President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his Administration’s resolve to confront long-standing national issues, stating the Government is committed to delivering real solutions to pressing challenges. Speaking at the ceremony held to ratify the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010), President Muizzu underscored the importance of political will in addressing tobacco control, a matter he said was neglected by previous governments.
The newly ratified Amendment introduces a generational ban on tobacco in the Maldives, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. It also bars individuals under the age of 21 from participating in any tobacco-related commercial activities, while banning all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotion. The import, possession, and use of machinery used in tobacco production, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, are also prohibited under the new law.
The President urged the public to view these reforms as inclusive and beneficial for the whole nation, stressing that steering the country away from harmful influences is essential for safeguarding the future. He noted that the Amendment represents not only a significant step in tobacco control but also a vital component in achieving broader developmental objectives.
In his remarks, President Muizzu reiterated that his government is focused on promoting public health and well-being, not generating state revenue through fines. To complement the new legislation, he announced the launch of tobacco cessation services and awareness campaigns across the country. He further highlighted the importance of collective national effort in implementing these reforms, saying societal cooperation is crucial to building a healthier and stronger Maldives.
The Amendment, which clearly outlines procedures for the seizure and disposal of prohibited products, was passed by Parliament on May 13, 2025, and has now been published in the Government Gazette. It will officially come into force on November 1, 2025.
The newly ratified Amendment introduces a generational ban on tobacco in the Maldives, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. It also bars individuals under the age of 21 from participating in any tobacco-related commercial activities, while banning all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship, and promotion. The import, possession, and use of machinery used in tobacco production, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, are also prohibited under the new law.
The President urged the public to view these reforms as inclusive and beneficial for the whole nation, stressing that steering the country away from harmful influences is essential for safeguarding the future. He noted that the Amendment represents not only a significant step in tobacco control but also a vital component in achieving broader developmental objectives.
In his remarks, President Muizzu reiterated that his government is focused on promoting public health and well-being, not generating state revenue through fines. To complement the new legislation, he announced the launch of tobacco cessation services and awareness campaigns across the country. He further highlighted the importance of collective national effort in implementing these reforms, saying societal cooperation is crucial to building a healthier and stronger Maldives.
The Amendment, which clearly outlines procedures for the seizure and disposal of prohibited products, was passed by Parliament on May 13, 2025, and has now been published in the Government Gazette. It will officially come into force on November 1, 2025.
