Cooperatives staff who obstruct transactions face strict punishment

Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Financial, Administrative and Cooperatives Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dr. Sayed Issa, affirmed that strict administrative and legal action will be taken against any cooperative society staff member found deliberately obstructing transactions. The move comes under direct instructions from Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.

During a meeting with heads of cooperative society boards, which was also attended by the appointed Director of the Federation of Cooperative Societies Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi and the Director of Membership Affairs and Publicity, Saleh Al-Anzi, Dr. Issa emphasized that any proven obstruction will be treated as a serious offense, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The penalties will begin with a warning and escalate to reprimand, a formal “reminder of attention,” and exclusion from annual promotions or excellent evaluations.

He warned that more severe measures — such as formal investigations or transfers out of the sector— may apply, stating, “Disrupting people’s interests is a red line.”

Issa announced a maximum two-business-day deadline for completing cooperative transactions. Any delays will trigger alerts in a new automated system which is under development with the ministry’s IT partner.

Additionally, companies proven to violate cooperative laws or regulations will be blacklisted and potentially excluded from public tender opportunities in coordination with the Central Agency for Public Tenders.

Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi clarified that employment rates in cooperatives are based on 6% of quarterly sales, excluding supervisory positions. He also confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the termination of unnecessary elderly workers.

He highlighted rising concerns over a proposed hike in state property lease rates, revealing that detailed reports are being collected from cooperatives to help engage with the ministry on the issue.

Dr. Issa revealed that shareholders will soon begin receiving key cooperative updates —such as general assembly dates, election results, dividend deposits, and withdrawal alerts — via the “Sahel” and “Sahel Business” platforms, improving transparency and engagement.

These measures reflect the ministry’s broader push to reform cooperative governance, ensure accountability, and enhance public trust in one of Kuwait’s most vital community sectors.