Muizzu Considers Smoking Ban for Those Under 25
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has outlined proposals for a generational tobacco ban aimed at preventing younger generations from taking up smoking.
The announcement was made during the second episode of the President’s Office’s podcast, ‘Rayyithunna Eku’, which serves as a platform for public engagement and consultation on governance matters.
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President Muizzu initially introduced the concept of a ‘Generation Ban’ during the podcast’s first episode, stating that it would be a key measure to reduce tobacco use in Maldivian society. In the latest episode, he revealed that Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has been assigned to draft a cabinet paper on the proposed ban, with input from medical professionals and other stakeholders.
The President outlined three possible approaches for implementing the ban:
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2007
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2004
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2000
These options target individuals aged between 18 and 25, a demographic that the President believes is crucial in preventing addiction before it becomes entrenched.
President Muizzu also urged tobacco traders to transition to alternative businesses, arguing that the Maldives, with its relatively small population, should not sustain a tobacco industry. He called for stronger measures to curb tobacco use across the country.
Recent tax increases have significantly raised the price of cigarettes, with the duty hike pushing the cost of a cigarette pack from MVR 110 to MVR 240. Despite this, government revenue from cigarette taxes has declined, while instances of illegally imported cigarettes have reportedly increased.
The opposition has criticised the government, suggesting that the tax increase was a revenue-generating measure. However, the government has maintained that the policy is driven by public health concerns.
