The Riyadh Municipality recently launched a major crackdown on businesses in Batha, one of the city’s largest and busiest commercial centers, resulting in shops and workers penalized for labor, health, safety and other violations.

The campaign was launched by Secretary of Riyadh Region Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Miqbil, and carried out by more than 700 inspectors, administrators and technicians, according to a local newspaper.

A total of 384 shops were reportedly inspected, with 347 given warnings for irregularities, including 137 closed for observation and 204 workers declared unfit for work on health grounds.

Al-Miqbil said a variety of irregularities still need to be addressed, notably the sale of goods from unknown sources, the use of sidewalks and walkways for the purpose of displaying goods and the absence of safety and health measures.

He said the campaign would help correct irregularities and support shops complying with regulations, especially those committed to Saudization quotas.

Deputy Secretary of Riyadh Region for Services Ibrahim Al-Dujain stressed that the campaign would continue on a regular basis in Batha to ensure compliance with municipal regulations.