A majority of participants in a public poll launched by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu have supported a ban on tobacco use for children born since the year 2000, as part of a proposed “Generation Ban” policy to curb smoking among future generations.
The policy initiative, focused on tobacco control, was first introduced by the President during the inaugural episode of the “With the People” podcast, launched by the President’s Office on March 27. President Muizzu revealed that he had instructed Health Minister Abdulla Nazim to prepare a Cabinet paper on the proposed generational ban, adding that any final decision will follow a thorough review and consultation with relevant authorities.
The public opinion poll, which was opened on April 3 and closed at 3:12 p.m. the same day, asked citizens whether the Tobacco Control Act should be amended to ban tobacco use for individuals born in or after 2000, 2004, or another specified year.
The poll results showed overwhelming support for a ban targeting those born since 2000:
- Over 5,500 people participated in the official poll, with 51.5 percent supporting the 2000 cut-off.
- On Facebook, over 5,000 users voted, with 72 percent backing the ban for those born since 2000.
- On Instagram, 45 percent of respondents supported the same proposal.
President Muizzu stated that implementing such a generational ban would protect the health of the country’s youth and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.
While the Maldives’ Tobacco Control Act already regulates the sale and marketing of tobacco products, the new policy would mark a significant step forward in long-term public health protection.
The policy initiative, focused on tobacco control, was first introduced by the President during the inaugural episode of the “With the People” podcast, launched by the President’s Office on March 27. President Muizzu revealed that he had instructed Health Minister Abdulla Nazim to prepare a Cabinet paper on the proposed generational ban, adding that any final decision will follow a thorough review and consultation with relevant authorities.
The public opinion poll, which was opened on April 3 and closed at 3:12 p.m. the same day, asked citizens whether the Tobacco Control Act should be amended to ban tobacco use for individuals born in or after 2000, 2004, or another specified year.
The poll results showed overwhelming support for a ban targeting those born since 2000:
- Over 5,500 people participated in the official poll, with 51.5 percent supporting the 2000 cut-off.
- On Facebook, over 5,000 users voted, with 72 percent backing the ban for those born since 2000.
- On Instagram, 45 percent of respondents supported the same proposal.
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
President Muizzu stated that implementing such a generational ban would protect the health of the country’s youth and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.
While the Maldives’ Tobacco Control Act already regulates the sale and marketing of tobacco products, the new policy would mark a significant step forward in long-term public health protection.
