Garowe, Somalia — The Puntland government has announced that they have banned the import of polythene bags into Puntland, Garowe Online reports.

The Puntland parliament passed a law banning the import of polythene bags into Puntland after seeing the devastating effects the polythene bags have on the environment.

A Puntland committee on the banning of polythene bags was announced and will be working closely with several Puntland ministries such as the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Ports, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Information.

The State Minister for Good Governance Mohamed Farah Isse Gashan a member of the committee against polythene bags explained to the media the effect the bags have on the environment and the importance of the ban.

"The polythene bags have an effect on the health of our livestock, animals in general, individuals and our environment and people carrying, importing and buying bags will be fined and could face jail term," said Minister Gashan.

The State Minister for Environment Sulayman Mohamud Saeed also spoke at the press conference on Sunday stating that Puntland residents should stay away from polythene bags for the sake of their environmental safety.

"The effects are very serious and Puntland residents whether it's the businessmen or women or the consumers should for the better of our environment stay away from the use of polythene bags," said Minister Saeed.

Importers of polythene bags face close to a thousand dollar fine and up to 1 year in jail if found guilty. Street vendors face a much lesser jail term and fines.