Government seeks public input on rewards for smoke-free communities

The government is now soliciting public feedback regarding a proposed financial incentive program for residents of islands that achieve complete smoking cessation.

According to the Health Ministry, it is open to suggestions for providing incentives to the entire population in rural areas where smoking has been entirely eradicated. This initiative aims to identify areas for improvement in future public awareness campaigns concerning the health risks associated with tobacco use and the challenges encountered in law enforcement.

Public consultation will be conducted through a survey.

The ministry stated that the Google Form for the survey will maintain the anonymity of participants, and the information collected will be utilized to reduce tobacco use nationwide and to formulate relevant policies.

It is noteworthy that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on X on June 24 that the government will be undertaking a study concerning the feasibility of providing a cash reward or incentive, which would be deposited into the bank account of every resident in islands where smoking has been completely eliminated.

Subsequent to this study, he instructed the relevant ministers to prepare and submit a proposal on the matter.

Similar anti-tobacco measures were implemented during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. For instance, the government provided complimentary booklists and stationery to the children of parents who ceased smoking, at a time when such items typically required purchase.

The government has adopted stringent measures to safeguard public health from tobacco use, which represents a significant threat. These measures include a substantial cigarette duty and a prohibition on the use of vape products.

The decision to ban vaping was made after a notable number of young individuals, ranging from children to teenagers, were afflicted by it. The import and trade of vape products are now illegal in the Maldives, and actions are being taken against those who violate this prohibition.

However, numerous tobacco regulations in the Maldives remain unenforced. For example, laws prohibiting smoking in public places and the sale of individual cigarettes exist but are not consistently implemented, and enforcement actions are rarely taken.