The Department of Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs will now start with programs to eradicate problems of false and misleading statements used by some traders in promoting their goods.

The Department said it has cautioned traders on numerous occasions to refrain from using false statements, making false claims and also stating certain prices which are not available.

It said that as clearly stated in Section 57 of the Fair Trading Decree, any person from using Afalse or misleading@ statement of fact when promoting and advertising their goods or services is strictly prohibited.

The Department states that due to the continuity in such practices by the major retailers and traders in misleading consumers, the Department of Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs will now come up with programs to get rid of such practices.

Meanwhile the Trade Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said any further breaches of Section 57 will not be taken lightly by the Department and will lead to prosecution.

Sayed-Khaiyum has warned traders that non-compliance with the requirements of Section 57 is treated as an offence, whereby traders can face prosecution which could amount to fines of up to $25,000.

He hopes that all shop owners and traders will adhere to the laws.