Strict action will be taken against traders who exploit a new rise in the salaries of government and military employees in Bahrain, the Industry and Commerce Ministry said.

It follows concerns by citizens that traders will start raising their prices after His Majesty King Hamad issued the order last Thursday.

However, the ministry said consumers should not worry as it would continue to closely monitor markets and price movements.

"The monitoring work of the Consumer Protection Directorate will intensify during the coming period within its vital role of monitoring prices and preventing harmful trade practices," it said.

The ministry thanked traders for their co-operation in maintaining price stability and offering promotional campaigns. His Majesty announced the pay rise as he addressed National Dialogue participants at Al Rawdha Palace, where he was presented with their final visions by Dialogue chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa on Saturday directed pay rises for public sector workers to be paid for Eid Al Fitr.

He instructed the relevant ministries to take the necessary procedures to include it in the August salaries to coincide with the occasion. – TradeArabia News Service