Masha Midhath   22 October 2024 - 10:29 AM
The Government of the Maldives is set to introduce major changes to the Tobacco Control Act, including a ban on the importation and use of vaping devices and raising the legal age for trading tobacco products to 21.

The amendments, which aim to curb tobacco consumption and protect public health, will be presented in Parliament on Tuesday.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu shared the announcement via his official X account, outlining the Government’s commitment to reducing tobacco use, particularly among young people. By raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco products, the Government hopes to deter younger generations from picking up the harmful habit.

In addition to the ban on vaping and the age increase, the amendments will introduce stricter enforcement measures to address violations of the Tobacco Control Act. These measures are expected to enhance compliance and ensure that regulations are more effectively upheld.

The move has been hailed as a significant step in tackling public health concerns related to tobacco use in the Maldives. The Government’s proposed changes reflect a growing awareness of the dangers posed by tobacco and vaping products, and their potential long-term impact on the nation’s health.