MRA advocates for trained Icaf agents
Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) deputy director of corporate affairs Steve Kapoloma says it is important that clearing and forwarding agents get proper training to discharge their duties professionally.
Kapoloma’s sentiments comes at a time when the Indeginous Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents (Icaf) recently admitted that there are a lot of challenges facing the sector, including unscrupulous agents who swindle money out of people hence their decision to come up with mechanisms that will bring sanity in the sector.
Among other things, Icaf wants all agents operating in borders to have licences, uniforms and offices.
Kapoloma, in an interview with Business Review said there are some agents who lack integrity and this is why MRA have embarked on an exercise to train them in administration.
He said: “With proper training, the indigenous clearing agents will help government collect its revenue properly. If these people up their standard and improve their operations, it will make customers pay duty properly without complaints and they will minimise the cost on the importer. In fact, there will be faster clearance of goods and as MRA we welcome their idea to bring sanity in the sector.”
Newly elected president of Icaf, Kumbuka Kalua, commended MRA for taking an interest in the body’s activities saying this will give them confidence to deliver good services.
