Madinah: 499 commercial violations recorded; preparations underway for Ramadan
The Saudi Ministry of Commerce has intensified its monitoring efforts in the Madinah region in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, to ensure price stability and the availability of essential goods. These intensified campaigns have resulted in the detection of hundreds of violations, reflecting the commitment of the relevant authorities to consumer protection and ensuring market discipline during peak seasons.
Details of inspection tours and recorded figures
The Ministry of Commerce branch in Madinah announced the results of its proactive field inspections, during which inspection teams conducted 10,523 visits to markets, shopping centers, and various retail outlets. The Ministry stated that these inspections resulted in the issuance of 499 immediate violations against establishments that failed to comply with commercial regulations. The field teams also handled 3,241 consumer complaints , addressing them and taking the necessary legal action.
General context: Medina and the unique characteristics of the Ramadan season
These monitoring campaigns are of paramount importance in Medina due to its religious and geographical significance, as the region experiences a large influx of visitors and pilgrims before and during the holy month of Ramadan. This surge naturally puts pressure on consumer demand, necessitating strict regulatory intervention to prevent any monopolistic practices, unjustified price hikes, or the sale of expired or counterfeit goods that could harm the health and safety of consumers and visitors.
The ministry's strategy and the abundance of food stocks
These measures are part of the Ministry's comprehensive seasonal plan aimed at ensuring an ample supply of food in warehouses and wholesale and retail outlets. The Ministry confirmed in its report that operations in Medina's markets are proceeding normally, with a full supply of food and Ramadan-related goods and a smooth flow of supply chains to meet the needs of citizens, residents, and visitors.
The role of the consumer in community oversight
The Ministry of Commerce emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulatory bodies and consumers, urging everyone to report any observed commercial violations without hesitation. It noted that communication channels are available 24/7 through the "Commercial Report" application or by contacting the unified reporting center at 1900, stressing that consumer awareness is the first line of defense in combating commercial fraud and price manipulation.
