President Dr. Muizzu approves generational Tobacco Ban for those born after 2007
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has approved a generational ban on tobacco use in the Maldives, following a recommendation by the Cabinet.
The new policy will prohibit the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting after reviewing a proposal from the Ministry of Health.
In line with the decision, relevant enforcement bodies have been directed to begin amending existing laws and regulations necessary to implement the new policy.
According to the Cabinet's directive, enforcement agencies will be granted a six-month window to revise and align existing regulations once the legislation is passed and ratified.
The new law is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2025.
The Cabinet also tasked the Ministry of Finance and Planning to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to expand access to tobacco cessation services nationwide.
In a video message shared ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, President Dr. Muizzu emphasised the serious threat tobacco poses to both health and life, stressing that numerous studies have consistently confirmed its harmful effects.
According to the Maldives Health Statistics Survey 2022, tobacco use is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases and disability in Maldives. In terms of causes of death in Maldives, 84 percent of deaths are caused by non-communicable diseases caused by tobacco use. This is a very large percentage
President Dr. Muizzu
President Dr. Muizzu had earlier launched a public poll on ‘X’ to collect feedback on the appropriate age for implementing the generational tobacco ban.
The poll showed strong public backing for a tobacco ban targeting individuals born in or after the year 2000.
It was the first time a sitting President of the Maldives used a social media platform to crowdsource opinions on a significant policy decision.
The President had also encouraged tobacco retailers to stop the sale of tobacco products and explore alternative business options.
This move builds on the government’s nationwide vape ban enforced in December 2024, which prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of vape products. Strict penalties include fines of up to MVR 50,000 for importing or selling to minors.
The generational tobacco ban represents another significant step in the government’s broader effort to safeguard public health and combat tobacco-related diseases.
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