Lower the height of signboards - Letters to the editor - The National Dt 22 June 2015

Lower the height of signboards

The new Onwani system will make it easier for people to access every location in Abu Dhabi. What we have to do now is get used to this change.

However, I would like to point out that the signboards with the building numbers and QR codes have been placed too high. This makes it difficult for short people or those of average height to access them to scan the QR codes.

Lowering the height of these boards will enable everyone to make use of the QR facility.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Strict safety norms should be enforced

Reader is concerned about workers ignoring safety measures when at construction sites.

Abu Dhabi

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is being celebrated tomorrow, April 28, and our highest priority should be oriented towards the principle of prevention of danger.

A look at some of the maintenance activities being carried out by the staff of some companies that work on the installation of advertisement stickers on high rise buildings within the capital made me write about this important safety issue. They use the suspended scaffolding to paste these stickers on the windows. However, observing them at close quarters I noticed that most of them were not wearing appropriate safety gear.

My fear aggravated when I noticed that a group of construction workers who were working on seven-storey building were carrying out their jobs without wearing any safety gear. This was alarming and there was no way I could reach out to them and inform them to adhere to safety measures.

These two observations highlight the need for stricter enforcement of safety norms. We do note that companies have strict safety guidelines in place for the welfare of their workforce. However, there is always an exception. Some companies even hire part-time workers, and it appears that safety is not a matter of priority for them and precautionary measures are sidelined. This is dangerous as even a minor miss may end up in loss of life or permanent injury to the worker involved.

Through this report, I request the concerned authorities to consider this matter and enforce stricter rules for workers who engage in jobs at high altitudes. The need for a standard acknowledgement and acceptance to conform to safety standards is essential when permits for such jobs to be carried out are issued.

Let ‘Safety First’ be on everyone’s mind at all time. Keep reminding each other and remembering with a strong inner sense the three key notes: ‘Safety for me, for you and for everyone’ as a mantra to achieve better safety results.

  

— The reader is an operations manager based in Abu Dhabi.

  

Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com

Safety rules are being breached

Safety rules are being breached

I have seen workers in harnesses installing billboards or putting stickers on high-rises. But when I looked closely, I noticed that most of them did not have adequate safety gear. This has happened on more than two occasions.

Once, I was frightened for a group of men who were working on a seven-storey building without any protective gear whatsoever. I am sure that these are not stray cases. People will continue to flout the safety rules if such lapses are not reported.

At the same time, strict enforcement of rules is necessary.

It’s mostly smaller companies that ignore the rules as they engage contract or part-time workers. 

They need to be monitored all the time.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

Beware of date expired fruit juices and products being sold in Pampa and Sabarimala

Dear devotees, consumers, 

I happened to notice that many date expired products are being sold in the small stalls on way to Sannidhanam, Sabarimala from Pampa. Please be careful and as far as possible avoid buying these products.

Necessary alerts and requests have been made to the authorities concerned. However, it is up to us to take care.

Swami Saranam.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

July 2013

Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more

Used Book Fair aims to encourage youth to read more

Fair promotes the vrtues of reading, volunteering and brings the community together
By Ramesh Menon, Gulf News reader
Published: 00:00 February 17, 2013


Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) is finalising preparations for the fifth Used Book Fair, which will be held from February 26 to March 1 at the Palm Garden by Khalid Lagoon. Books are currently being accepted from anyone who wishes to donate, provided the books are in good condition. One can donate books in any language, but magazines and textbooks will not be accepted.

Schools that donate less than 2,000 books will be allocated one booth and those that donate more than 2,000 will be allowed two. Participants will be given a certificate of achievement.

Students who donate more than 20 books will also receive a certificate.

The Used Book Fair is organised every two years and has a number of objectives, such as promoting the habit of reading by offering low-priced books, planting the spirit of volunteering in the minds of the youth and raising funds to support the services offered by SCHS to people with special needs. 

