President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has initiated a public poll to determine the age at which the Generation Ban on tobacco use should be enforced, marking the first time a Maldivian president has used social media to seek public input on a major policy decision.
The poll, launched on the President’s official X account, presents three options:
- 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
This initiative follows President Muizzu’s announcement during the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast designed to engage with the public and address national concerns. He confirmed that a Cabinet paper is being drafted in consultation with medical professionals and relevant stakeholders to formalize recommendations on the ban.
The President has emphasized that targeting the 18–25 age group is crucial in preventing addiction before it takes hold, aligning with his administration’s broader focus on preventive healthcare and public well-being.
The poll, launched on the President’s official X account, presents three options:
- 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
If a generational ban on smoking were to be implemented in the Maldives, to protect the health of our youth and future generations from the harmful effects of smoking, which of the following would be the most appropriate starting point?
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) April 3, 2025
This initiative follows President Muizzu’s announcement during the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast designed to engage with the public and address national concerns. He confirmed that a Cabinet paper is being drafted in consultation with medical professionals and relevant stakeholders to formalize recommendations on the ban.
The President has emphasized that targeting the 18–25 age group is crucial in preventing addiction before it takes hold, aligning with his administration’s broader focus on preventive healthcare and public well-being.
