Emanuel Farrugia, coordinator, Consumers' Association Malta, Valletta
Consumers can make their voice heard
Louis Parnis (For A Consumers' Association With Clout, February 16) urges consumers to form a voluntary consumer association, adding that if there is one then "it must be dormant". L-Għaqda tal-Konsumaturi is a voluntary consumer organisation which was set up 27 years ago and is recognised under the Consumer Affairs Act (Act XXVIII of 1994) and is affiliated by paid memberships to Consumers' International and BEUC the European Consumer Federation.
During these years, it has been striving, with its limited human and financial resources, to be a voice in favour of consumer rights.
The Għaqda's work in favour of consumers to date remains entirely dependant on the work of volunteers.
We believe we enjoy the gratitude of all those members of the Ghaqda tal- Konsumaturi who have had complaints investigated and received compensation. If people like Mr Parnis are prepared to stand up, pull their socks up and be counted, instead of passing the buck, and to give their contribution, then the Għaqda tal-Konsumaturi will be able to continue and enhance its role as the voice of consumers in Malta and Gozo.
Mr Parnis is cordially invited to join Għaqda tal-Konsumaturi and he can contact us on info@camalta.org after having a look at our website at www.camalta.org.
Għaqda tal-Konsumaturi welcomes all consumers, who like Mr Parnis wish to make their voice heard and are willing to sacrifice some of their spare time, to safeguard their rights as consumers.
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John Weyne
Feb 26th 2009, 18:14
The problem with the l-Ghaqda tal-Konsumaturi is that it always tackled symptoms rather than problems. It is a very weak venture with little or no effect over the years, even though it enjoyed recognition and travel to Brussels.
L..Galea
Feb 26th 2009, 17:54
M. Mizzi
What consumers can do is to get a lawyer and file a case in all their names and share the expenses.
Emanuel Farrugia - Coordinator
Feb 26th 2009, 16:44
In reply to Mr. A Mizzi.
There is no legislation yet in Malta for legal class action either before the Consumer Claims Tribunal and if I am correct, neither in court. But there may be other legal ways we can help consumers in this matter.
There is a proposal fo this subject to be discussed at the council meeting of the Consumers' Association to be held today to see what assistance we can render to consumers. Mr. Mizzi, may I direct your attention to two articles in todays l-Orizzont, one on page 2 by journalist Charmaine Craus and one on page 11 by Dr. John Attard Montalto which provide further relevant details.
Please contact us on info@camalta.org or consumer@nextgen.net.mt ( or Tel. 21239091 when office is open ) so that when available, we can give you further details. We shall be doing what we can under the law to help consumers affected by this matter.
Emanuel Farrugia, Coordinator, Consumers' Association.
M. Mizzi
Feb 26th 2009, 12:19
Can the Consumer association insitute a class suit against the government if it persists in its stance of not refunding VAT on car registration tax in view of statement that Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs that confirmed that Maltese consumers had a right to sue the governemnt for reimbursement of VAT charged in an abusive manner?