Carry out ban, government told

 A COMPANY official has called on State agencies to implement effectively the ban on non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags and control over biodegradable plastic shopping bags.

Tony Sam, general manager of Lams Trading Ltd in Lae, said the number of environmental permit holders allowed to import and manufacture shopping bags was manageable.

“The number of permit holders is 11 and I think this is manageable. It can be easy for the Government to monitor and ensure that the business community complies.”

He said the decision by the Government to ban the import of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags was good for the country and the people.

“They are hazardous to the environment because they do not biodegrade, which pose a threat to marine and terrestrial animals,” he said.

“It’s also encourages littering as we can see in our towns and cities. Policy that will protect our people, the land the environment we are happy to comply.

“But some people are thinking of making money and forget about the consequences and the bad impacts plastics have on our fish, turtles and the marine and terrestrial animals.