By Shaffie A Mtambo
A nationwide market surveillance operation conducted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), has resulted in the closure of several businesses found guilty of gross business malpractices. The sealed businesses include Kanyimbo General Dealers, Sara General Dealers, Fatima Agro Dealers, Sana Area 10 Butchery, Foodworth Butchery, and Dalitso General Dealers, among others.
The malpractices uncovered during the surveillance operation include unfair pricing of commodities, a practice that has been deemed detrimental to consumers. Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, announced the sealing of the businesses during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday.
According to Gwengwe, the ministry is mandated to enforce fair business practices on the market and close businesses deemed to be breaking the law, pursuant to the Business Licensing Act.
The move to seal the businesses is a significant step towards promoting fair competition and protecting consumer rights in Malawi. The government has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of the law and that consumers are not exploited. The surveillance operation is expected to continue, with more businesses likely to be sealed if found guilty of malpractices.
The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has been instrumental in the surveillance operation, working closely with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the CFTC to identify and address business malpractices. The MBS has a mandate to promote metrology, standardization, and quality assurance of commodities and services.
In recent years, the MBS has taken a strong stance against businesses that fail to comply with standards and regulations. The bureau has shut down several businesses, including Sana Wholesale in Mzuzu, for non-compliance with hygiene and quality standards.The MBS has also revoked the certification of businesses found guilty of malpractices, such as Hayat Natural Mineral Bottled Water, which was deemed defective and dangerous for consumption.
The government’s efforts to promote fair business practices and protect consumer rights are expected to have a positive impact on the economy and society as a whole. By ensuring that businesses operate within the bounds of the law, the government can promote economic growth, create jobs, and improve the overall quality of life for Malawians.
