Minister of Labour Eng. Vitumbiko Mumba has disclosed that the arrested Chinese national, Zhouh Young Fei, who is managing director of NT Plastics Manufacturing Ltd, detained the ministry’s official who had went to inspect the premises.
He was arrested for failing to comply with an order from the Minister of Labour to close the company until all issues related to poor working conditions for Malawian employees are resolved.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mumba said on 22nd May, 2024, the Chinese national detained the Chief Industrial Hygienist, the Industrial Hygienist, the Occupational Safety and Health Officer (intern) and a driver.
“The four were detained from 11:00 to 17:00 and were prevented from carrying out their duties. The ministry issued a Prohibition Notice which the company did not comply with. Were written a follow up letter. They did not comply. With this, and for their own safety, most officers are afraid to carry out inspections because our country sides with cruel and inhuman individuals against our own indigenous Malawians.
“A good example is the HR Manager who we understand has been behind some of the decisions at the company including threatening laborers. We have evidence to this effect. Her arrogance started rearing its ugly head yesterday when she came to the gate. When I introduced myself to her, she responded sitikukudziwani (we don’t know you) and went back to her office, making us wait for another 10 or so minutes. By this time, we had already spent over 20 minutes waiting for the gate to be opened.
“What happened today was a product of extensive consultations with proper legal minds and technocrats within the ministry. And we stand tall with whatever happened and we respect the rule of law. Anyone aggrieved can seek legal redress and we will take them head on. Let’s put the welfare of our people first. You can’t have over 100 people using one blocked toilet!,” he said
