Call For Consumer Protection Law
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei needs a law for protecting consumers' interests against overpriced and substandard goods, especially now as prices of basic goods are soaring, the head of advocacy group Consumers Association Brunei Darussalam yesterday said.

"The non-existence of a consumer protection act or law is a major concern. We do not have such law in Brunei, which could protect the interests of the consumers, particularly in addressing their concerns and rights," said Shadoon Lamzi, the president of the nongovernmental group.

At present, he said the group is most concerned about the rampant hike in food products, adding that in some cases, retailers have raised prices seemingly without considering consumers' situation.

"Prices of some food products are exceptionally high. Some retailers hike the prices without any due consideration. We don't know the justification and how price increase is calculated," he said.

He cited the rise in prices of cooking oil, flour and instant noodles.

"Businesses should also have some sort of policy - which would protect the consumer.

"Apply fair prices," he stressed.

Shadoon said the advocacy group does not have statutory rights to enforce regulations, but it acts as a sounding board for consumers to raise their issues and concerns which can then be brought to the government for action.

He said the association consults the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) on such issues.

"The JPKE may be the right agency, which should by law be enforcing relevant consumer laws. In our capacity, we can only highlight such matters to the relevant department," he said.

He said the group also plans to compile price data from retailers then issue a price guide information for consumers. "The price guide will enable consumers to buy products of fair quality and value at the right places," he said.

"It will help the consumers. Sometimes we take it for granted, but you don't know how much we can save from (overpricing)," he said.

"The extra 10 or 20 cents, for some families in the long run can be used to buy good food for their children, producing good citizens for the country," he added.

Shadoon said he has proposed to the the government to set up a tribunal for hearing consumers' concerns. Issues "can be dealt with through a consumer tribunal or small claims tribunal, a small court to hear about consumer matters".

The Consumers Association Brunei Darussalam was established on February 24, 2001. It has about 300 members.

"Our job is to inculcate the responsibility towards becoming smart consumers," Shadoon said.

He said the group tries to educate the public on consumer rights, highlighting information on pricing, product quality and value. 'We want to meet their needs by providing sufficient and relevant information with regard to products, for them to make intelligent choices in purchasing products," he said. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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