In a landmark move hailed as a bold stride toward a healthier nation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially signed into law a sweeping amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, introducing a generational ban on smoking for Maldivians born after January 1, 2007.
At a special ceremony held at the President’s Office earlier today, President Muizzu approved the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, symbolizing a generational turning point in the fight against tobacco addiction. The event was attended by Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Health Ministry officials, Minister of Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed, Home Minister Ali Ihsan, and notably, several students born on the very date the ban targets—January 1, 2007—underscoring the deeply personal and future-focused nature of the reform.
Ban for a Generation, Hope for a Nation
With this bold move, President Muizzu has positioned the Maldives as a trailblazer in Southeast Asia—the first country in the region to enact a generational tobacco ban. Under the new law, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, will be permanently prohibited from purchasing or using tobacco products. Retailers are likewise forbidden from selling tobacco to this demographic, establishing a legal framework that ensures today’s teenagers grow up smoke-free.
In a statement following the bill’s signing, President Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more resilient Maldivian society. “We are drawing a clear line to protect our youth. This is not just a ban—this is a pledge to our future,” he declared.
Strengthening Regulation, Empowering Enforcement
The amendment, originally submitted by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashraq and refined by a seven-member parliamentary ad hoc committee, introduces several key regulatory updates:
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Licensing and monitoring of tobacco retailers, restricting sales only to officially registered outlets.
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Banning tobacco sales via online platforms and vending machines, where age verification is not possible.
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Prohibition of importing manufacturing machinery for tobacco products.
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Outright ban on electronic cigarettes, vapes, and any devices associated with them.
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Expanded powers for police and customs, allowing immediate confiscation of banned items.
The bill received bipartisan support in the People’s Majlis and was passed during the 30th sitting of the first session of 2025, signaling strong legislative backing for President Muizzu’s health-first agenda.
WHO Applauds “Courageous” Move
The generational ban has already earned international acclaim. The World Health Organization (WHO) lauded the Maldivian government’s initiative, calling it a “courageous and visionary step” in safeguarding future generations from the harms of tobacco.
In a further endorsement of his leadership, President Muizzu was recently honored with a special award from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recognizing his administration’s unwavering stance against tobacco use among youth.
Public-Driven Policy
The generational tobacco ban was not merely a top-down directive. It followed overwhelming public support, with a government-initiated social media poll showing a strong consensus in favor of protecting young people from lifelong nicotine addiction. The administration cited these results as a critical factor in pushing forward with the legislation.
Toward a Healthier Tomorrow
This historic amendment stands as a testament to President Muizzu’s vision for a cleaner, healthier Maldives, where progress is measured not only in infrastructure and investment, but in the well-being of every citizen.
“Health is our wealth,” President Muizzu emphasized. “And with this law, we are investing in the future of our children and the strength of our nation.”
As the ink dries on the amendment, one thing is clear: Maldives has taken a pioneering step, sending a powerful message to the region and the world—the future belongs to a smoke-free generation.
