Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and Consumers Association of Malawi (Cama) have accused Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) of failing to execute its mandate to protect Malawians from substandard, unsafe and harmful products.
In a statement issued on Saturday, HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence says recent closures of major retail outlets had exposed that malpractices were rampant.
He cited the selling of expired, uncertified and unhygienic goods to consumers as some of the malpractices.
“This disgraceful situation reveals not only MBS’s complacency but also a deep-rooted systemic failure to enforce even the most basic standards of safety and quality.
“It is unconscionable that such malpractices are only now coming to light while the majority of smaller shops and vendors in rural areas, where most Malawians shop, continue to operate with little to no scrutiny,” Trapence said.
HRDC observes that the dereliction of duty endangers millions of lives, particularly of those who lack alternative shopping options or access to reliable information.
“MBS; time for excuses is over. The time for action is now,” he said.
HRDC has since said MBS should immediately implement a robust and inclusive inspection regime that covers not just large urban centres but also the most remote rural areas.
According to HRDC, selective enforcement is unacceptable.
“Every Malawian, regardless of where they live or their economic status, deserves protection from harmful and substandard products,” Trapence said.
And, Sunday, Cama Executive Director John Kapito said they were shocked by MBS’ alleged failure to perform tasks that the institution was established for.
According to Kapito, MBS is supposed to be doing market inspections to flush out expired and unpalatable goods on a daily basis and not once in every five years.
“And they are supposed to be doing that in silence and not doing it like they are at a wedding, where they invite media houses to capture it.
“The question is, after last week, when else will they conduct market checks? Why should we pay people who only do their daily job once in a year?” queried Kapito.
MBS spokesperson Monica Khombe said her institution was guided by the MBS Act and requisite regulations that provide the mandate and limits within which the institution functions.
She said inspections from the point of production and market surveillance were part of the routine activities of MBS, as guided by the Act.
“MBS has always been open to the general public as dictated by the Access to Information Act.
“As such, we have been more deliberate to comply with the Access to Information Act so that different stakeholders can easily request and access information in line with provisions of the Act so that they get facts right,” Khombe said.
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