Muscat: The auto sector is at the top of Oman’s Public Authority for Consumer Protection’s (PACP) complaints list, a top official at the department said. 

According to Walid bin Ali Al Rawahi, Director of Complaints Department at PACP, the authority has recovered RO137,065 from the auto and spare parts sector in the last seven months. “PACP has recovered RO137,065 in the auto and equipment sector, which comprised replacing 11 vehicles and 85 goods including spare parts and tyres,” Al Rawahi informed. 

The next three sectors with the most number of complaint cases are building materials, furniture and textiles sector.

The complaints department in Muscat according to Al Rawahi has recovered more than RO360,000 on behalf of aggrieved consumers from January to July this year.

“This is part of PACP’s efforts to settle complaints amicably between the parties as per the Consumer Protection Law,” he said. 

“An amount of RO203,151.37 was recovered from building materials, furniture and textiles sectors while RO20,414.55 was recovered for faulty electronic appliances, phones, watches, refrigerators, air conditioners and ovens,” he noted. 

He said that most of the complaints received by the department focused on auto dealers and repair workshops, equipment and machinery and electronic equipment. 

“This indicates the role played by PACP in consumer protection. It is an indication of the extent of response of commercial establishments and their keenness to settle disputes amicably, while emphasising the need for credibility in dealing with consumers and abiding by the provisions of the law in public interest,” Rawahi added.