President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that realistic targets to reduce tobacco-related deaths in the Maldives will be set based on data collected after the implementation of the Generation Ban Act.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday after signing the amendment into law, President Muizzu said the true impact of the legislation—aimed at curbing smoking among future generations—can only be measured through reliable statistics.
“My goal is to achieve 100 percent success. I am doing this to keep all people away from smoking,” he said, stressing that public acceptance will determine the law’s full effectiveness.
He added that the government will use collected data to set achievable targets for the coming year, particularly given the high number of non-communicable disease deaths linked to tobacco use.
The amended law, which takes effect on November 1, prohibits smoking, buying, selling, importing, or possessing tobacco products—including vapes and related equipment—for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. Advertising and promotion of such products are also banned, and authorities are empowered to seize them.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday after signing the amendment into law, President Muizzu said the true impact of the legislation—aimed at curbing smoking among future generations—can only be measured through reliable statistics.
“My goal is to achieve 100 percent success. I am doing this to keep all people away from smoking,” he said, stressing that public acceptance will determine the law’s full effectiveness.
He added that the government will use collected data to set achievable targets for the coming year, particularly given the high number of non-communicable disease deaths linked to tobacco use.
The amended law, which takes effect on November 1, prohibits smoking, buying, selling, importing, or possessing tobacco products—including vapes and related equipment—for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. Advertising and promotion of such products are also banned, and authorities are empowered to seize them.
