Monday, Feb 20, 2012
Gulf News
Dubai: Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) will ask the government tomorrow to tighten controls on imports of illegal goods and prevent anti-religious products from entering the country.
Dr Mohammad Mosallam Bin Ham, FNC member from Abu Dhabi, said he will be demanding the Ministry of Economy safeguard the border gates of the state by further strengthening the inspection of import products and bring the UAEs consumer product safety system into line with its key trading partners.
Citing a variety of consumer products including childrens toys and sporting goods, Bin Ham will put a question to Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, proposing ports across the country be more vigilant to stop these harmful or anti-Islam products.
He said consumers in local markets now and then stumble across childrens toys that issue sounds mocking Islam, or sportswear with words or drawings that are offensive to Islam.
Other foods and beverages seized in the local markets were found to be contaminated with bacteria and fungi and subsequently pose a health hazard. Moreover, banned nicotine products were recently seized in Umm Al Quwain, after 18 children aged between six and 11 were found to abuse these drugs, Bin Ham said.
Meanwhile, Energy and Health ministers will be facing questions on electricity and water tariffs, an increase in petrol prices and the opening of a hospital.
Ahmad Mohammad Rahma Al Shamsi, a member from Ajman, will seek clarifications from Mohammad Bin Dhaen Al Hamili, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority, about the disparity in electricity and water costs in different emirates.
By Samir Salama, Associate Editor
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
