Strict measures taken to curb smuggling of subsidized food

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KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry called on the concerned monitoring bodies to take stricter measures to prevent smuggling of subsidized commodities after discovering that a large quantity of these commodities are being sold in other countries, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The ministry pointed out that the Cabinet had earlier issued a decision for the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Customs General Department, Kuwait Ports Authority (KPA) and Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to take the necessary action to stop the smuggling of subsidized commodities to other countries.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said about 1.7 million individuals receive subsidized commodities through ration cards and the total cost is estimated at KD 150.5 million per year. The beneficiaries include 1.1 million Kuwaitis who receive 65 percent of the total subsidy costing KD 98.4 million per year; 90,300 other GCC citizens costing KD 7.7 million per year; 97,700 Bedouns costing KD 8.2 million per year; and 413,400 domestic workers costing KD 34 million per year.

These domestic workers are allowed to use ration cards issued to 401,100 citizens; 7,133 other GCC citizens and 1,122 Bedouns.

By Mishal Al-Sanousi
Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies

This news has been read 7354 times!