Blantyre City South legislator Sameer Suleman has called for more demonstrations in response to the rising prices of goods in the country.
This call was made on Tuesday after Kaunjika vendors stormed Parliament to voice their grievances about price increases imposed by wholesalers.
Suleman emphasized the need for government intervention, stating that solutions are required to address the escalating prices and suggested tripling the minimum wage limit.
“We are giving the government three days to respond to these queries; we want the government to triple the minimum wage limit so that Malawians can afford their basic daily needs.
“The situation in Malawi requires immediate attention and action. Many businesses are closing; there is a foreign exchange shortage, and people are struggling to buy maize flour, which is a staple for our survival,” Suleman remarked.
Additionally, Suleman has urged the government to establish a special task force that will visit shops to assess the pricing of goods in collaboration with shop owners.
Meanwhile, Minister of Trade and Industry Sostain Gwengwe announced the revocation of all business licenses for Kaunjika wholesalers and retailers.
He further stated that the government will provide foreign exchange to importers dealing in essential goods such as maize flour, chicken feed, second-hand clothes, and baking flour, allowing them to import at official exchange rates.
“This initiative aims to help lower commodity prices. We have observed that wholesalers have been taking advantage of the situation by imposing unrealistic prices, so we decided to revoke their licenses. We will meet with them to discuss how these issues can be resolved,” Gwengwe stated.
