Sources on Tuesday said the Executive Council approved a proposal to double the littering penalty to HK$3,000, the first increase in the fine in almost two decades.

Offences covered in the fine include spitting and littering in public places and country parks, fouling public places with dog faeces, displaying bills or posters in public without permission and marine littering.

RTHK learned that the fines for illegal shop extensions and depositing construction waste unlawfully will also go up from the current HK$1,500 to HK$6,000.

The Chief Executive said in his maiden policy address in October last year that officials were looking to raise the penalties so they would have a stronger deterrent effect.

It is understood that the Environment and Ecology Bureau will table the bill to the Legislative Council, and the fines will come into force in the fourth quarter of this year at the earliest.

The amendment bill will also authorise officers from more government departments to issue penalties for unlawful dumping of construction waste.