Latest news with #StrategicThinkingBloc
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Bahrain: MPs propose introducing EVs for delivery companies
Bahrain - Delivery companies in Bahrain could be required to switch their fleets to electric vehicles within two years, under a new proposal put forward by the Strategic Thinking Bloc in Parliament. The initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and support the kingdom's environmental goals, is being spearheaded by bloc president and Parliament's financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom. If approved, delivery service providers on both cars and motorbikes would be forced to use electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a nationwide push for cleaner transportation solutions. The MP said the plan, if adopted, would mark one of the most ambitious environmental reforms in Bahrain's logistics and delivery sector to date. 'Delivery vehicles take up a huge section of cars and motorbikes on the road,' said Mr Al Salloom. 'The environmental burden from these fossil fuel-powered vehicles is significant, especially as e-commerce and food delivery services continue to grow at an unprecedented pace,' he added. Mr Al Salloom stressed that the proposal was not just about reducing emissions, but also about encouraging private-sector innovation, attracting green investment and supporting the broader energy transition efforts led by Bahrain's government. 'This isn't only an environmental concern, it's an economic and strategic opportunity,' he said. 'Shifting to electric vehicles in the delivery sector can stimulate investment in green infrastructure, reduce long-term operational costs for businesses and improve the quality of life in our cities.' He said Bahrain has 'the right foundations' to support this transformation, especially with government-led initiatives to develop EV charging infrastructure, clean energy projects and sustainable urban planning. Mr Al Salloom also indicated that consultations with industry stakeholders were already underway. 'We are not legislating in isolation,' he said. 'We are speaking with delivery companies and logistics providers to understand the practical requirements and potential barriers. Our aim is to make this transition feasible, not punitive.' Parliament's legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Ali Al Dossary, a co-signee, believes the proposal is within Parliament's scope of action. 'We are witnessing a growing legal responsibility to address climate-related risks, and Parliament has a duty to enact laws that secure a healthier environment for our people,' said Mr Al Dossary. 'Requiring delivery companies to transition to electric vehicles is a logical and necessary step.' Mr Al Dossary argued that the rule, once enacted, could come with a reasonable grace period of two years, during which companies can gradually phase out internal combustion vehicles and replace them with electric alternatives. The government, he said, can play a key role in facilitating this shift through tax incentives, grants or low-interest loans for EV purchases. 'No one is trying to put an unfair burden on businesses,' Mr Al Dossary clarified. 'We are advocating for a balanced policy that serves the environment while giving companies time and support to adjust. We also encourage partnerships with electric vehicle manufacturers and local start-ups that can help accelerate the process.' Both MPs stressed the importance of dialogue with the private sector, noting that effective implementation would require collaboration with delivery app platforms, logistics companies and vehicle importers. They added that the measure would also reduce noise pollution, traffic congestion and public health risks associated with air pollution from combustion engines. Mr Al Dossary said Parliament was also looking at international best practices, citing examples from cities like Amsterdam and Singapore, where electric delivery fleets have already been successfully introduced. 'We owe it to our people – especially future generations – to build a cleaner, quieter and more livable Bahrain,' said Mr Al Dossary. 'The daily exposure to pollution and road noise affects the well-being of everyone, from schoolchildren to the elderly. Transitioning to electric delivery vehicles will have tangible benefits across the board,' he added. The proposal has been formally submitted to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to forward to the relevant committee for review. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Bahrain: Two alternative penalties added
Bahrain - A new government-drafted legislation that aims to expand the application of alternative penalties and modernise the penal system was approved unanimously by MPs yesterday. Two new penalties have been added to the 2017 Alternative Punishments and Sentencing Law as part of the amendments. Convicts could be placed in specialised psychiatric or medical institutions for mental health treatment, or made to report mandatorily to security authorities at designated times. The amendment also introduces a ban on accessing specific online platforms related to the crime or crimes of conviction, expanding the existing restriction on visiting certain physical locations. Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Strategic Thinking Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom highlighted Bahrain's pioneering role in the Gulf and the broader Arab world in implementing alternative sentencing since 2017. 'The Alternative Penalties Law is one of the most advanced in the region, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to a modern approach to justice,' he said. 