BEIJING - The Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) have ordered 25 companies to fix pollution problems in given time, or to receive hefty fines, the MEP announced on Tuesday.

Of the 25 companies, 16 were power plants that had discharged excessive pollutants, and had failed to install or operate desulfurization and denitration facilities.

The MEP ordered all 16 to compile a fixing plan within 30 days, and complete the overhaul by the end of the year. Those that fail to do so will be subject to stern penalties, the MEP said.

Moreover, all 16 will be fined for discharging sulfur-dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

The other nine companies, all sewage treatment plants, were named and shamed by the MEP for ignoring industry requirements. They were given six months to fix the problems.