Consumer Council has handled 3438 cases during the first half of this year. Inquiry cases amount to a total number of 2475, reflecting the intense need of consumers to inquire about their own consumer rights. Consumer alerts, talks and exhibitions have been released and organized by the Council for the enhancement of consumers' self protection. The Council aims to better its service in replying and meeting consumers' needs and will continue to pay attention to complaints regarding telecommunication services, telecommunication equipment and supplies, and other categories of complaints which are increasing in numbers. Among the 842 cases of complaints handled in the first half year, the top 3 categories are telecommunication services, telecommunication equipment and supplies, and food & beverages. Around 40% of the 123 complaints on telecommunication services involve business practices of telecommunication suppliers, vague charges, and charges for roaming service, etc.; the number of these cases also tends to escalate. For telecommunication equipment and supplies, around 40% of the 88 complaints received involve product quality of mobile phones and after sales service; 30 cases are related to price difference of the same product selling in different retail spots; 11 cases are related to cameras and photographic products. Consumer Council indicates that Macao is a free market and there is no interference or guidance to market prices, consumers are advised to make price comparisons prior to making purchases. For food and beverages, 73 complaint cases, mainly on business practices of retailers selling milk powder, have been received. Consumers can now access contact information of Hong Kong milk powder suppliers on Consumer Council's website, this helps safeguard the basic right of consumers when purchasing milk powder. Other categories which tend to increase in numbers include complaint cases related to product quality of clothing and apparel, skincare products, and cosmetics; cases from tourists also play a significant part in the total number of cases received. Further, as entertainment business develops in Macao, the number of complaint cases regarding concerts have also increased, 19 complaint cases have been received in the first half of 2011 whist only 2 cases were received in the same period of last year. Consumer Council will keep on providing assistance to consumers, and look into disputes and cases to make better suggestions and measurements to consumers.
