After typhoon Hato rampaged through Macao, the Consumer Council carried out measures, including increased patrols to traders and the setup of a “WhatsApp Hotline” 62980886 for consumers to report any market irregularities, to help stabilize the prices in the market and to safeguard consumer rights. The Council finished 1,491 times of patrolling and received 80 cases reported by citizens in the recent half-month. Traders affected by typhoon Hato has resumed their businesses and supply of goods has become stable.
Supply and prices of goods return normal
The Council started patrolling from 24th August and found no unfair trade practices in most supermarkets, grocery stores, food & beverage outlets, and drugstores, some shops even offered discounted products and services to consumers. Further, the supermarket price survey conducted by the Council recently reviews resumed stability in both prices and supply of bottled water and noodles, etc..
F&B outlets reported by citizens have been charged
The Council set up the 62980886 “WhatsApp Hotline” on 25th August to accept citizens’ report on unfair trade practices in the market. The Council has handled 20 cases, 18 cases have been transferred to other enforcing departments, while 42 cases contain insufficient information or are not consumer-related matters.
Two cases on food and beverage outlets reported by citizens have been transferred to the IACM, and both outlets were then charged by the enforcing department. Though other cases do not show any illegal acts, shops may be suggested to do better by the relevant departments where necessary.
The main issues reported by citizens include significant price increases at food & beverage outlets and shops, overcharging of car washing, car towing, and car repairing services, as well as food safety, etc.
Hotline still available to public
Local retail services have resumed to normal business recently, and the “WhatsApp Hotline” is still open to the public. The Council will look into and follow up with the cases after receiving them from citizens. The public are welcome to use the service to report any malpractice in the market.
All local businesses are called on again to respect the rights and safety of consumers, and refrain from involving in any illegal acts.
