Enforcement of ban of thin plastic papers commences June 30

Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining has said government will start enforcing the ban on the importation, manufacturing, trading, distribution and use of thin plastic papers on June 30 this year.

In a public notice released today Environmental Affairs Department says the ban which was made last year is still in effect.

Signed by principal secretary of Environment and Climate Change management Dr Yanira Mtupanyama the statement says government delayed enforcing the ban to allow manufacturers, distributors and retailers to clear the existing stocks of plastic products and raw materials as well as allow them produce plastics of prescribed thickness.

“In interim period the ministry is conducting public awareness campaigns to sensitise the general public on the ban, exemptions and the use of environmentally friendly alternative products,” said the public notice.

It has therefore asked Malawians to comply and corporate with government enforcing agencies during the enforcement exercise.