Gov’t to Introduce “Generation Ban” to Stop Young People from Falling into Tobacco Addiction
Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced he will introduce a “generation ban” to prevent young people in the Maldives from taking up smoking.
In the first episode of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, launched today, President Muizzu discussed various challenges the country is currently facing and responded to questions submitted by the public. The podcast, meaning With the Citizens in English, aims to share information with the public, engage with their views and concerns, and address their questions directly, according to the President’s Office.
advertisement
During the first episode, while speaking to the host, Ahmed Shakeeb, a former television presenter mostly known for his work at Television Maldives (TVM), Muizzu announced his plans to introduce a “generation ban” to the Maldives to prevent young people in the Maldives from falling into nicotine addiction.
“Especially for the youngsters, we will take measures. People who are truly addicted to it are older, right? We will ensure that children who get into it after 18 years are kept away from it and encouraged to stay away from it for the rest of their lives,” Muizzu said.
He said other countries have such plans in motion. Further details regarding this program will be announced at a later date, he said.
Referring to the increased cigarette prices enforced by this government as well as the ban of vape sales and use in the Maldives, President Muizzu said these are efforts he was undertaking to lead the people to a healthier lifestyle.
“We started this effort with very noble intentions, the process of keeping people away from smoking,” Muizzu said.
Muizzu said he started this work not to make the lives of people harder nor to force them to spend a lot of money. He said he is aware that a lot of people, not just Maldivians, struggle with nicotine addiction.
In the podcast, the President did not elaborate on how the “generation ban” will be enforced to accomplish the goal.
