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Muscat Daily
22-06-2025
- Muscat Daily
CPA uncovers sand fraud in Barka
Barka – The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), in coordination with the Barka Police Station and the Public Prosecution in Barka, has successfully uncovered an unlicensed operation involved in the adulteration and illegal sale of construction sand. The joint effort led to the seizure of quantities of tampered sand, mixing equipment, and construction waste at a covert site. The operation follows a consumer report, alleging the fraudulent sale of mixed sand. According to the complaint, fine sand was being blended with sea sand and construction debris and sold as 'plaster' sand for use in building works. Acting on the report, inspection teams launched a thorough investigation and conducted field visits to the suspected site. The investigations confirmed the illicit activity, and authorities moved swiftly to confiscate the materials and equipment used in the operation. The individual responsible for the site, along with the driver of a transport vehicle used in the scheme, were apprehended at the scene. During questioning, both admitted to knowingly engaging in commercial fraud by distributing the adulterated sand as high-quality construction material. Further investigations revealed that the site operated without the required licenses for handling or selling construction materials. A financial penalty of RO1,000 was imposed on the violators, and legal measures were taken, including referral to the competent authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution. CPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring the integrity of goods and services offered in the local market. It called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious commercial activities that may compromise product quality or public safety.
Muscat Daily
15-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Vehicle repair shop fined RO1,000 for violating consumer law
Muscat – The Primary Court in the wilayat of Barka has issued a judicial ruling against a vehicle repair establishment for violating the Consumer Protection Law, sentencing two employees to a total fine of RO1,000. According to the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), the ruling stems from a complaint filed by a consumer who contracted the establishment to repair his vehicle for RO40, with an agreement that the work would be completed within four days. However, the establishment failed to meet the agreed timeframe and continued to delay the repair, prompting the consumer to escalate the matter to the CPA. Following standard legal procedures, the authority referred the case to the Public Prosecution, which launched an investigation and subsequently forwarded the case to the court. The court found the two employees guilty and imposed a fine of RO500 on each, in addition to requiring them to cover the costs of the criminal proceedings. The civil aspect of the complaint has been referred to the competent court for further adjudication. The CPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and urged all businesses to comply fully with the provisions of Royal Decree No. 66/2014 and its executive regulations. It warned that legal action will be taken against any party found in breach of consumer protection law.
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoU signed for training, employing 923 Omanis
Muscat – The Ministry of Labour on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Safety and Security Services company to provide 923 training opportunities linked to employment, with a total funding of RO1,207,300. The agreement was signed by H E Sayyid Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Human Resources Development in MoL, and Saeed bin Sulaiman al Asmi, CEO of the Safety and Security Services. The MoU aims to enhance the skills and employability of Omani jobseekers by identifying suitable professions, determining the skills and experiences required for these roles, and developing training programmes accordingly. It also includes mechanisms to monitor the performance of trainees, evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, and ensure the quality of job execution. As part of the agreement, periodic reports will be prepared to assess the progress of the initiative and challenges will be reviewed with the aim of proposing developmental solutions. The programme will focus on training and qualifying national cadres in the fields of safety, security and fisheries control, equipping them with the necessary competencies to perform their duties effectively.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Haj preparations finalised for Oman's 14,000 pilgrims
Muscat – Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) announced on Tuesday that a total of 13,944 pilgrims from the sultanate have completed formalities to perform haj this year. The remaining 56, from the country's full quota of 14,000, are currently completing procedures. The figures were released at a press conference on the 2025 haj season held on Tuesday. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rashdi, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission, informed that Oman's quota includes 13,530 citizens and 470 expatriates. Allocation across governorates was based on population density of residents aged 18 and above. Muscat received the highest share at 24%, followed by North Batinah with 19%, while Musandam received less than 1%. According to H E Rashdi, eligibility was determined through an electronic registration system using mathematical models grounded in sharia and jurisprudential principles. The process also took into account social and ethical criteria. Of the total, 11,780 pilgrims (84%) are undertaking haj as an obligatory religious duty. The remaining are voluntary pilgrims – individuals performing haj on behalf of the deceased, the incapacitated or terminally ill patients. H E Ahmed bin Saleh al Rash-di, MERA Undersecretary and Head of Oman Haj Mission Thirty-nine per cent pilgrims are in the 30-45 age group, followed by those aged 45-60. Pilgrims aged over 60 account for 16%, while 5% are aged between 18 and 30. Travel preferences showed 63% pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted for land transport. The average cost by land is RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 by air. Several new initiatives have been introduced by Oman Haj Mission this year. Beit al Rabat Endowments Initiative is providing support worth more than RO150,000 to over 150 pilgrims from social security categories. To assist the elderly and disabled pilgrims, vehicles have been introduced for use during the Tawaf and Sa'i rituals, benefiting approximately 450 individuals. Electronic bracelets have also been issued to the elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims to enhance tracking and safety.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
13,530 Omanis, 470 residents to perform Hajj from Oman
Muscat: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs (MERA) and Head of the Omani Hajj Mission said that the Hajj quota allocated for the Sultanate of Oman this year is for 14,000 pilgrims, including 13,530 Omanis and 470 residents. |The total quota was distributed among the Sultanate's governorates based on the population density of each governorate, aged 18 and above. Muscat Governorate topped the list of governorates in terms of the number of pilgrims, representing 24 percent of the total quota, followed by North Al Batinah Governorate with 19 percent. Musandam Governorate received the lowest percentage, representing less than one percent of the total approved quota. The Head of the Mission indicated that eligibility to perform Hajj is granted through the electronic registration system for pilgrims from the Sultanate of Oman, using mathematical equations based on Sharia principles and jurisprudential considerations that take into account various aspects and objectives, including the social aspect. Hajj pilgrims accounted for the largest proportion of the total quota, with 11,780 pilgrims, representing 84%. They were followed by voluntary pilgrims, those performing Hajj on behalf of the disabled, those performing Hajj as a will, those performing Hajj on behalf of the deceased, and finally those with incurable diseases. The head of the mission explained that the age group from 30 to 45 years old constituted the highest percentage of pilgrims this year at 39%, followed by the age group from 45 to 60 years old with a slight difference (0.1 %), then those over 60 years old at 16%, and finally those from 18 to 30 years old at 5%. 63% of Omani pilgrims chose to travel by air, while 37% opted to perform the rituals by land. The average cost of Hajj by land was RO1,417, compared to RO2,063 for Hajj by air. Omani Hajj Mission has launched several initiatives this season, including the Rabat House Endowments Initiative to support more than 150 pilgrims from social security categories. The first Hajj and Umrah Exhibition with local and international participation and mobile vehicles to serve 450 elderly and disabled pilgrims Facilities: 75 new toilets and 250 new sinks in Mina Increasing the number of split air conditioning units to 900 units. In Arafat, 100 new restrooms, 250 sinks, and improved air conditioning systems to cover 32 sqm per unit instead of 40. The mission also launched other initiatives, including Electronic bracelets for the elderly and the sick An initiative to measure the readiness of Hajj companies according to performance indicators. Expanding the Hajj pilgrims' transit plan through land ports, reducing waiting time from 4 hours to just 45 minutes.
