Parliament has been told that the new Public Health Protection Bill will allow the introduction of the capability to impose severe spot fines on those caught littering.

Assistant Minister for Health Alex O’Connor has told parliament that the need to update the Public Health Act is long overdue.

He says it is surprising to learn that the maximum penalty that can be applied under the Public Health Act for failing to take steps to prevent the spread of mosquitoes or even encouraging them to breed is just $10.

O’Connor says an updated act will also strengthen Fiji’s health security measures by establishing more effective networks with other border control agencies in support of surveillance and monitoring programmes at international ports of entry to minimise the risk of human and vector-borne diseases coming into Fiji.

He says the World Health Organisation is working alongside staff from the Ministry and international experts advisors to finalise the drafting of the bill.