The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the food outlets are in dispute following a ministry decision to limit the home delivery motorbikes to only 15 per food outlet. The decision was the consequence of an increasing number of complaints against bikers on the roads, who either do not have a license or are not on companies sponsorship whereas car licenses are controlled in a better manner, reports Al Qabas daily.
Major food outlet brands reacted with confusion and unease as they sponsor thousands of home delivery service staff, with the actual number of companies estimated in hundreds that rely heavily on delivery motorbikes to deliver orders on the specific days.
Al Qabas daily reports, quoting sources, that the companies are become a punching bag between the Ministry of Commerce and trade, and the Ministry of Interior, which decided to make it difficult for them to deliver orders by reducing staff size, which will cause a delay in order deliveries on time to which they will lose customer base.
The sudden decision in the current crisis also highlights a need to replace or purchase new cars although the food sector is suffering from a huge revenue crisis due to the curfew and other preventative health measures taken against the coronavirus. There are many issues the companies have to face as old motorbikes needs to be disposed to permissible limits. In addition, the companies will have to pay to the bank for the motorbike loans, buy new cars followed by routine procedures to obtain driving licenses.
MoI’s surprise decision was criticized by sources when they subsequently suspended all companies’ transactions until the decision was implemented, according to the daily. Such decisions require a grace period for the companies to take the required measures, and then, sanctions are imposed. This decision will also increase the vehicles on road leading to traffic congestion.