WHISTLEBLOWERS who tip off authorities about crimes involving drugs, medical apparatus and cosmetics will be able to receive a reward of up to 300,000 yuan (US$44,115) from next Wednesday.

Currently, the maximum possible reward has been set at 200,000 yuan since 2012. The minimum is 200 yuan. The reward system aims to encourage citizens and organizations to tip off authorities about offenses during the manufacturing, production, sales and use of medicine, medical apparatus and cosmetics, according to Shanghai Food and Drug Administration.

Rules allow whistleblowers to make anonymous reports. Officials who reveal information about anonymous whistle-blowers will be punished.