“Chambers have a big role to play in consumer protection as part of their social responsibility,” he said, adding that they represent a large number of prominent businessmen and women in the country.

He said the association would announce next week a working plan with 70 programs to protect the interests of both consumers and traders.

Al-Tuwaim also advised chambers to set aside 10 percent of their revenues for the benefit of the association as instructed by the Council of Ministers. “Most chambers have failed to implement this Cabinet decision.”

He emphasized the association’s role in protecting the interests of businessmen and women. “Any support to the association would contribute to preventing the marketing of imitation products,” he added.

Al-Tuwaim said chambers should play an important role in controlling prices of essential commodities. “Traders should not harm society by increasing prices,” he said, adding that most businessmen hike prices of commodities to make huge profits.

He said chambers should also conduct awareness campaigns to enlighten the public on how to shop in an economical manner without wasting their hard-earned money.

Al-Tuwaim’s statement comes at a time when prices of major consumer products in the Kingdom have gone up, especially during Ramadan.