. Three of the vendors claimed they had local dog breeding licences. Among those three, only one was able to provide a 'yellow paper', or a dog breeder's declaration – a legal document issued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The other two gave various reasons for being unable to share the documents, such as claiming that the papers were missing or that their site was awaiting a government inspection or undergoing processing. The five sellers claiming to offer mainland-bred dogs and the five claiming to be local private breeders were unable to provide any proof of legal origin or relevant documentation for their canines. The report also revealed that dogs sold online generally lacked microchips. Only three of the vendors claiming to be local dog breeders said their canines were or would be microchipped. Some of the vendors offering mainland-bred dogs falsely claimed their pets could not be microchipped before being transported to the city. Others claimed that dogs privately bred in Hong Kong were not typically microchipped. InfoSpark: How to be respectful of dogs in Hong Kong While 11 of the 13 sellers offered a health guarantee period, the details of the policies varied or were unclear. None of the sellers provided contracts or justifications to ensure they would honour their promises. The council also noted concerning sales tactics, such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers needed time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand was high. The watchdog urged consumers to consider adopting pets, avoid buying animals of unknown origin online, and to patronise reputable licensed animal traders. Residents should also learn more about a pet's health before buying it. The AFCD said that pets bought online carried risks due to owners' inability to assess the animals' real condition and past living environment, as well as the potential promotion of unlicensed breeding and smuggling. Staff writer Question prompts 1. According to Issue, which of the following problems were identified by the Consumer Council regarding online dog sellers? (1) Most sellers surveyed were suspected of smuggling or unlicensed breeding. (2) The majority of dogs sold online were microchipped before transport. (3) Sellers often failed to provide legal documentation proving the dogs' origins. (4) Most sellers were in mainland China. A. (1), (3) only B. (2), (4) only C. (2), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. List TWO problematic sales tactics used by online pet sellers. 3. What are the risks of buying a pet online, and what does the Consumer Council recommend doing instead? Explain using News, Issue and Glossary. Photo A group of animal rights supporters dressed in dog costumes gather outside Central Plaza. Photo: May Tse Question prompts 1. What message is being conveyed in the photo? 2. To what extent do you agree that Hongkongers should adopt pets instead of buying from online pet sellers? Explain using News, Issue and your own knowledge. Glossary canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. microchips: small electronic devices implanted under a pet's skin. The chip gives the animal a unique identification number. If the pet gets lost, the chip can be scanned to find the owner's contact information. reputable: having a good reputation; trustworthy Online pet sellers can be very problematic, so it's best to avoid them. Photo: Shutterstock Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers. Issue 1. A 2. Many online sellers use problematic sales tactics such as only responding with voice messages, deleting photos or videos if buyers ask for time to think and pressuring customers into making quick transactions by claiming demand is high. (accept all reasonable answers) 3. According to the AFCD, online pet purchases carry significant risks due to poor health transparency, difficulty tracing sellers, and the promotion of illegal breeding and smuggling. People are urged to avoid buying pets of unknown origin online, adopt pets from shelters, and support licensed traders. Photo 1. The message encourages people to adopt animals instead of supporting breeders. 2. To a large extent, I agree that people should adopt pets instead of buying from breeders, especially online sellers. Many online sellers are suspected of illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding, and animals sold this way are often in poor health, lacking proper documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping. Buying from such breeders can support unethical practices and increase the risk of adopting sick or misrepresented pets. Adoption, on the other hand, helps reduce demand for irresponsible breeding and gives animals in need a chance at a better life. (accept all reasonable answers)
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Spark Deep Dive: Hong Kong vets report more health problems for dogs, cats bought online
