Auto section tops in consumer complaints in Sharjah

The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) resolved about 1,078 complaints in the first quarter of 2016, including those from customers and investors, according to a senior official.
Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, SEDD Chairman, emphasised that the department is keen on strengthening transparency and to facilitate relations between provider and customer, through the provision of a suitable environment that is characterised by awareness and neutrality in purchasing and selling at the retail sector.
He said that the consumer protection complaints top the list with a rate of 73 per cent (862 complaints), followed by commercial fraud sector with a 17 per cent (205 complaints) and finally service agent complaints that hit 10 per cent (115). March was the month with the highest number of complaints as the department received 448 complaints.
He added that the cars and its spare parts sector was on the top of the complaints list with a rate of 24 per cent, followed by electrical appliances and mobile phones that hit 16 per cent, construction tools and equipment (12 per cent), furniture and curtains (11 per cent), tourism, travelling and shipping (8 per cent) and fashion and wedding services (3 per cent).
On the other hand, Salim Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of Commercial Control and Protection Department at the department, stressed that the department is committed to create a fair relationship between the providers and customers. He pointed out that has been communicating with the consumers and providers at the markets through all the available means in order to educate them about their rights and duties. It also placed mobile kiosks in various shopping malls in the emirate.
Al Suwaidi added that the department is the concerned entity to spread awareness on the rules and procedures in order to avoid disputes and complaints, and to carry out inspection campaigns to ensure the safety of markets in Sharjah. He pointed out that the number of complaints received reflects the consumers' respond to the awareness campaigns and initiatives.
He stressed on the need to keep the bill after purchasing any product, because it is their reference to guarantee their rights and will help in placing a complaint if the item is defected. Also, the department offers many channels for placing complaints whereby the consumer may place it by calling the Call Centre on the number 80080000, or through the department's website for consumer protection that is www.shjconsumer.ae.
Ali Fadil, Head of Commercial Protection Department, said that educating consumers about their rights is a way of protection by itself, whereas the knowledge of the rights and duties is the most important tool to build safe, organised, and modern markets.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah