The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has signaled its intention to lower the duty on cigarettes if it regains power, suggesting a shift in policy from the current administration’s approach.
Speaking at a Party rally, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail criticized the recent amendments by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government that have significantly increased the import duty on cigarettes and beer. He argued that the duty hike, which raised the cost of cigarettes nearly threefold, has failed to discourage smoking while burdening the public financially.
“The government knows today that increasing the price won’t stop smokers from smoking,” Fayyaz said, emphasizing that MDP’s policy would focus on education and awareness rather than punitive measures.
The recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and Export-Import Act increased the duty on cigarettes from MVR 0.06 per cigarette to nearly MVR 2.2 per stick. This has raised the price of a carton of cigarettes significantly, sparking widespread public criticism.
Fayyaz assured that the MDP government would prioritize policies aimed at reducing inconvenience to the people. “We believe in encouraging people to avoid tobacco through education, not by inflating prices that impact livelihoods,” he said.
Speaking at a Party rally, former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail criticized the recent amendments by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government that have significantly increased the import duty on cigarettes and beer. He argued that the duty hike, which raised the cost of cigarettes nearly threefold, has failed to discourage smoking while burdening the public financially.
“The government knows today that increasing the price won’t stop smokers from smoking,” Fayyaz said, emphasizing that MDP’s policy would focus on education and awareness rather than punitive measures.
The recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and Export-Import Act increased the duty on cigarettes from MVR 0.06 per cigarette to nearly MVR 2.2 per stick. This has raised the price of a carton of cigarettes significantly, sparking widespread public criticism.
Fayyaz assured that the MDP government would prioritize policies aimed at reducing inconvenience to the people. “We believe in encouraging people to avoid tobacco through education, not by inflating prices that impact livelihoods,” he said.
