President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has outlined proposals for a generational tobacco ban aimed at preventing younger generations from smoking.
Speaking in the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast series designed to engage with the public, the President revealed that Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has been tasked with drafting a Cabinet paper on the initiative. He stressed the importance of consulting medical professionals and other stakeholders in shaping the policy.
As part of the proposal, the President presented three potential approaches:
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2004
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2000
He explained that targeting the 18–25 age group would be the most effective way to prevent addiction before it becomes entrenched.
The President also called on tobacco traders to transition to alternative businesses, asserting that the Maldives’ small population does not justify sustaining a tobacco industry. He reiterated that the government’s primary goal in increasing tobacco prices was to discourage consumption, arguing that gradual tax hikes would only benefit retailers rather than significantly reducing usage.
President Muizzu urged decisive action to eliminate tobacco use in the country, reinforcing the government's commitment to public health and well-being.
Speaking in the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast series designed to engage with the public, the President revealed that Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has been tasked with drafting a Cabinet paper on the initiative. He stressed the importance of consulting medical professionals and other stakeholders in shaping the policy.
As part of the proposal, the President presented three potential approaches:
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2004
- Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2000
He explained that targeting the 18–25 age group would be the most effective way to prevent addiction before it becomes entrenched.
The President also called on tobacco traders to transition to alternative businesses, asserting that the Maldives’ small population does not justify sustaining a tobacco industry. He reiterated that the government’s primary goal in increasing tobacco prices was to discourage consumption, arguing that gradual tax hikes would only benefit retailers rather than significantly reducing usage.
President Muizzu urged decisive action to eliminate tobacco use in the country, reinforcing the government's commitment to public health and well-being.