SCHS is a local non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1979 and aims to change society’s attitude towards people with special needs and effect policies regarding disability-related issues. It also aspires to pave the way to a brighter future for children with mental and physical challenges, giving them confidence and a chance to live in a society that provides equal opportunities.

During the four days of the fair, visitors will find books available for as little as Dh3.

The last day to donate books is February 24.

Anyone wishing to donate books can contact SCHS on 06-5669966, SCHS Collection Supervisor Mihraj Abdul Rahim on either 06-5671117 or 050-7965576 or drop them at SCHS premises in the Al Yarmouk area of Sharjah.

The reader is a technical officer based in Abu Dhabi. Be a community reporter. Tell us what is happening in your community. Send us your videos and pictures at readers@gulfnews.com 

 To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

5th Used Book Fair - invitation to donate books

Inviting you all to participate in this noble cause.

The organisers are looking for books in all languages. So, all departments can contribute. For example, malayalam, tamil, french or hindi books are also welcome. (No text books, magazines or periodicals please).

A student who contribute 20 books will get a certificate, more books contributed together will bring in more credit to the school. For your convenience, Attached flyer can be posted on your notice boards or website. Deadline to donate books - 20 February 2013.

In case you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

5th Used Book Fair - an invitation to donate books

Safer roads - Letters to the Editor - Gulf News Dt 31 Jan 2013

Safer roads

I took a look at the newspaper recently and was horrified to see the photo of a totally burned car, resulting in the death of an Emirati – yet another victim of speeding on our roads. A search of news reports over the past two months showed me at least 12 other similar deaths due to speeding. What’s happening to our drivers?

There is clearly a crisis.

A closer look revealed the alarming fact that most of these vehicles are driven by educated men and women.

Does this show that there is a lack of willingness to acknowledge and respect safety initiatives in place?
If so, it has to be controlled by initiating stricter rules and regulations so that no life is lost due to dangerous driving.

I suggest the authorities bring in a fine system which is pro rata, based on the type and model of the vehicle and driver involved. In addition, all automobile dealers should be requested to give a 2-3 hour mandatory safety training to the new owner, with a certification issued after successful completion that he is well aware of the controls of the car he is going to own and fit and safe enough to drive it.

I wish to see zero tolerance on speeding on our roads and no fatalities in the future, as a result. 

From Mr Ramesh Menon Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online

The thoughts behind my letter were based on these news items published in the GULF NEWS:

How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?

How many more deaths we need before a pedestrian over bridge at Kadugodi?

Every morning and evening we witness very sad scenes at this major point of Whitefield.

The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population, the Bus stand and Railway Station is causing lot of difficulties for all.

At any given time there will be a goods train with endless carriages, waiting for signal.

It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over.

At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.

Add to these the perils of no light and human and animal feces.

Last month, a series of deaths happened and authorities, as usual came out with interim measures like police posting, and offer of a pedestrian overbridge soon. But, it all died down, and now we do not see any police and the story of the long train blocking the smooth passage of the population continues once again.

All responsible authorities are aware of this, but they find it interesting to pass the blame from one responsible shoulder to another.

This is a serious safety issue that affects the normal movement general public in and around Kadugodi and Whitefield, irrespective of whether they are rich or poor, old or young, man or women. Thus, I request authorities to kindly stop having a callous approach to this citizen problem.

A senior railway official, who responded, informs that:

·        No provision was available in the old estimate of road over bridge, to construct foot over bridge at the above location. This might be due to the reason that the old estimate for the road over bridge was prepared long ago and at that time, there might not be so much development at Whitefield and so much requirement to cross the tracks so often by such a huge populace.

·        The role of Railways is only to the extent of providing an unhindered path for road vehicles in the interest of closing the level crossing.  Land at the level crossing belongs to railways. Providing a separate path for road vehicles is in fact the requirement of road users.

·        Railways, though not obliged, have agreed to execute the work as well as to share the cost of work with BBMP with the only interest of closing the level crossing to avoid the recurring expenditure of maintenance of level crossing once for all.

