Countdown commences with 10 days left for generational smoking ban

A special countdown commenced last night with 10 days left for the generational smoking ban to come into effect.

The countdown, participated by local media outlets, was launched during a program broadcast by state media, Public Service Media (PSM).

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which include a smoking ban for the post-2007 generation set to kick in in November, back in May.

The legislature was signed by President Muizzu during a special ceremony held at the President’s Office on May 21^st, attended by cabinet ministers, senior officials from relevant sectors, as well as some school students.

The new legislature prohibits both the consumption by and sale of tobacco products to Maldivian citizens born on or after January 1, 2007.

This ban is set to take effect on November 1.

The ban also extends to sale of tobacco products through methods where the age of the purchaser cannot be verified, such as through vending machines, online, or via courier.

Maldives implemented a blanket ban on the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in mid-December last year as part of a campaign against smoking launched by President Muizzu’s administration.

The legislature is also designed to empower the police to confiscate e-cigarettes and vaping devices found in possession of individuals, regardless of whether they are caught using it or not.

During a press conference held at the President’s Office following the ceremony, a journalist questioned whether any results can be produced by ratifying the legislature due to the authorities’ failure to properly enforce existing laws regarding tobacco and smoking.

In response, President Muizzu said his administration’s biggest focus in implementing the generational ban is raising awareness rather than in meting out punishment. He underscored that there are always “criminals”, no matter how strong law enforcement agencies are made

Nevertheless, he affirmed that the administration will focus on improving the efficiency of institutions such as the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the police, and Customs.

He said that a large percentage of next year’s state budget will go towards running awareness programs.