Plea to Scrap Extra Charges on Imported Cars in Bahrain
Bahrain’s MPs have unanimously approved a proposal requiring car dealerships to provide maintenance services for imported vehicles without charging additional fees of BD1,000 to BD3,000. This move, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk and four other legislators, aims to reduce the financial strain on owners of imported cars.
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Currently, car owners must pay a one-time fee to access maintenance services at authorized dealerships. MPs argue that this fee is unjustified since imported cars are identical to those sold locally and fall under the same international warranty.
“Why pay between BD1,000 and BD3,000 to open a file when the vehicle is the same as the ones sold in Bahrain?” asked MP Khalid Bu Onk. He described the practice as discriminatory and an unnecessary burden for car owners.
Comparing Bahrain’s practices to neighboring countries, Mr. Bu Onk highlighted that Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already eliminated such charges. MPs hope this proposal will align Bahrain with regional standards and improve consumer protection. The proposal now moves to the Cabinet for further review and implementation.
Parliament Pushes for National Emergency Team
In another unanimous decision, MPs approved a proposal to form a national emergency team to support families affected by crises, such as house fires. Spearheaded by MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi, chairman of the public utilities and environment affairs committee, the initiative would bring together government and independent bodies under the leadership of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation.
“We need to help families tackling emergencies by providing temporary accommodation, financial support, or other immediate assistance,” said Mr. Al Bulooshi. He criticized the current system for delays, citing a case in East Riffa where a family has been waiting for help for two months after a fire.
Parliament Welcomes Peace Efforts and Proposes National Stadium
Additionally, MPs approved a statement welcoming the peace deal between Israel and Palestine. The statement will be issued by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam on behalf of the MPs.
A separate proposal by five MPs, also led by Mr. Bu Onk, to build a national stadium in Muharraq has been sent to the financial and economic affairs committee for review.
These initiatives reflect Parliament's commitment to addressing pressing issues, from reducing financial burdens on residents to enhancing national infrastructure and consumer protection.