Tobacco-related offences have seen a notable rise in Fiji, with the Health Ministry documenting 152 bookings from January to September this year. The Head of the Tobacco Control and Enforcement Unit, Maleli Baleiwera, reported that the majority of these offences pertain to public smoking, selling loose cigarettes, neglecting to display no-smoking signs, and the sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18. Additionally, some vendors have been found selling tobacco without the necessary licenses.
Baleiwera indicated that over the past two years, the unit has consistently recorded upwards of 200 tobacco-related violations annually. He also noted that imprisonment has been enforced for those who failed to comply with court-ordered fines related to these offences. “After legal proceedings, those who neglected to pay their penalties have been taken to prison,” he shared.
Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, emphasized the necessity of public awareness and community collaboration to effectively combat tobacco use. He highlighted the importance of educating families and society on the legal restrictions surrounding tobacco sales to underage individuals. “It’s crucial that we continue discussing these laws in our homes and communities to raise awareness of their importance,” he said.
The Health Ministry has stated that penalties for tobacco offences range from $200 for smoking in public to as high as $5,000 for the sale of tobacco without a valid license. This focus on enforcement, coupled with community education, is essential for reducing tobacco violations across the nation.
In a related context, previous reports have pointed out the profound impact of the illicit tobacco trade on Fiji’s health system and economy, with an annual toll of over 1,200 deaths attributed to tobacco-related illnesses. This reflects a broader public health crisis, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulatory measures and community engagement to protect public health and foster a healthier future for all Fijians. The commitment from health officials and international partnerships signifies a hopeful direction towards mitigating these issues and ensuring a more stable health landscape in Fiji.