ULAN BATOR, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The government of Mongolia has decided to ban single-use plastic bags across the country starting from March 1, 2019, Mongolian Environment and Tourism Minister Namsrai Tserenbat announced Wednesday.

The ban aims to prohibit all factors that are threats to the environment, Tserenbat told reporters.

"This early announcement of the decision is a warning to citizens and importers," he said.

The Mongolian Customs General Administration and Mongolian State Professional Inspection Agency will monitor the ban's implementation.