Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has stated that he does not believe that crimes related to tobacco are occurring due to the measures taken within the framework of the law. The Minister made this statement while responding to a question posed by Galolhu North constituency MP Mohamed Ibrahim regarding the implementation of a generational tobacco ban. Speaking in the People’s Majlis about the generational ban and the measures taken by the government to control tobacco, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said that the government is working to implement the generational tobacco ban after carefully considering all necessary aspects. The Minister also shared some of the efforts being made to implement this.
The Health Minister stated that, as part of the government’s efforts to address the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), special priority is being given to reducing the extent to which tobacco contributes to these diseases. The Minister added that the measures being taken in this regard are based on three pillars. He highlighted that efforts are being made to raise public awareness, explain the desired traits or behaviors to people, and create public interest in this matter. The Minister noted that to resolve this issue, the government is providing information to the public through various platforms regarding the dangers of tobacco. Furthermore, cessation services are available across the entire country for those who wish to quit smoking. The Minister also pointed out that a system is now in place to take action against individuals who violate the law in the implementation of these measures.
Additionally, the Minister stated that these measures are being implemented in consultation with all relevant authorities, taking into account global practices and scientific studies conducted on such matters. The Minister said that the changes resulting from these measures will only become apparent some time after their implementation. Following the Health Minister’s response, Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim noted a recent increase in organized crimes related to tobacco and questioned whether there was a connection with the current government’s measures. In response to this question, the Minister stated that he does not believe such a connection exists.
“Some changes always have some ‘impact,’ and that is something we know. But I do not believe that the measures we are taking regarding tobacco are necessarily a reason for crimes to increase. I personally do not believe that,” Health Minister Naazim said. As part of the amendments brought by the government to the Tobacco Control Act, any person born on or after January 1, 2007, is prohibited from using tobacco products starting from the 1st of this month. Furthermore, selling any tobacco product to individuals of that age group is also prohibited under this law.
