Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa has criticised government’s decision to suspend services of struggling State produce trader Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC).

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe today, he said the move will hurt a majority of Malawians who depend on ADMARC as it has maize selling points nationally.

Nankhumwa alleged that the suspension is a ploy to ensure that some people connected to government should clinch lucrative maize trade deals which could have been handed to the parastatal.

Minister of Agriculture Lobin Lowe announced the suspension at a press briefing in Lilongwe earlier this week saying all services, except social services have been suspended until further notice.

The move, he said, is part of a restructuring process.

The minister further said all members of staff have been placed on paid leave.