·        When there was public demand to construct foot over bridge, as Railways have already constructed road over bridge, it was expected that BBMP would come forward to fund the cost of the foot over bridge.

·        Finally, when BBMP has agreed for the same, Railways have invited tender for the same without any delay and opened the same on 27.12.2012, though the funds have not been deposited by BBMP.  Invitation of tender without availability of funds, which is normally not done, was done in the instant case only in the interest of expeditious completion of the work.

·        The tender, which would otherwise take 2-3 months for finalisation, has been finalised in a record time of 20 days.  This is a record of Indian Railways.

·        You will be happy to note that a joint inspection has been conducted by the undersigned on 17th Jan 2013 and the work of removal of obstructions has already been commenced.  This is also a record of Indian Railways where the work has been taken up on the very next day of award of the tender.

·        Two records have already been established as mentioned above and we look forward to establish a third record by completing the work in a record time.

·        It was reported by security authorities that either one or both of the deceased were talking over mobile phone during the time of the incident on 02nd Jan 2013.  Only God knows the truth.

·        I want you to understand that in the entire episode, there was no apathy, there were no petty egos and there was no inability to act on the part of Railways.  You are a better Judge to know where the delay took place. Please go into facts in detail before blaming any particular authority.

·        Railways have not received the funds for the above work from BBMP till date and we are  continuously chasing for the same.  At the same time, we are taking care to see that the agency does not stop the work, though it cannot get payment of a single rupee till the fund is deposited with Railways. 

·        As a concerned citizen, you may like to do something about this.

And we as citizen who are affected continue with our following plea to BBMP and Railway as below:

·        One helpful proactive action from Railways will be to move the parked goods wagons by 50 metres towards Chennai side of tracks by a suitable arrangement, thereby clearing the obstruction of path at the level crossing.  Wagons parked overnight/long hours hinders the crossing of tracks with view of both sides being blocked for pedestrians. Aged persons/children/women are often found to be crawling beneath the parked wagons to cross to the other sides and others climb over the wagons risking their lives. Also, the wagons parked beyond the crossing necessitates the people to walk on the tracks and there could be oversight/negligence when crossing resulting in loss of previous lives.

·        The two sides where one needs to cross are also not easy as there is hardly any space between the wagons and the bund, particularly for so many people who arrive by buses to move. Also there is gutter water/filth everywhere. There is no lighting too any where resulting in poor vision for any one. Considering the safety of women, which is attracting highest attention of Government, any proactive action to provide lights in the vicinity of crossing will be highly appreciated.

·        A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.

·     A concrete pathway which had existed earlier before the closure of the railway crossing enabled people to cross faster and also safely.

·        Please post security personal till the over-bridge is completed.

·        Lighting in that area.

·        Minor adjustments in parking of the long goods train so that people will get sufficient gap to cross.

·        We understand that many of the above things do not come under the responsibility of railways. However, the public who are forced to cross the tracks do not have any alternative. The narrow road over bridge is very scary especially for a women carrying small kids.

·        Could this be done by Railway authorities as an interim measure besides the above suggestion of moving the wagons a little beyond.

We are also surprised to know following things:

·        There are no specifications for the width of road over bridge.

·        There is no process for correction of old plan based on the present needs. The actual work of this over-bridge happened recently.

·        No pedestrian convenience required to be considered.

·        4. After the construction of this over bridge, seeing the practicality, railway engineers should have avoided digging the road between the tracks for pedestrians.

·        We all appreciate Railways good intention and any sort of help from Railways to minimise the problem, until BBMP acts in the matter.

·        At the same time, we urge BBMP to act without any delay in progressing the work before we hear of another tragedy.

 I also seek support of all resident associations, corporate organizations and their staff  and political parties, irrespective of any difference in ideologies to support in this cry for the need of a safe system to cross over.

Otherwise, for residents of Kadugodi, the way to bus stand is always going to be down and under.

Ramesh Menon

Kadugodi.

