Tighten grip on supermarkets: MP

Manama : A parliamentarian called upon the authorities to tighten its grip on commercial outlets during the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

National Parliamentary Bloc member and Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee Deputy Chairman Mohammed Al Jowder demanded Consumer Protection Directorate in Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry to increase its inspection campaigns on supermarkets and commercial outlets.

He said in a statement yesterday that “it’s necessary to ensure balance between traders and consumers during the period of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, as the demand increases”.

Al Jowder claimed that he received many complaints from citizens, informing that prices insanely increase in this period.“As parliamentarians, we support punishing violators who manipulate prices and sell low quality products to consumers,” Al Jowder said.

The MP, who is also Parliament’s Human Rights Committee Deputy Chairman, alleged that some of products that are displayed in the market during Ramadan are low quality.

He added, “Consumers sometimes find themselves tricked after buying the products and on many occasions they’ve no choice but to dispose them off.

Al Jowder called to educate consumers about their rights and duties. He insisted that consumers should report any violations they detect in local markets to Consumer Protection Directorate.