‘No-Smoking’ public spaces to increase in future: Health Ministry

According to the Ministry of Health, ‘No-Smoking’ public places will increase in the future.

In the ‘Dhafaraa’ panel discussion the ministry carries out in collaboration with the Television Maldives (TVM), the Deputy Minister of Health Ismail Zahir confirmed receiving feedback for the regulation with its draft already completed.

The regulation, once it comes into effect, will set out smoking restricted public areas, and areas where smoking is permitted. Additionally, the regulation would significantly change the current ‘No-Smoking’ areas by increasing the number of venues.

Zahir added the regulation would help relevant law enforcement bodies to perform their legal duties in tobacco control.

He further said that the ministry has already begun working with local councils, Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), and local organizations to raise public awareness in relation to the regulation. The ministry is also working on familiarizing public sector employees, and relevant bodies to the regulation as well.

Besides the Health Ministry, the Maldives Police Service and Maldives Customs Service took part in the panel discussion as well. At the discussion, Police Sub-Inspector Nizam Mohamed urged the public to report all instances of vaping in public venues and roads.

Nizam assured the law enforcement authority will attend to the scene of such reports and take necessary action against the culpable parties. He further confirmed legal action against those selling or using vape and accessories, with those who receive fines for offences subject to receive notification of it to their mobile phones.