The closed NT Plastics Manufacturing Limited has promised to work on the issues related to poor working conditions for its Malawian employees.
The company, which was closed on Thursday, had its managing director, a Chinese national, Zhouh Young Fei arrested on Friday after the Minister of Labour Eng. Vitumbiko Mumba found that it is operational, defying an earlier order.
According to a letter by the company’s lawyer Chancy Gondwe of Gondwe and Attorneys, the company is expected to work on the shortfalls within seven days.
“We refer to the above matter and to the Prohibition Notice dated 16th day of January 2025 and enforced today by the Minister responsible for Labour and Vocational Training.
“We also refer to our discussions about the above matter that we had today. As per the Prohibition Notice, the threats mentioned include operating a workplace without a functional toilet, locking up workers in the factory and subjecting workers to a hazardous environment without necessary mitigation measures.
“As per the discussions that we had, our client, Messrs NT Plastics Manufacturing Limited, will put in place arrangements to dispose of or substantially reduce the threat as contained in the Prohibition Notice within 7 days from the date hereof. Our client takes the threats seriously and will have the same remedied to provide a healthy and safe workplace by the requirements under the Occupational Safety Health and Welfare Act.
“Apart from the foregoing, our client will also provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) to all its employees, a properly ventilated workplace, sanitary facilities, revised working hours and improved employee contracts. We trust that the amicable resolution of this matter will be in the best interest of both parties including the employees themselves,” reads part of the letter dated January 18 2024.
