By Burnett Munthali
The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has warned that the lack of effective market inspection and monitoring by regulatory institutions is leading to an influx of counterfeit, expired, and substandard products across the country.
This development poses significant economic and health risks for consumers, with many vulnerable to exploitation and harm from unsafe goods.
CAMA Executive Director, John Kapito, made the warning in a statement marking World Consumers Day, celebrated on March 15.
Kapito has called on authorities to address the situation by improving market supervisions and strengthening coordination among regulatory agencies and border authorities to prevent the entry of unsafe goods.
The lack of effective regulation has created an environment where counterfeit and substandard products can thrive, putting the health and well-being of Malawian consumers at risk.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC), Edward Joshua, has identified limited awareness as a major barrier to consumer justice in the country.
Many people, Joshua noted, hesitate to report unfair trading practices, highlighting the need for increased education and awareness-raising efforts to empower consumers.
This year’s World Consumer Day is being held under the theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring that products available in the market are safe and meet required standards.