21 January 2013

Transluminescent signage and directions on Abu Dhabi roads

It is foggy days once again in UAE. The photo above was taken at about 10:00 am two days ago. You can imagine, how foggy it would have been during the early morning hours. Crying road safety all these years, I have been writing and requesting repeatedly to initiate several road safety measures to safeguard all road users during such difficult driving conditions. One item in the list was to have road directions painted with translumniescent paint so that lights reflects on them and give correct guidance on driving direction to those who drive during such times.

I was happy this morning. It was too foggy and was happy to see Abu Dhabi Municipality contractors painting the roads with translumniescent paint. I wish them sincerely good luck in their effort to control accidents during foggy days due to rash driving added with poor visibility.

One more thing was emphasized to me and my community reporting instinct. However efforts or how much ever time it takes, persistence to communicate and convince on the merits of a good suggestion always see positive results.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

12.12.2012

To read my suggestion, please visit and read my post:

(Please read my report – Coping with fog - Gulf News dated 21.09.2010) . 

Thanks to all those who put their mind and soul to initiate this new safety aspect which will help motorists to find directions easily during extreme fog conditions on our road.

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings - please be kind to them

Its time to slow down. KBG, Can you do it? Temple elephants are living beings - please be kind to them

Once again, another temple festival season is due in Kerala. Especially, this is very prominent and predominant at central part of Kerala, specifically, in and around Trichur, Palghat and Ernakulam districts.

This is where we get to see, elephants being transported from one point to another to serve the requirement of temple festivities. This happens, more frequently and at fierce pace, during the March /April/May months, when temple festivals in and around Trichur Districts happens.

It is at this time, that elephants, are transported from far away places by agents to meet requirements of various temples.

Unfortunately, at times, these pachyderms have to silently suffer long journey by truck, who drive really fast to reach from one point to another and then get dressed up to be the focal point and then again move on to another destination.

I humbly request our government, necessary authorities to initiate the following rules:

•          To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
•            To make sure, the elephant is loaded to a truck in the best convenient and safest possible way.
•          To make sure, the elephant is transported from one place to another in a safe speed, say less than 40 kms per hour.
•     To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is decorated and dressed for a long stay for a procession or festivity associated.
•      To make sure, the elephant gets sufficient time to relax before it is loaded once again to its next destination. 
•      To make sure, it gets sufficient time to walk and stretch its muscles and body, before it has to travel or stand silently for any festivity. 
•      To make sure, it gets quality food and water at each of the above point.
•      Absolutely, do not allow, Flash photography at close proximity where elephants are lined up for festivities. 
•              Last and most important, to make sure, they get sufficient rest between one programme and the next.    
•      These activities, should be strictly logged, monitored and controlled by respective Devaswom Officers, Forest and District Collector Level Officers to make sure, they are well taken care and protected.

For your information, am very well sure, the way they are transported from one point to another is the most cruel manner. The speed at which these trucks are driven to reach the next destination, I am sure, even some human being sitting at the carriage space, may not be able to withstand. To add more, if you want to watch and view by yourself, the way they are loaded to a truck, it is really pathetic. God save them and bless them to be silent as ever.

The scenes I witnessed during, just before the last Arattuppuzha pooram was horrendous.  I felt extremely bad for these silent beings and feel it should not be the case in this festive season.

I kindly request honorable Kerala Government and Ministers concerned, both Devaswom and Forest Minister, especially, Sri K B Ganesh Kumar to make a note and issue necessary guidelines to the use and exhibition of tamed / temple elephants in Kerala for festivities.

(photos by Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi)

Watch this video, taken out from YouTube, thanks to Teetus P Samu (author of this video):

Imagine you are in its position to climb over to a cabin of an 8 ft heavy load truck!!

Nothing more to say, government and the ministry, and ministers have to act, well before this festival season, so that NO DEATH HAPPENS due to an elephant attack and NO TEMPLE ELEPHANT is treated or over worked during this season.

I sincerely hope all elephant lovers join me too in this campaign.

