Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has intensified inspections in markets and manufacturing companies to crack down on players defying ban on importation, manufacturing and use of thin plastics.

Acting Manager responsible for environmental assessment and inspection at MEPA, Biswick Mlaviwa said the authority will also be engaging stakeholders such as police, Malawi Revenue Authority and Malawi Bureau of Standards in the enforcement of the ban.

“We are just going around to check on companies that are involved in the manufacturing of plastics to see if they are complying. We have started with Lilongwe and surrounding districts and action is being taken on those defying the order,” he said.

MEPA on Monday issued a closure order to Quality Plastics factory in Lilongwe which is owned by Chinese nationals and a K5 million fine for being found manufacturing the thin plastics despite the ban.

Owners of the company claimed they were not aware of the ban and promised to comply with the closure order.

The ban on manufacturing and use of plastics less than 60 microns in thickness came into effect in Malawi under the Environmental Management (Plastics) Regulations of 2015 to combat pollution of plastics and environmental impact.

Malawi was among first African countries to impose such a ban but enforcement since June 30, 2015 when the prohibition came into effect has been facing challenges due to court injunctions obtained by manufacturers.

Despite the supreme court in January this year declaring that the restraints manufactures had been obtaining were out of order, environmental advocates have been lamenting that no enforcement is seen to stop production, importation, distribution and use of thin plastics in the country.

Penalties for those found violating the regulations include imprisonment, factory closure, fine and confiscation of the prohibited products and equipment.