Council unanimously backs proposal to push police action against smoking in prohibited areas

Male’ City Council has decided to instruct the relevant authorities to enforce the ban on smoking in public places.

The issue was proposed by Hulhumale North Constituency Councilor Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), who urged the council to push police to take legal action against those who smoke in prohibited areas. Zaya said she continues to receive complaints from the public about people smoking in open public spaces, especially in parks across the city.

She noted that smoking in parks poses health risks to children and families who visit these areas for fresh air and a safe outdoor environment.

The decision was unanimously approved by all 16 councilors present at the meeting.

There is growing public concern over continued and unmonitored smoking in areas where it is legally prohibited. Many also express frustration that adequate enforcement is not being carried out and that existing legal guidelines are not being implemented.

The government has taken several steps to control tobacco use in the Maldives, including banning vaping and increasing duties on tobacco products. Additional duty hikes are planned, and a generational ban will be introduced to prohibit tobacco use for children born from a specified year onward. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously praised these measures. Only 37 countries worldwide have banned e-cigarettes, Maldives among them.