Prominent environmentalist Godfrey Mfiti has called for stiffer penalties for manufacturers that do not comply with the thin plastics ban.

He was commenting on the closure of AERO Plastics factory in Chirimba and confiscation of thin plastic bags at Rainbow Plastics Distribution shop in Limbe by the Malawi Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA).

MEPA has intensified inspections nearly two weeks after the High Court in Lilongwe removed an injunction which barred government to implement a 2015 ban on production, import and use of thin plastic bags.

Mfiti said closing the companies and confiscating materials is not enough.

He suggested that imposing huge fines and jail terms could be the solution in order to send a strong warning to would be offenders.

However, Mfiti commended MEPA for the effort despite describing the move as long overdue.

“This is what we expected long time back and this has shown that we now have the authority in place,” he said.

According to MEPA, the closure order stipulates that the company shall remain closed in line with the 2017 Environmental Management Act.

MEPA has intensified inspections nearly two weeks after the High Court in Lilongwe removed an injunction which barred government to implement a ban on thin plastics.

According to MEPA, 19 entities including producers, distributors and supermarkets have been inspected so far.