KUWAIT CITY, Oct 22, (Agencies): Mini-ster of Commerce and Industry Dr Amani Bouresli on Saturday issued a decision to activate a 24 hour hotline (135) for consumer complaints, in order for ministry to cooperate with consumers to protect them.

The supervision sector has operated the hotline and increased the number of staff employed in response to this decision, which would take effect this week, the ministry said in a statement, adding that emergency teams are working around the clock to handle any complaints.

An answering service is provided if the staff is busy, in addition to the voice mail service that saves the caller’s time. All calls will be recorded and the numbers saved to provide a better service, which the ministry aims to stabilize local market and protect it from commercial manipulations and wrong doings.

This step is planned by the Ministry to enhance the state audit institution, the ministry added.
Ministry calls on all consumers to use the hotline (135) for any commercial violations for the protection of the local market.

Meanwhile, the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) has nothing to do with the rising prices of sheep in the local market because this is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce and Kuwait Municipality, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting Deputy General Manager of the Animal Resources Department Nabilah Al-Ali.

Al-Ali disclosed some parties are blaming the authority for the price hike now that the Eid Al-Adha holidays are fast approaching.  She affirmed the authority assists the sheep breeders by waiving quarantine and import fees, in addition to limiting the export of sheep to ensure ample supply for the local market, particularly during the holidays.  She pointed out the authority provides the breeders with fodder and facilitates procedures for the import of sheep from any country provided the animals are free from diseases.