New committee aims to protect consumers from greedy traders

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The formation of a permanent committee for consumer protection at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry by the Cabinet will help prevent traders from increasing prices of essential commodities without any genuine reason, says experts and businessmen. They called upon the ministry to open the committee’s branches in all regions and major cities to receive complaints of consumers and punish violators. The new committee was set up following the failure of the Consumer Protection Association to safeguard the interests of the consumers. Nasser Al-Qaraawi, chairman of the Saudi Center for Studies and Research, commended Commerce and Industry Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah for his initiative to establish the committee, saying it reflects the government’s desire to protect the rights of consumers. “The formation of the new committee augurs well with the government’s move to upgrade its rules and regulations and restructure public and private sectors,” he said, adding that the committee has been given wider powers to carry out its mission effectively. It also reflects the vision of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, minister of defense, who wanted to remove the accumulated obstacles that have hampered the Kingdom’s economic progress. Al-Qaraawi hoped that the committee would realize its objectives in protecting consumers. He praised Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for his efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s global reputation in tune with its religious, political and economic position. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qahtani, CPA secretary general, said the new Cabinet decision would contribute in protecting the rights of consumers. He hoped that the new committee would work effectively in realizing the hopes and aspirations of consumers. The new committee will have representatives from the Ministries of municipal and rural affairs, heath, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and the Council of Saudi Chambers. “We hope the new committee would set out the strategy and rules and regulations for the protection of consumers’ rights, and unify regulations to avoid duplication,” Al-Qahtani said. He hoped the committee would organize training programs to enhance the capabilities of its workers. Ahmed Sindi, a board member of Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said the Cabinet decision reflects the government’s desire to protect consumers from money-hungry traders. “The hike in prices of essential commodities affects the lives of people with low income.” Sindi hoped that the committee, which is chaired by the minister, would have its branches in all parts of the Kingdom to make them closer to citizens and address their problems without delay. Businessman Hani Al-Hadli also spoke about the committee’s important role in controlling prices of essential commodities. “We see difference in prices of medicines at various pharmacies, exceeding 20 percent. This destroys the shoulder of consumers,” he pointed out. He emphasized the need to expose traders who charge high prices. Shops should be asked to put price tags on their commodities, he added.