H.E. Stressed that this Support Comes as an Extension to the Keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques (May Allah bless him) on the Citizens of K.S.A. and the Safety of Saudi Markets
H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has raised, in his name and on behalf of MCI staff, thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on the occasion of the issuance of the Royal Decree for approving the creation of 600 new jobs to support the efforts of MCI in the field of markets surveillance, to reduce manipulation, harmful and illegal practices. The Royal Decree orders the introduction of 500 positions to control the markets, and other 100 ones to control the companies. H.E. appreciates the King`s support and guidance for the work of the Ministry and all the good and welfare of the homeland and citizens.
H.E. stressed that these positions will support (by the will of God) the Ministry's surveillance efforts on the markets and companies, and will help in reducing any manipulation or harmful practices on consumers, and will create a fair trade environment that guarantees the rights of all parties.
H.E. the Minister reiterated that this support comes as an extension to the permanent keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on the people of this country and the safety of the Saudi markets, where His Majesty ordered previously the introduction of 500 jobs in 1432 H., which have had the greatest impact in improving and raising the satisfaction of consumers in the Kingdom, regarding the performance of MCI from 25% to 89%. This was reflected in the process of measuring the satisfaction of consumers about the surveillants dealing with their notifications, and the extent of citizen satisfaction on the MCI procedures, as well as the high interaction of citizens with the surveillance efforts. This was reflected also on the number of complaints received by the Ministry, which have been doubled this year to 33-fold compared with the years that preceded the Royal Order, where the number of notifications received by the Ministry, in one day now, is more than a month three years ago.
It is worth mentioning that the support of surveillance efforts by MCI came for the implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, that ensuring the interest of the citizen, imposing the deterrent punishment against the offenders, whoever they are, and that the interest of the citizen is above all. Therefore, MCI has introduced a number of systems and programs for the implementation of His Majesty directives, including the expansion of direct communication with citizens through the social website channels, establishing a Notification Center (1900) around the clock and another Center for Work Support (920 000 667), and the launch of several applications for smart phones to facilitate communications and notifications access of citizens through (GPS) technology.
The Ministry launched a number of control and awareness campaigns to regulate the markets and to inform consumers of their rights, including the campaigns to prevent "Service Charge in Restaurants" , "Take the Rest" , "Do not Ask How Much" , "We are Proud of our Language" , "Beware the Temptation of Rapid Gain" ,"I Edited, it Trapped me" against issuing checks without balance, a campaign against Lottery, a campaign against Misleading Advertisement, " Defective Goods to be Returned and Replaced ", and a wide range of campaigns on fake goods.
The Ministry has also set up a special program for recalling the consuming goods. This is to inform the consumers on goods that are showing failure or workmanship defects, which may harm the safety, and it also followed up that through the international and local companies.
MCI has dealt firmly with those proven to practice commercial fraud, or harm to the health and safety of the consumer, or fraud, judicial verdicts have been issued against those involved, MCI has also carried out defamation against them in the media through a number of campaigns throughout the year.
Out of its concern for consumers, the Ministry has issued resolutions stating the maximum prices for cement and enfant milk, and the statutory procedures have been applied against the violators.
While the Ministry conducted a number of other control programs to stop the illegal practices such as selling damaged cars as new by some Auto Agencies, it does stand firm for providing spare parts and maintenance, and compel the companies and establishments for the implementation of its contracts with the consumer in the period specified in the contract and according to the specifications agreed upon.
The Ministry emphasizes that it will carry out, with full devotion, the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the wise leadership, and will continue its surveillance, development and awareness campaigns, which are in favor of the consumers and the Saudi markets.
The Ministry confirms that it will ensure the necessary arrangements for the training and qualification of the new employees at the highest level, for helping them to understand the practices and the commercial works, so as to increase their effectiveness in the performance of their tasks, to bear the responsibilities and do the duties entrusted to them to serve their country in the best way.