The Consumer Council of Fiji received a total 1530 complaints in 2009 with a dollar value of almost $1.9 million with an estimated 128 complaints per month.

Disputes between Landlords and Tenants topped the list of complaints received by the Consumer Council of Fiji in 2009.

Complaints against public transport was second on the list with 151 complaints, while 126 complaints were received from members of the public on purchase of electronic goods.

The Council also received 85 complaints against mobile phone services and 61 complaints against the Fiji Electricity Authority.

The complaints received against public transport mostly related to the public not being happy with the increase in bus fares announced in August last year.

Out of the 1530 complaints last year, 902 were resolved through mediation between the complainant and the respondent to find an amicable solution.

The other cases were referred to other authorities for resolutions such as the Small Claims Tribunal, Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs Department, the Prices and Incomes Board, municipal councils and relevant government ministries.

Meanwhile, other complaints received by the Council included issues on mobile products with 46 complaints, 45 complaints against Financial institutions and 42 complaints against Telecom Fiji Limited.