Lilongwe, February 5: Parliament is expected to table a Bill that advocates for complete ban of both production and sachet liquor.
The Bill follows a petition that was presented to the legislative House late last year by a group of concerned Malawian youths who called themselves Young Achievers for Development (YAD).
Debate on the same was scheduled for Thursday afternoon but was postponed to a later date following the absence parliamentarian for Lilongwe South West constituency, Peter Chakwantha, whose name the Bill carries.
Chakwantha who is also Parliament’s Legal Affairs Chairperson had also received the petition from YAD but was said to have gone abroad on the Thursday of the debate.
“Since the Bill is in his name and the honorable member is absent, we will have to postpone it,” said Deputy Speaker of parliament, Esther Chilenje, who had presided over the afternoon sitting.
During presentation of the petition, YAD president, Jefferson Millanzie, had explained to Malawi News Agency (Mana) that advocacy for the illegalization of the liquor was prompted by the “undisputable” negative effects the beverage had on especially the youths.
“Malawi media has been awash with stories of people dying after such sachet spirits” read the petition which further stated “On 4th November 2012, Nyasatimes reported that a Chancellor College student, Victor Juma died after excessively drinking sachet spirits alcohol.”
Meanwhile, other concerned quarters, including chiefs and concerned parents, have also been advocating for the same.
