By Bongiwe Dlamini
MBABANE – In a move to alleviate suicide cases using Masta 900, Government has sprung to action and decided to restrict access to the chemical.
That means you will have to get a permit first before you can have access to the chemical. Ministry of Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS) Sydney Simelane has released an immediate response to the nation’s request that the misuse of Masta 900 has to come to an end.
Yesterday (Monday, August 5, 2024), the PS spoke in an interview, stating that it was their responsibility to control this pesticide, meaning that not everyone would have the access to it. The PS stated that he has come to that decision because of lot of people who have been committing suicide using this pesticide.
The PS stated that in order for one to attain Masta 900 from stores firstly, they would have to acquire a special permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. This the permit will be given to people who have answered specific questions that are of concern to the Ministry. This includes questions like if you are a farmer and how you will be using the pesticide?
“We are coming up with an alternative pesticide that will hopefully not be effective to the people who might try and abuse it but still be effective to in controlling the pests,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture is not the only Ministry responsible for the livelihood of people but also the Ministry of Health and other ministries.
Lastly, he said that there will be a big campaign held to create awareness that committing suicide is not the only way for Emaswati.
