I do not believe the Consumer Council exists to protect the interests of all consumers.

My small company operates beauty salons. Whenever we rent premises, there is a requirement by the landlord that we can only use its nominated contractors for, for example, the provision of air-conditioning, electricity and water. It is a matter of take it or leave it when we are faced with landlords' extortionate estimates.

I approached the Consumer Council about this matter and was told that its hands are tied. As a government-funded statutory body it can only deal with the complaints of individual consumers.