Generation Ban Approved by the People: President Muizzu’s Vision Gains Momentum

The final results of the May 3 poll conducted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reveal strong public support for implementing a generational smoking ban in the Maldives. This landmark initiative aims to protect the nation’s youth from the harmful effects of tobacco.

The poll, conducted across the President’s official X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram accounts, presented three options:

• Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.
• Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2004.
• Prohibiting smoking for individuals born on or after January 1, 2000.

The collective results from these platforms indicate a clear public preference:

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• X (formerly Twitter): Out of 5,501 participants, 51.1% favored banning tobacco for those born from 2000 onwards, 40.8% supported the 2007 cutoff, and 8.2% opted for the 2004 date.
• Facebook: A significant 72% endorsed the 2000 cutoff, while 23% and 4% supported the 2007 and 2004 dates, respectively.
• Instagram: Among respondents, 45% preferred the 2000 cutoff, 43% leaned towards 2007, and 13% selected 2004.

Currently, Maldivian law permits the sale of tobacco products to individuals aged 21 and above. Implementing the generational ban would mean that those born after the specified year would be legally prohibited from purchasing tobacco products throughout their lifetime.

If a generational ban on smoking were to be implemented in the Maldives, to protect the health of our youth and future generations from the harmful effects of smoking, which of the following would be the most appropriate starting point?

— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) April 3, 2025

In alignment with this vision, the Ministry of Health has initiated consultations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to strategize the implementation of the proposed ban. President Muizzu emphasized that decisions will be made collaboratively, ensuring input from all relevant stakeholders.

This initiative follows the government’s decisive action on December 15 of the previous year, when the importation of vaping devices was banned. The legislation imposes substantial fines for the use and distribution of vapes, underscoring the administration’s dedication to fostering a healthier populace.

By spearheading this generational ban, President Muizzu is not only echoing global health trends but also prioritizing the well-being of Maldivian youth, steering the nation towards a tobacco-free future.