Taipei  - Taiwan's parliament Monday approved a revision to the anti-smoking bill that would double the health duty imposed on cigarettes, officials said.

"The parliament's move, which would raise the current health duty imposed on cigarettes to 20 Taiwan dollars (60 US cents) from 10 Taiwan dollars per pack, is aimed at discouraging smoking," said Hsiao Mei-ling, director of Bureau of Health Promotion.

With the increase expected to take effect in two weeks after promulgation by the Presidential Office, cigarettes would be sold at around 70 Taiwan dollars per pack.

The latest move came a day after Taiwan started banning smoking in all indoor public places, making the island the 17th territory in the world and the second in Asia to take the step to protect people's health. dpa