The initiator of this decision was President Mohamed Muizza. The Ministry of Health of the Maldives emphasized that the new law aims to protect citizens' health and prevent smoking-related diseases.
The bill covers not only smoking but also the purchase and sale of any tobacco products. Sellers are required to check the age of buyers, and violations will incur fines and the possibility of license revocation.
This law will be in effect throughout the archipelago.
It is important to note that the new rules apply not only to Maldivian citizens but also to foreign tourists. The Ministry of Health also reminded about the complete ban on the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes in the Maldives.Import, sale, storage, and use of these devices are prohibited regardless of age.
As reported by The Guardian, the Maldives' experience may serve as an example for other countries. In the United Kingdom, a similar bill is being considered, although it has not yet been passed. In New Zealand, where a similar law came into effect in 2022, it was repealed in less than a year—in November 2023.
