The proposed review of the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) Act will give the regulator stronger powers to investigate pyramid schemes, misleading online activities and digital market offences, as consumer scams continue to evolve.

Speaking during a public consultation on the proposed bill at Rishikul Sanatan College in Valelevu, FCCC Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta said the current law has left the commission with limited powers to effectively deal with emerging consumer protection issues.

Jiuta said while pyramid schemes have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, the existing Act does not provide sufficient enforcement tools to properly investigate and prosecute offenders.

She said the proposed bill strengthens provisions relating to pyramid schemes, misleading conduct and other consumer protection matters by expanding the commission’s investigative powers.

Jiuta said the reforms would allow the FCCC to obtain and analyse digital evidence, investigate offences committed through e-commerce platforms and digital markets, and better respond to modern forms of consumer fraud.

She said the bill had been benchmarked against competition laws in Australia and New Zealand but had been tailored to suit Fiji’s economic environment and future needs.

The proposed amendments also significantly increase penalties for offenders.

Under the bill, the maximum penalty for individuals would increase from $5,000 to $50,000, while companies could face fines of up to $500,000 for serious breaches.

The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development is conducting nationwide consultations on the proposed legislation before written submissions close on the 7th of August.

Following the consultation process, feedback will be incorporated into the draft bill before it is resubmitted to Cabinet for further consideration.