SUVA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Health Ministry of Fiji has proposed an increase in tobacco taxes, aiming to raise up to 53 million Fijian dollars (around 22.9 million U.S. dollars) in revenue over the next five years.

The move is part of the government's efforts to tackle the severe health and economic impact of smoking in the country, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) on Sunday.

Public health advocates argue that bold steps, such as higher taxes, are essential to curbing tobacco use and saving lives, while also reducing the immense strain on Fiji's resources, said the report.

Tobacco-related illnesses claim around 1,200 lives every year in Fiji, it added. Enditem

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