With due regards,

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

For residents of Kadugodi - the way to bus stand is still down and under

It is a very sad scene each time I pass by this major point of Whitefield. The railway crossing connecting Kadugodi population and the Bus stand is causing lot of difficulties for all. At any given time there will be a goods train waiting, with endless carriages, waiting for signal. It makes life difficult for all age a difficult process to cross over. It is extremely difficult in the morning as one rush to the bus stand to reach office or school. Children and aged have to squeeze down or walk all the way till the end and then cross over. At night time, there is absolutely no light making it all the more difficult.

Like the endless carriages parked, the story continues for Kadugodi residents...... 

Authorities have so far kept a golden silence on the issue of providing an easy passage for the users of the bus station or even the railway station. It is one of the major traffic point connecting residents from various point of Kadugodi and nearby villages and residential areas to the city. 

Who cares, if common man suffers? The city is one of the highest tax collecting and revenue generating in India. But, when it comes to necessary infrastructure, it is way behind...

Authorities, please consider the difficulties of Kadugodi residents.... At least, please show kindness to instruct the Railway authorities and the Engine drivers to park the trains before the railway gate, if the possibility of building a bridge is an impossible task by you.

Ramesh Menon

30 August 2012

Plants need more care

To read it in original, please visit 7daysinabudhabi

'Abandoned' Cars gather dust at Abu Dhabi airport

ABU DHABI // Scores of luxury cars and sports utility vehicles are gathering dust in the short-term car park at Abu Dhabi airport.

According to the airport's website, vehicles should be left there for no more than three days. And few would choose to with parking costing Dh240 a day.

But many of the cars have clearly been there for months - long enough for tyres to go flat and windows to become caked with sand and salt.

Beneath the grime, the marques are a checklist of luxury - BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, a Chevrolet Camaro S5 and a Jaguar XK8.

Also accumulating dust are sport utility vehicles such as a Nissan Prado, a Ford Escape, a Ford Edge and a Chevrolet Avalanche.

Others include a Kia Optima, Kia Rio, Honda Civic, Honda City, Nissan Altima and Nissan Tiida, Mazda 3, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, and a Peugeot 207.

"I've seen a few cars here that are covered with dust," said MT Hassan, a Sudanese public relations officer.

"Maybe some of the owners will return, while others may have already left the country. We really don't know."

Ramesh Menon, 45, a technical officer at an Abu Dhabi government company, suspects the latter.

He visited the airport in mid-July. When he returned this week, the same cars remained parked.

"If there is a genuine owner who has parked there by mistake, he or she will claim it," Mr Menon said. "If it is deliberate, the car should be auctioned off to the public."

The flat tyres are a giveaway, he added. "Abu Dhabi airport has tight security measures. I don't think someone will go to the car park and puncture the tyres."

As on dirty cars everywhere, passers-by have inscribed messages in the dust. Some, including a black Ford Edge Sport and a white Honda Civic, bear the time-honoured "clean me", while the rear windscreen of a blue-green Hyundai Tucson claims its owner has "gone fishing".

A check on some of the number plates through the police website reveals the cars have a number of traffic and Salik fines.

One, a black Jaguar XK8 with Abu Dhabi plates, has accumulated Dh1,350 in fines - two for speeding in Abu Dhabi in June and July, and another for speeding in Dubai in May.

A grey Nissan Altima with Abu Dhabi plates had five Dubai police fines totalling Dh3,100 between December 2010 and April 2011.

A green BMW saloon, also with Abu Dhabi plates, had two Dubai fines from October 2009, and another from April 2010, totalling Dh1,900. A Kia Optima had a Dh100 fine from Oman, while a Kia Rio racked up nine Salik fines, totalling Dh450, between November 2009 and February 2010. Both cars have Dubai plates.

"The authorities should now consider removing them to allow other cars to park in this area meant for short-term parking," Mr Menon said. "These cars are eating up a lot of space and it gives a bad image to the city."

A spokesperson for the Abu Dhabi Airports Company yesterday declined to comment.

