A media environmental body has called for concerted efforts in making sure that the country is making strides in effecting the ban on thin plastics.  

The appeal follows the upholding of a ban by the Supreme Court of Appeal on the production, distribution and importation of thin plastics of less than 60 microns across the country.

Secretary General for Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi (AEJ-Malawi) Charles Mkoka told YFM in an interview that there is need for proper engagement with the general public on the merits of adhering to the thin plastic ban.

“What needs to be done is that government must ensure that it engages the public to raise awareness on the merits of adhering to the ban, because the ban says those plastics that are less than 60 microns should not be produced or imported,” highlighted Mkoka.

Spokesperson in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Sangwani Phiri expressed delight on the relief by the Supreme Court having fought the legal battle for a longtime.

“It`s an issue which makes me fail to know how happy the government is, especially with regards to the kind of disposal right from the court yesterday where they dismissed an appeal case which was levelled by the manufacturers of plastics in the country, so we are more than happy just to simply put it in that way,” he said.

According to government, thin plastics were banned because they pose a danger to the environment due to their deferred rate of putrefaction.

However, in January 2016, Rainbow Plastics, Aero Plastics Limited and 12 other thin plastic producing companies obtained a court order in contrast to the carrying out of the government ban, arguing that it interfered with their business rights.