Deep Dive delves into hot issues in Hong Kong and mainland China. Our easy-to-read articles provide context to grasp what's happening, while our questions help you craft informed responses. Check sample answers at the end of the page. News: Hong Kong vets report higher rates of poor health for online-bought cats, dogs Hong Kong veterinarians are reporting higher rates of poor health among online-bought cats and dogs compared with those purchased at physical stores, the Consumer Council has said. The council suspected that nearly all the internet-based canine sellers it had checked were involved in illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding. In a report published earlier this month, the city's consumer watchdog said it had conducted a study alongside the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The two organisations surveyed registered veterinarians and targeted 18 online platforms in a mystery shopper operation. 'The survey results found that more cats and dogs purchased online were in poor health, with a significantly higher proportion than those purchased from physical pet shops,' said Chung Chi-yung, chairman of the council's research and testing committee. On average, five out of every 10 dogs and 5.5 out of every 10 cats bought online and presented for veterinary care were sick or in poor condition. The rates were 3.3 for dogs and 3.9 for cats bought at physical pet shops. The most common diseases faced by online-bought pets included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and the canine parvovirus. The study also showed that the eight most common diseases in canines were found more in dogs bought online than those purchased at stores. The common disease prevalence rates for the former ranged from 52 to 86 per cent, compared with the latter's range of 29 to 78 per cent. Cats purchased online had higher rates of common feline illnesses, such as cat flu and skin infections. Feline panleukopenia, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease, affected 61.9 per cent of online-purchased cats, compared with 31.4 per cent of those from pet shops. The survey of veterinarians also found that more than 90 per cent of cats and dogs purchased online lacked vaccination cards. Some owners presented documents that lacked signatures from accredited professionals and were only in simplified Chinese. Some sellers claimed their dogs had received their jabs on the mainland. They suggested customers give the animals 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. In addition, pets bought online were more unlikely to match the descriptions of ages and breeds given to their owners than those purchased at stores. Staff writer Questions 1. What did Hong Kong's Consumer Council discover about pets bought online? (1) They were more expensive than pets bought from physical stores. (2) They were more aggressive than store-bought pets. (3) They were more likely to be in poor health. (4) They were more likely to be a different breed or age than what was advertised. A. (1), (2) only B. (2), (4) only C. (1), (3) only D. (3), (4) only 2. Using the news, name TWO activities the Consumer Council suspects most online pet sellers of doing. 3. Based on the Consumer Council's report, how does the health and documentation of cats and dogs purchased online compare with those bought at physical pet stores? Explain using the news and glossary. Photo A vet prepares to give a cat a vaccine. Photo: Shutterstock Question prompts 1. According to the news, why is proper vaccination particularly important for pets purchased online? 2. What potential health risks are associated with buying a cat from an online seller? Explain using the news and glossary. Glossary smuggling: to transport things, animals or people somewhere secretly and often illegally mystery shopper: someone employed to test the service of a business by pretending to be a normal customer canine parvovirus: a highly contagious virus in dogs that causes severe stomach illness. It is often life-threatening, especially for puppies. feline panleukopenia: a contagious and often fatal virus in cats. It is also known as feline distemper and affects the immune system, stomach and intestines. Sample answers News 1. D 2. illegal smuggling and unlicensed breeding 3. According to the Consumer Council's report, cats and dogs bought online were in significantly poorer health than those purchased from physical stores. On average, 5 out of 10 dogs and 5.5 out of 10 cats bought online were sick or in poor condition, compared to 3.3 dogs and 3.9 cats from pet shops. Additionally, over 90 per cent of online-bought pets lacked valid vaccination cards, with some documentation missing professional signatures or written only in simplified Chinese. (accept all reasonable answers) Photo 1. Vaccination is especially important because although some sellers claim their dogs had received vaccinations on the mainland, they still advise buyers to get 'booster shots' in Hong Kong. This raises concerns about whether the animals received any vaccinations in the first place or if they haven't received them all. (accept all reasonable answers) 2. Cats bought from online sellers were more likely to suffer from serious health issues such as cat flu, skin infections, and feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. These risks are heightened due to the lack of proper vaccinations and incomplete or falsified health records provided by many online sellers.
