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Asian business operators have accused the Malawi Revenue Authority of corruption saying the environment created by the tax collector is affecting their operations.
According to a representative of the business operators, Rafiq Hajat, MRA officers demand cash from them just to access their services.
Hajat made the revelations in his presentation which outlined challenges that the business community is facing, in an interface meeting held in Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre.
The parliamentary committee on industry, trade, and tourism met the business persons of Asian origin on Wednesday to among other things learn how the business environment is fairing for them.
He cited duplication of certificates, city or building rates, and exorbitant taxation as the core challenges the operators are facing adding that these are negatively affecting businesses on the market.
Hajat expressed concern that the tax collector has created a negative environment but yet acts corruptly.
“Business is being affected on our end. There are two sides of the issue, people question the business operators without being critical of the ones demanding the money,’’ he said.
On his part, chairperson for the parliamentary committee on industry, trade, and tourism Simplex Chithyola Banda said all pressing matters will be brought before parliament in the next sitting.
He, however, said the committee will engage the MRA for its side of the accusations.
“First of all, we are going to analyze the issues that have been raised. We will then discuss how to take the arising matters forward,’’ said Banda.
Credit: MIJ Online