'It prioritises rehabilitation over punishment, aligning with international best practices in criminal justice and human rights.' The amendment has resulted in the number of alternative penalties being increased to nine. Earlier, the law outlined seven alternative sentences – community service, house arrest at a specified location, ban on visiting certain places, commitment not to approach or contact specific persons or entities, electronic monitoring, mandatory participation in rehabilitation and training programmes, and compensation or restitution for damages caused by the crime. Another key change involves the transfer of certain powers from the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry to the Interior Ministry. This includes authority over assigning institutions and defining the nature of alternative work, as well as determining rehabilitation and training programmes for those serving the sentences. Mr Al Salloom explained that the amendments marked 'a significant step in Bahrain's ongoing efforts to modernise its justice system, making it more rehabilitative, efficient, and responsive to evolving challenges'. 'By expanding alternative sentencing, the law aims to reduce prison overcrowding, lower repeat offences and promote a more humane approach to justice,' he added. 'As Bahrain continues to refine its legal system, these changes reinforce its commitment to progressive justice policies that balance accountability with rehabilitation, ensuring that offenders can reintegrate into society as productive citizens.' Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas explained that the amendments aim to speed up rehabilitation and reintegration, preventing social and psychological harm caused by prolonged incarceration. He stressed that allowing courts to mandate medical or psychological treatment aligned with modern rehabilitative approaches, particularly for offenders struggling with mental health issues or addiction. MP Mohammed Janahi highlighted the practical benefits of consolidating enforcement responsibilities under a single authority. 'By designating one entity to oversee alternative penalties, implementation becomes more efficient and seamless,' he said. 'This prevents bureaucratic overlap and ensures that sentences are executed promptly.' Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda was present during the session. The legislation will be now reviewed by the Shura Council.
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Proposal on Bahrain's Gulf Air rejected
Bahrain - A proposal to study the possibility of selling part of Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, to private investors with Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company retaining more than 51 per cent has been rejected by MPs. The recommendation by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk was met with strong opposition during yesterday's weekly session of Parliament. The veteran parliamentarian said the aim was to reduce government's financial support for the airline while also restructuring its management and governance to enhance performance and profitability. 'The primary motivation behind the proposal is to alleviate the financial burden Gulf Air imposes on the state's general budget,' said Mr Bu Onk. 'Reducing subsidies to Gulf Air will allow the government to allocate resources more efficiently, ensuring better utilisation of public funds,' he added. 'The sale of a minority stake would create an opportunity to reform the company's board of directors and restructure its executive management. 'Changes are crucial for transforming Gulf Air into a more dynamic, future-ready organisation.' Mr Bu Onk said that by involving private investors, Gulf Air could benefit from enhanced efficiency, improved performance and increased profitability. 'Private sector involvement tends to drive innovation and operational excellence, and this would ensure that Gulf Air remained competitive on a global scale. 'The initiative would contribute to the broader development of Bahrain's economy, fostering growth for both Gulf Air and its subsidiaries. 'This is not just about Gulf Air, it's about creating ripple effects that stimulate the entire aviation sector and related industries in the country.' However, Taqadumi bloc member Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh termed the proposal 'absurd'. 'All airlines in the region are state-owned for the obvious reason that they propel other vital sectors with no regard to loss or profitability,' he explained. 'If 49pc is sold to investors, then they will certainly want a say in how the airline is managed, even if Mumtalakat continues to own the majority shares. 'What if the private investors demands sacking Bahraini employees to reduce costs and increase profits? That's possible as they will have a say in how the airline should be run. 'What if investors decide to pull out at a certain point, who will take up their shares and what if no other investors are interested?' Dr Al Shuwaikh said MPs should focus on reducing losses through a comprehensive plan or approach, not sale. 'The plan should include profitable destinations, entering new markets and revolutionising services.' * Separately, a proposal to tighten checks on violations by motorbike delivery riders and enforce health standards for food delivery boxes was postponed. The proposal by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen aims to address the increasing traffic violations by some motorcycle delivery riders and to establish stricter health standards for the food delivery boxes attached to these motorcycles. The proposal, unanimously endorsed by Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, chaired by Hassan Bukhammas, seeks to enhance road safety and ensure proper handling of food being transported to the public. Talks on the proposal was postponed as Dr Al Dhaen has been admitted to hospital for an undisclosed condition.
