The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (Mestecc) today launched the National Action Plan on Enforcement on the Import of Plastic Waste.The plan, also known as the HS 3915, is aimed at streamlining enforcement activities undertaken by various agencies, the ministry said in a statement today.Also launched today was Guidelines on the Import of Scrap Metal for the benefit of importers and with the aim of preventing the import of contaminated, non-homogeneous and low-quality metal.The ministry said the strengthening of environmental enforcement and monitoring activities across the country had been discussed at the meeting of environment ministers and state executive councillors responsible for the environment, held today.

Also known as the Mexcoe meeting which was chaired by Mestecc minister Yeo Bee Yin, the gathering was aimed at heightening enforcement efforts aimed at the sources of pollution, through the adoption of Smart Enforcement, Intelligent Data Management and Big Data Analytics’ concepts, with the cooperation of state governments.The Mexcoe meeting is also facilitating the Department of Environment's continued enforcement activities, with a total of 30,000 enforcement actions targeted this year - these will include prohibition orders, halting of operations, the issuance of compounds and court action.In 2019, a total of 18,314 enforcement actions were undertaken compared to 7,194 in 2018.

- Bernama