LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) is outraged by the blatant and unacceptable negligence of the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), which has failed to fulfill its mandate of protecting Malawians from substandard, unsafe, and harmful products.
In a statement dated Saturday, January 25, 2025 HRDC National Chairperson Gift Trapence highlighted the recent closures of ShopRite, Ekhaya, and Sana, which have revealed alarming instances of malpractice involving the sale of expired, unhygienic, and uncertified goods to unsuspecting consumers.
Trapence emphasized that this situation highlights a catastrophic failure of oversight and a betrayal of public trust by the institution responsible for safeguarding the health and well-being of all Malawians.
He pointed out that this disgraceful scenario not only reveals the complacency of the MBS but also underscores a deep systemic failure to enforce even the most basic standards of safety and quality.
“It is unconscionable that such malpractice is 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, endangering millions of lives,” said Trapence.
He therefore urged citizens to boycott businesses that threaten public health, report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, and unite to hold the MBS accountable.
The HRDC demands a national inspection conducted without fear or favor, swift and severe accountability for violators, the eradication of corruption and internal collusion, as well as transparent and regular reporting.
