The People’s Majlis has passed an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act to prohibit the use of tobacco products for people born after a certain year. The amendment to the Tobacco Control Act was submitted on behalf of the government by Ali Ashrag, Member of Parliament for Kinbidhoo constituency. A temporary committee of 7 members selected from among the members has made minor amendments to the bill. The bill was passed by the Majlis as approved by the committee with the votes of 63 out of 65 members who participated in the voting.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided to introduce a “generational ban” to stop tobacco use in the Maldives. As such, he has decided to ban tobacco use for children born from 2007 onwards. According to the amendment submitted by the government to the Tobacco Control Act, once this bill becomes law, no person born on or after January 1, 2007 shall use tobacco products. It is also prohibited to sell tobacco products to anyone of that age.
The amendment also includes responsibilities of tobacco product sellers on behalf of the government. Accordingly, tobacco products can only be sold in licensed and registered places. The amendment also states that tobacco products should not be sold online or through vending machines or other means where the buyer’s identity is unknown. The amendment also prohibits the import of machinery specifically designed for manufacturing tobacco products into the Maldives. It also prohibits the possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices and products prepared for use with them.
In addition, under this amendment, police will have the power to confiscate electronic cigarettes and vaping products if found in possession or use. Customs and police will also have the power to confiscate such items imported into the country. While the government has decided to introduce a generational ban to control tobacco, there will be a 6-month period to implement the bill after it is passed. As such, it has been decided that the law will come into effect from November 1 following the passing of the bill.
