Cabinet to discuss tobacco “Generational Ban”, cites rising youth usage
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a decision on imposing a “generational ban” to curb tobacco use will be discussed at today’s Cabinet meeting.
In a video message released prior to the meeting, the President emphasized the severe health and societal impacts of tobacco consumption, citing recent data and expert consultations.
According to the Maldives Health Statistics Survey 2022, tobacco use is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases and disabilities in the Maldives. In terms of causes of death in Maldives, 84 percent of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases caused by tobacco use. This is a very large percentage,
President Dr. Muizzu stated
He also referred to findings from a 2021 survey on the causes of non-communicable diseases, noting that “21.8 percent of young people between the ages of 15 and 29 are known to be tobacco users.”
The President highlighted another alarming figure:
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 45 percent of school-aged children are tobacco users.
he stated
Noting the scale of the issue, President Muizzu said,
The population of Maldives is 411,741, and the proportion of non-communicable diseases is very high compared to the population. Everyone should work together to save the country from diseases such as cancer and heart disease
He added
He underscored the urgency of the proposed policy, stating,
The generational ban is important. The poll was conducted on various social media platforms. I have also consulted with various organizations, WHO, UNICEF and so on. Today's Cabinet meeting will discuss all these issues and hopefully save the health of the people and make this society free of tobacco-related diseases.
President stated
A recent poll conducted via his social media platforms showed strong public backing for a tobacco ban targeting individuals born in or after the year 2000.
This initiative follows the government’s recent nationwide ban on vaping, introduced in December 2024.
The ban covers the sale, distribution, and use of vape products, with enforcement measures that include:
Importing vaping devices/products: MVR 50,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 per device
Selling vaping products: MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each item sold
Free distribution of vaping devices: MVR 10,000 per device
Selling vaping devices to minors: MVR 50,000 per incident
The proposed generational ban would mark another major step in the government’s ongoing campaign to protect public health and reduce tobacco-related illnesses in the country.
Advertisement