Several cars sit covered in dust, seemingly abandoned at the Abu Dhabi Airport short-term parking lot as seen on Wednesday afternoon, August 1, 2012. Silvia Razgova / The National

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online

Time for Etisalat to improve its airport presence

Although it is the major telecommunications service provider in the UAE, Etisalat still falls short when it comes to providing good customer service.

At Abu Dhabi Airport, the location of the only Etisalat payment machine is unknown even to many of the airport staff. The plight of a visitor can be imagined.

When I tried to deposit money in the machine recently, it would not accept any notes. When I called the Etisalat contact centre to report this error, I failed to convince the operator about the importance of this issue.

He wanted to have the machine's ID number, which was not displayed. I told him the machine's location - it is just in front of the Etihad and NBAD offices on the mezzanine floor - but he was adamant about getting this number so he could log the complaint.

I wonder whether the machine was finally repaired. Considering the value of Etisalat's reach and its prominence in this country, I think it should have a customer support and sales counter at the airport arrivals terminal.

This is especially significant as the airport will be the gateway for all the visitors arriving for the new season of international events, including the Formula One race.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online

Abandoned cars send a message

Abandoned cars send a message

I recently visited Abu Dhabi International Airport's short-term car park and was shocked to see many cars there completely covered in dust.

Some of them had punctured tyres and the dust was inscribed with graffiti, so I guessed that they had been there for a long time. This was confirmed when I visited 10 days later and the same vehicles were still there.

I am not sure whether these are cars parked in the wrong place by travellers who are on long holidays or they have been abandoned by people who have left the country for good.

Graffiti on one of them saying "Gone fishing" made me think the latter might be the case.

I hope the relevant authorities at the airport can remove these vehicles, as they provide an unpleasant sight for visitors.

With several key events scheduled to happen immediately after Ramadan, this is one thing the authorities should take into consideration in their efforts to continue to keep the city neat and clean.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit THE NATIONAL online.

Highway facilities require attention

Highway facilities require attention

There is a serious lack of clean toilets at the highway petrol stations between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Even in the existing, limited number of toilets, hygiene needs seem to have been neglected.

Visit one on any given busy evening or morning, and it's obvious that these toilets are not as well-maintained or cleaned as they should be.

Bear in mind that these are international roads connecting to bordering countries, and that children will need to use them.

I hope the petrol stations and health authorities initiate measures to address this issue.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National online.

Hungry Drivers

Hungry drivers

This year being one of the hottest and longest Ramadan days, it is a matter of concern for all who are on the road right before iftar. On the first day of Ramadan, I happened to witness and experience at least three near-accidents in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah roads. This is really dangerous and I hope that no one gets hurt. Could the relevant authorities come out with clear guidelines, stricter rules and fines to those who drive extremely fast?

From Mr Ramesh Menon

Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit GULF NEWS online.

You may please read the below article and actions which followed the above report:

Police warn motorists to drive safely — especially before iftar

Message of safety for Holy Month

Message of safety for Holy Month

The Holy Month of Ramadan is underway and with it comes renewed worries over road safety.

This year will be one of the hottest and longest Ramadan fasting periods in recent memory; it is a matter of concern for all who are on the road during the period just before breaking the fast.

On the first day of Ramadan, I happened to witness and experience at least three near misses on roads in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Watching these dangerous driving habits made me think that it would be helpful for authorities to come out with stricter rules and fines for those who drive dangerously prior to iftar.

In addition, it would be a great move if warnings and messages about the dangers of speeding during this time were made at various iftar tents and prayer halls around the country. It would also be appropriate for religious scholars to offer messages about the dangers of careless driving.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

To read it in original, please visit The National Online.

You may also read the below article and actions which followed the above article:

Dubai police report 3,605 traffic accidents since start of Ramadan

Dh258 credit card fee that led to debt of Dh60,000

Anwar Ahmad/The National

ABU DHABI // When KB Muralee was offered his credit card, he was told it would be free for life.

