MPs criticize advertisement of energy drinks by PSM

Some lawmakers have criticized Public Service Media playing advertisements for energy drinks and soft drinks despite the government’s official stance to cut import and consumption of energy drinks and soft drinks in Maldives.

The criticism was made this Tuesday during preliminary debate on the bill to amend Import/Export Act to increase import duty on energy drinks and soft drinks, and tobacco products.

The government has proposed increasing import duty on energy drinks and soft drinks to MVR 4.60 per liter.

During the preliminary debate, Gan MP Fayyaaz Ismail said that if the claim by government that it wanted to increase import duty on energy drinks and soft drinks for the health and wellbeing of the people of Maldives was true, then PSM – which the State owns 80 percent of – would not play ads of energy drinks.

“If it was concerned about the health of the people, then Excel drink would not be allowed as a sponsor for Public Service Media’s Maldivian Idol – which has a wide audience from children to the elderly,” said Fayyaz.

Fayyaz said that it did not make sense if on one hand – the import duty on energy drinks was increased, and on the other hand – PSM continued to advertise energy drinks.

Makunudhoo MP Anaara Naeem also expressed concern over PSM’s energy drink advertisements during the debate.

“The right way isn’t choosing to do some things and avoiding doing others. Advertisement of products such as energy drinks by State media needs to be banned,” said Anaara.

In response to the concern, Progressive Party of Maldives lawmaker, Feydhoo MP Ibrahim Didi said that they were right to be concerned, and that energy drinks, if its harmful to the health, should not be advertised.

Excel energy drink is the beverage partner for PSM’s Maldivian Idol for the second year in the running. The drinks have the picture of Laisha Junaid – chosen Maldivian Idol in Season I.