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High Court in Blantyre on Wednesday ordered the government to suspend the ban on the Production, importation, distribution and use of Plastic bags in the country.
The development follows an application made by Plastic Manufactures Association of Malawi (PMA) seeking a judicial review on the matter.
The Government through ministry of Energy, Mining and Natural Resources three weeks ago issued the ban prohibiting the manufacturing and importation of plastic carrier bags, alcohol sachets and plastic papers used in secondary packaging or wrapping with a thickness of less than 60 microns.
But the development was not welcomed by many retailers in the country.
In her judgment, Justice Rachel Sikwese said: “The applicant’s application for leave to apply for judicial review and ancillary orders is adjourned for 14 days in order to allow the parties to engage in out of court negotiations for an amicable resolution of the issues in this matter.
The respondent [government] undertakes not to enforce the ban on the production, importation, distribution and use of plastics in Malawi as of 30th June 2014 [and] during the said 14 days”.
Sekwese further asked both parties to report to Court after 14 days if the negotiations does not yield any results.
