The Maldives Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee has approved a bill to ban vape products, setting the stage for the restriction to take effect on December 15. The bill introduces three major amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, aimed at curbing vaping and tightening tobacco regulations in the country.
The amendments prohibit the use of vape products nationwide, raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21, and outline significant fines for violators. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening public health protections, particularly in response to concerns over rising vape use among youth.
The committee’s rapid approval of the bill demonstrates urgency, with lawmakers stressing the importance of addressing health risks associated with vaping. The bill will soon move to Parliament for a final vote, expected to pass with broad support.
Government representatives have noted that this ban aligns with broader public health goals and serves as part of an ongoing effort to address nicotine addiction in the Maldives.
The amendments prohibit the use of vape products nationwide, raise the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21, and outline significant fines for violators. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening public health protections, particularly in response to concerns over rising vape use among youth.
The committee’s rapid approval of the bill demonstrates urgency, with lawmakers stressing the importance of addressing health risks associated with vaping. The bill will soon move to Parliament for a final vote, expected to pass with broad support.
Government representatives have noted that this ban aligns with broader public health goals and serves as part of an ongoing effort to address nicotine addiction in the Maldives.
