01 October 2013
The Cabinet on Monday approved the minting of 400 million 50 halala coins after authorities forced businesses to pay loose change to consumers following purchases.
"The new 50 halala coins have the same technical and security specifications of coins that are currently in circulation," the Cabinet said in a statement.
The coins would be issued in batches as per market requirements. The move comes following a Ministry of Commerce decision urging shops and supermarkets to make coins available to give as change to customers.
The ministry began enforcing its instructions in August in a campaign entitled "Claim Your Change." It aims to ensure that customers get money back instead of chewing gum or a packet of tissues in return for amounts below one riyal.
The ministry said it carried out 800 inspections and imposed fines on 100 stores that did not abide by its instructions. It also pointed out that it had received several complaints from the public.
Inspections began after ensuring that the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) had provided sufficient coins to commercial banks, which would be penalized by SAMA if they fail to provide shops with sufficient change.
"We hope this regulation and round of inspections will also go beyond grocery shops and local stores. Gas stations are also in need of inspection by the ministry. I almost never get my change back when I fill up my tank. Instead, the worker takes the liberty of rounding up the amount I owe. Sometimes the change owed is significant and should be given back to the customer regardless," one shopper said.
Another consumer criticized the fact that some stores ask shoppers whether they would donate the amount owed in change to charity. "These stores then make big publicity out of their donation to charities."
The ministry calls on residents to report violations by calling 8001241616.
The Cabinet on Monday approved the minting of 400 million 50 halala coins after authorities forced businesses to pay loose change to consumers following purchases.
"The new 50 halala coins have the same technical and security specifications of coins that are currently in circulation," the Cabinet said in a statement.
The coins would be issued in batches as per market requirements. The move comes following a Ministry of Commerce decision urging shops and supermarkets to make coins available to give as change to customers.
The ministry began enforcing its instructions in August in a campaign entitled "Claim Your Change." It aims to ensure that customers get money back instead of chewing gum or a packet of tissues in return for amounts below one riyal.
The ministry said it carried out 800 inspections and imposed fines on 100 stores that did not abide by its instructions. It also pointed out that it had received several complaints from the public.
Inspections began after ensuring that the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) had provided sufficient coins to commercial banks, which would be penalized by SAMA if they fail to provide shops with sufficient change.
"We hope this regulation and round of inspections will also go beyond grocery shops and local stores. Gas stations are also in need of inspection by the ministry. I almost never get my change back when I fill up my tank. Instead, the worker takes the liberty of rounding up the amount I owe. Sometimes the change owed is significant and should be given back to the customer regardless," one shopper said.
Another consumer criticized the fact that some stores ask shoppers whether they would donate the amount owed in change to charity. "These stores then make big publicity out of their donation to charities."
The ministry calls on residents to report violations by calling 8001241616.
© Arab News 2013
