Six UAQ commercial outlets shut for flouting rules

The department of economic development in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain has shut down six commercial institutions for violating prescribed rules in April.

Mansur bin Sultan Al Kharji, director general of the department, said the violations were detected during 81 inspection campaigns on the industrial, commercial and occupation institutions in the emirate.

"Some of the institutions fined were not licensed to function in the emirate, while others were storing unpermitted materials or without obtaining the due licenses for the same."

Al Kharji urged the public to report any violation they come across in the markets of the emirate through its hotline which is specified for consumer complaints. "All customers' feedbacks and complaints are immediately attended to."

"The department is easily accessible for complaints, suggestions, remarks, feedback, and enquiries either in person on the Shaikh Ahmed Al Mualla road, by mail at (uaqecon@uaqecon.ae), on mobile (050-1583999), phone (06-7652200), or fax (06-7653322)."

The consumer protection section of the department of economic development in Umm Al Quwain has, meanwhile, attended to 200 consumers' complaints this year so far.

"These were mostly related to commercial fraud, forging trademarks, and unreasonably hiking the price of food products and without being licensed," said Juma Jassim Al Mansuri, head of consumer protection section with the department.

Alerted about the complaints, staff inspectors rushed to the sites for verification, he added. "All the complaints received have been thoroughly sorted out while the erring outlets have been issued warning letters."

Staff inspectors have further fined some fruits and veggies as well as fish, and meat for being involved in several violations, including price hikes, and selling expired or goods unfit for human consumption."

The surprise intensified inspection campaigns covered all markets, groceries, restaurants, water and foodstuff plants and outlets across all areas and regions of the emirate, he explained. "More inspections are to be deployed particularly during the holy month of Ramadan to better control the markets here."

The section has also run some workshops to develop inspectors' awareness on the best way to protect consumers' rights. "Other workshops were being organised for training businessmen and company owners."

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com