Consumer authority - foreigners not being discriminated against

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Jason Azzopardi held a press conference in Valletta to mark the occasion of World Consumer's Day which is held on 15 March.  

Addressing the press together with representatives of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, Azzopardi said that a balance must be found between consumer's rights and duties as "they are two sides of the same coin" and lauded the Collective Proceedings bill as a law that will "empower" consumers.

A spokesperson for the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority said the authority is aware of measures imposed on EU nationals living in Malta including the requirement to pay deposits for the provision of telephony and internet services but said that the measures are "not discriminatory."

The spokesperson said "service providers impose deposit payments on foreign residents as a safeguard in case the foreign customers leave the island without paying for any pending bills."

The consumer affairs minister said consumers had the right to clear and reliable information. The consumer authority will launch a campaign through which it will visit schools and local councils and hold information sessions and hand out leaflets and posters.  

Azzopardi also announced that the authority's office in Blata l-Bajda will be open for longer hours to make it more accessible.  The new opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Speaking on the Collective Proceedings bill, Azzopardi said that the law will strengthen consumer rights and will enable consumers to present class action lawsuits.

On 17 March the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority will set up an information stand in St George's Square, Valletta to mark the annual World Consumer's Day.