The number of complaint cases received by the Consumer Council in 2010 increased 108 percent year-on-year.

Complaint cases mainly related to telecommunications services, as well as prices and after-sales services of telecommunications products, according to a press release.

The low-cost Viva Macau grounding also triggered a substantial number of complaints.

Last year, the council received a total of 7,797 cases, a 60 percent jump, which consisted of 2,566 complaint cases, 5,116 inquiries, and 115 suggestions.

The council indicated that the significant increase in the number of inquiry cases, which rose by 44 percent, may have been caused by its “strengthened work in educating consumers of their own rights to prevent consumer disputes”.

To celebrate today’s “World Consumer Rights Day”, a photo exhibition on ‘Smart Consumption’ will be held by the Consumer Council in the park of Iao Hon Market.

A talk on tips for buying real estate given by Deputy Council President, Leong Hong Sai, of The Macau Institution of Engineers will be held this afternoon at the same location.