The Attorney General and Industry and Trade Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is warning traders to refrain from selling sugar to consumers only on the condition that they purchase other goods.
The ultimatum was given following the issuance of a warning letter to a Suva trader last week after it was discovered that the supermarket was indeed conditionally selling sugar.
Sayed-Khaiyum said traders have already been warned that refusing to sell goods unless other goods are purchased is illegal and is in breach of Section 66E of the Fair Trading (Amendment) Act 1998 which states, that a person must not, whether as principal or agent, refuse to sell goods or services except on the condition that other goods or services are also purchased from that person or from any other person, or attempt to impose any such condition.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the maximum penalty for this breach was $25,000, adding that officers from the Fair Trading Department will be conducting checks on traders to ensure they comply with the law.
He is also encouraging members of the public who come across these instances of conditional selling to notify the Department of Fair Trading on 330 5411.
Nausori resident Tagi Vonolagi said this conditional sugar selling by traders is just uncalled for adding that this is becoming a major problem.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Deo Saran and Sugar Ministry Permanent Secretary Manasa Vaniqi are expected to comment later today.
