Hunt for “food subsidy thieves”
The repercussions of the Second World War (1939–1945) had a clear impact on the Kuwaiti market during those years, manifesting in the scarcity of various goods such as rice, oil, sugar, and even fabrics and other materials. This shortage was due to the difficulties in land and sea transport routes used to bring these goods to Kuwait, as well as rising prices caused by the lack of supply. This situation led the late Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, to establish the Supply Department in 1943, appointing the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, as its head. The department opened six centers to distribute food supplies to citizens according to special cards issued to each family, listing its registered members. The Supply Department also designated one day per month for the distribution of rationed goods and set a quota of six yards of fabric per person. That year became known as the "Year of the Card," and this system ended after the Second World War.
In a government initiative to alleviate the burden on citizens regarding food supplies, the Ministry of Commerce issued, for the first time on December 18, 1974, a decision on the distribution of food supplies, known today as rationing. The decision took effect on January 7, 1975, through distribution centers in various areas, supplied by the Kuwaiti Government Supply Company, which was established on March 2, 1974. This company is responsible for importing goods and distributing them to the centers. In the early years, operations at the rationing centers went smoothly ("like ghee and honey"), with each family receiving its allotted share via its card. However, in recent years, the situation has changed and taken a different turn. Theft of these goods by some thieves in significant quantities has become prevalent. Even more disturbing is that these goods are smuggled to the markets of other countries to be sold at exorbitant prices.
The theft of rationed goods and their large-scale smuggling abroad for sale in foreign markets raises serious questions, as this is not the work of a single thief but rather the result of a criminal gang. This is a point that warrants prolonged attention to uncover all the threads of these thefts, identify the suspects, put an end to their activities, and remove them from power. Furthermore, the Kuwaitization of rationing centers, as well as some positions within the Supply Company, appears important and necessary, provided that Kuwaiti personnel with clean hands, good reputations, and integrity are selected. This is essential to prevent the recurrence of thefts, which cost the state considerable sums. Had it not been for the vigilance of customs officers at border crossings, we would have seen such extensive thefts that citizens would have been deprived of their rights due to the depletion of supplies.
Some have stolen medicine and rationed goods, smuggling them to their home countries through dirty methods that reflect their depravity. Add to this the embezzlement of funds from cooperative and charitable societies; some of those involved are currently in prison. So, what comes after all this? Long live you. Youssef Al-Shaheen
