MP Calls for Online Consumer Complaints Portal and Action on Repeat Price Breaches

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

A proposal to launch a dedicated online portal for consumer complaints, allowing people to file reports and track progress, was raised in Parliament on Tuesday as MP Mohammed Salman Al Ahmed pressed the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on repeat breaches and what happens after inspectors catch the same trader more than once.

Speaking during the session, Al Ahmed referred to ministry figures showing 1,937 violations recorded in 2025 in cases where the displayed price differed from the price charged to the consumer. He said the figure pointed to active inspection work while also showing the scale of breaches among some retailers, particularly in food items, which he said harmed citizens directly.

Al Ahmed said the number of such violations was 3,400 in 2023, adding that the fall showed the ministry’s work but that the breach itself continued. He asked what happened in cases where inspectors caught the same traders repeatedly, and what legal steps were taken against those who did not stop after a first offence.

He also spoke about complaints filed by citizens and residents with the Consumer Protection Directorate, noting that the figures showed a fall from 7,676 in 2023 to 6,429 in 2025. He said the aim was not to judge the ministry by the volume of complaints, but to ensure the law was applied to breaches and that action was taken.

Al Ahmed proposed a dedicated website for submitting complaints and following them, saying many reports were administrative in nature and that the ministry received the largest share of such cases. He said it was time for a clear platform, particularly as some complaints were referred to the Public Prosecution.

He said the highest share of complaints related to electrical and electronic goods, followed by vehicles, then food and clothing. He called for early steps to cut complaints in those sectors, saying around 30 to 40 per cent of complaints were linked to them.

He welcomed the referral of a number of complaints to the Public Prosecution in 2025, while drawing attention to the course of some cases. He said consumers began legal steps and a sum was deducted, then some traders emptied the account linked to the shop so it held less than the amount required, while using another account. He called for closer checks on those who breach the administrative decision on using the shop’s bank account, and for action focused on traders with cases already before the courts, saying they used this method more often to avoid paying sums due.