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Over 400 die from smoking annually in Fiji

Xinhua, June 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

More than 400 people die from smoking every year in Fiji, the government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported Wednesday.

Half of long-term smokers pass away through tobacco while half will die prematurely, losing 20 to 25 years of life, according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Tobacco can lead to diseases such as cancer, heart-attack, high blood pressure and lower-than-average birth weight if people do not take precautions, said Sunil Chandra, spokesperson of the health ministry, adding that the ministry was putting more emphasis on awareness programs to fight smoking issues in the Pacific island country.

Meanwhile, 210 people have been charged so far this year for smoking in public places in Fiji, the FBC statistics show.

In the island country, people that are caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined 200 Fiji dollars (95.8 U.S. dollars) . Business houses that sell single rolls will be fined 1,000 Fiji dollars (479.2 U.S. dollars) if caught.

Law enforcement officers have been mobilized in all districts to conduct regular checkups and book people for breaching the country's tobacco decree. Endi