Ministry investigates use of single use plastic bags at Laqere and Makoi markets

Minister for Environment, Doctor Mahendra Reddy says they are aware of some vendors at Laqere and Makoi markets using single use plastic bags, and he has sent a team to investigate the issue.

Doctor Reddy says once they receive the report then they will make a decision on what should be done to the parties involved.

He says they are also trying to identify if these market vendors are buying the plastic bags or if it was just from their stock from before the ban.

Doctor Reddy says if the single use plastic bags are being bought, then the Ministry will be looking at which company is still producing these plastic bags.

A person who manufactures the banned plastic bags commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $500,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 7 years or both.

Those who sell, supply or distribute a single-use plastic bag to another person or makes a plastic bag available to a customer for carrying goods purchased, or to be purchased, from a retailer, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $150,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.