Bahrain urged to halt transactions for Consumer Protection Law violators

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The consumer is the king of the market. This age-old business adage is set to gain more teeth in Bahrain’s business landscape.

Reinforcing this golden rule will be a set of compelling proposals presented by a group of MPs before the parliament. They warn that those who dare to violate it will have to face consequences in an unprecedented way.

The travel ban is one of the deterrents. Measures also include the suspension of all government services for offenders as well as a prohibition on vehicle registration in their name.

These stringent actions against individuals disregarding the Consumer Protection Law were spearheaded by MPs Abdullah Al Rumaihi, Badr Al Tamimi, Mohammed Al Balushi, Abdulhakim Al Shanu, and Hamad Al Doy.

Citing a pressing need to curb deceptive practices and protect consumers from financial losses, the MPs stress that getting tougher is the only way to effectively uphold consumer rights.

They advocate for a comprehensive approach, urging the integration of violation systems with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through advanced e-government systems.

To ensure swift and efficient resolution of consumer complaints, the proposal outlines a process where the Ministry addresses the violators, provides opportunities for them to respond, and holds hearings regarding the complaints.

However, should the violators persistently ignore these summons, the Ministry would enact a suspension of all government services and transactions, akin to the established “Absher” system in Saudi Arabia.

Emphasising the gravity of the situation, Al Rumaihi underscores that the primary objective is to establish a robust deterrent against deceptive practices, preventing individuals from engaging in illegal commercial activities or misappropriating funds without facing consequences.

MPs point out that their attempt is not just to safeguard consumer rights but also to instill a sense of accountability in the market, making it clear that consumer protection is non-negotiable in the modern business landscape.

It is worth noting that all retail shops in the Kingdom are responsible for complying with the laws, regulations, and any requirements concerning the product or service offered. The laws in Bahrain protect consumer rights when buying goods or services from local businesses and protect against company monopolies and commercial fraud.