Seven years after using it once, he had an accumulated debt of Dh60,000.

"I used the Standard Chartered credit card for some purchases in India amounting to Dh12,000. Of that, I paid back Dh10,000 on time and later deposited the remaining Dh2,000. My card's credit limit was Dh15,000."

A Dh288 late fee for the outstanding amount of Dh2,000 was combined with annual fees, insurance and interest charges to create the mammoth debt.

"I didn't even want the card, but they insisted that it was free and then said I had to purchase insurance on it," said Mr Muralee, who is the honorary president of Kerala Social Centre in Abu Dhabi.

After The National approached the bank for comment, Mr Muralee said he was contacted almost immediately with a settlement deal.

"They called and said, 'OK, pay Dh2,000 and end the matter'."

In another call, he was asked to pay just Dh500.

In an official statement, Standard Chartered explained: "Upon receiving the complaint, Standard Chartered's customer care unit contacted the customer and launched an investigation.

"Apparently, the customer had made a purchase on his card in 2005 and has not settled his outstanding balance since then.

"Despite the bank sending him his statement on a regular basis, the customer has ignored settling his credit card which has led to the automatic compilation of late-payment fees and interest on his outstanding balance.

"The bank has contacted the customer and has settled the issue with him."

Mr Muralee said he refused to pay a single fils on either his credit-card charges or on the settlement, because he believed the charges are baseless.

"I knew it could land me behind bars but I was not afraid of it because it's entirely the bank's fault," he said.

"It's been mental torture to me, as the bank kept sending me statements throughout these years that I couldn't get them to resolve.

"It's very hard for a layman to understand their schemes, paybacks, late fees and hidden charges that they add on without explanation. These banks play like hunters and they wait and watch when you are going to get trapped."

Other consumers could find themselves in the same situation as Mr Muralee if they don't read the fine print.

The websites of several local banks use the term "free for life" to refer to credit card products, including Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mashreq Bank, RAK Bank and Lloyd's TSB.

Standard Chartered is more cautious in its use of the term, but the bank does refer to a "free for life" credit card that is available with certain products, including their Home Suite Package.

"There is absolutely no such thing as a 'free' credit card," said an independent financial adviser from Dubai who did not wished to be identified.

"The banks might say they're giving you six months free, but that's as long as you pay back what you owe them before the due date every month.

"The thing is, they do cover themselves: there's that little asterisk next to 'free', which means you should be checking the fine print," he said.

"But let's get real: in today's financial climate? Nothing is for free.

"That's just a catch-phrase."

anwar@thenational.ae

For more in our Consumer Watch series click here.


Whom to call for help


The Central Bank of the UAE regulates banks, exchange houses, and finance and investment companies. You can contact the consumer protection unit of the Central Bank to report problems on  02 691 5290/5453, or email your complaint to complaint@cbuae.gov.ae or log it online at www.centralbank.ae


* Anwar Ahmad

My comments as follows:

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1. RameshMenonAbuDhabi

   It requires lot of boldness and courage for a highly social and community oriented person like KB Muralee to come out in open and openly discuss his harrowing financial experiences as a credit card holder with payment discrepancies. We can easily imagine the plight of those who cannot communicate or do not have any source to cry out. It easily open our eyes to many who affected silently suffering with no clue what so ever to come out the trap they are in. It may also give us answers to absconding of several and deaths here and back in their own home country due these type of debts. UAE Central Bank should conduct a comprehensive check of the credit allocation policy, basis of interest and interest on interest levied to customers and several hidden charges allocated. Banking regulatory authorities should also come out with appropriate rules to restrict the mandatory and explanatory clauses from smaller prints to bigger and bolder ones in all the banking application forms, and have a controlling officer to guide the applicant before approving any credit line to customers about various charges and consequences of payment anomalies. In this case, as they say, a child who cry only will get the milk and Muralee was bold enough to cry and he got his milk and waiver on excessive charges. There are thousands of unlucky others out there who are not so lucky or educated or have contacts.

   
   

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