Branches and Shops Invested in Cooperatives Under the Scrutiny of the Ministry of Social Affairs
Ministry of Social Affairs completes inventory of 5,270 cooperative shops and intensifies inspection rounds to hold violators accountable
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Al-Jarida learned from its sources that the Ministry of Social Affairs has recently completed a comprehensive census of all data pertaining to the branches and commercial outlets operated by all cooperative societies distributed across all regions of the country. This effort revealed approximately 5,270 outlets engaged in various investment activities, including “Penchir” branches and other investment services.
The sources stated that the census included detailed information on the locations of these outlets and branches, as well as state property contracts for buildings and land owned by the cooperatives. The collected and documented data also covered the name of the cooperative, the region, the contract number, the plot number, and the automated address number, ensuring the creation of a comprehensive database to facilitate monitoring, oversight, and auditing of these branches’ status.
Al-Jarida learned that the Ministry of Social Affairs, represented by its Financial and Administrative Affairs and Cooperative Affairs sector, has recently completed a comprehensive census of all data related to the branches and commercial outlets operated by all cooperative societies nationwide. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to regulate the cooperative investment sector, enhance oversight of these branches and outlets, and verify their legal, administrative, and regulatory compliance.
According to sources within the Ministry, the census, which involved the Cooperative Development and Membership Affairs departments as well as the Cooperative Supervision and Inspection department, resulted in the identification of approximately 5,270 outlets distributed among various cooperatives. These outlets engage in diverse investment activities, including electricity-related services, tire repair, oil changes (“Penchir”), and other services provided by various cooperative investment branches.
The sources noted that the census involved collecting detailed data on the locations of these outlets and branches, along with state property contracts for buildings and land belonging to the cooperatives. The documented data also included the cooperative’s name, region, contract number, plot number, and automated address number, ensuring a comprehensive database to facilitate monitoring, oversight, and auditing of these branches.
The sources indicated that the census also included registering data on the operators of the branches, such as their names and civil ID numbers, alongside specifying the type of activity conducted at each site and its status—whether operational or non-operational. This allows for an accurate picture of existing investments and the extent to which designated sites are utilized. Furthermore, the census covered the names and data of cooperative employees, as well as the names and contact details of board members and administrative heads, to complete the database related to cooperatives and their administrative and investment components.
Concurrently with the aforementioned census, sources revealed that the Ministry is intensifying its inspection and oversight visits to these outlets and branches through its field teams. These efforts aim to ensure compliance with all regulations and requirements governing operations and to verify that activities are conducted strictly within the scope of the issued commercial licenses. The teams submit periodic reports on the status of outlets and investment contracts, documenting any observations or violations requiring corrective action.
Sources confirmed that the ministry is moving to take deterrent legal and administrative measures against violators, including the immediate withdrawal of premises from their investors, cancellation of their activities, and subsequent re-offering of the premises. Emphasizing that, under the direct directives of Minister Al-Hawila, there will be no leniency toward serious violations, which will be referred to the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha) and other supervisory bodies for investigation. The ministry added that “field supervision efforts aim to verify the extent to which establishments comply with the areas specified in their contracts and issued licenses, as well as to ensure there are no encroachments on the designated areas and that the actual activities align with those approved in the licenses.”
