President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed that safeguarding public health remains a top priority of his administration, highlighting decisive measures taken to curb tobacco use across the Maldives. Last night speaking during his ongoing visit to Lhaviyani Atoll, the President declared that importing tobacco products illegally is completely unacceptable, as the government pushes forward a historic generational ban that begins next month.
In an address delivered in Naifaru, the President stressed that tobacco is a leading contributor to non communicable diseases. He confirmed that from next month onward, all individuals born in 2007 and later will be prohibited from using tobacco products, describing the reform as the most important preventive healthcare initiative in Maldivian history.
President Muizzu emphasized that this stance aligns with global medical evidence and WHO guidelines. He said the government has already imposed major hurdles against tobacco use by significantly raising import duties on cigarettes and beedis and implementing a nationwide ban on vaping. These policy changes have dramatically increased retail prices and made access more difficult.
He stated that a healthy population is essential to nation building. He urged all citizens to take pride in distancing themselves from smoking and vaping, calling the habit a harmful epidemic that must not be tolerated. The President noted that the benefits are already visible, including improved public spaces and communal environments such as mosques, which no longer carry the lingering smell of tobacco.
Reiterating the rationale behind the vaping ban, he pointed out that vaping enables drug use and is widely recognized as a threat that deserved decisive action.
President Muizzu further announced that the health sector will receive the highest budget allocation next year, reflecting his administration’s commitment to strengthening public healthcare and disease prevention.
While the increase in tobacco duties has led to more attempted smuggling and illegal sales, he said the government will not allow criminal networks to undermine a healthier and stronger future for the Maldivian people.
