Smoking in the Maldives

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Smoking in the Maldives has been traditionally seen as a social activity and part of the Maldivian Culture. [1]

During the presidency of Mohamed Amin Didi, he made an unpopular ban on tobacco smoking, which was not favoured by many Maldivians at the time. [2] Later on, the ban was lifted. [2]

Maldives became a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on 27 February 2005.

According to the Tobacco Control Act (Law 15/2010), smoking is prohibited in most workplaces, public transport, public places, although it permits smoking in designating areas in non-air-conditioned teashops, restaurants, cafés and other food and beverage outlets. [3]

In recent years, the popularity of smoking and vaping had increased in social settings. [1] Vaping had also been introduced to the youth, who were rapidly picking up smoking and vaping. [1]

In 2024, president Mohamed Muizzu signed an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act which banned the import of vapes in the Maldives. [4] The use, distribution and sale of vapes, and related devices was banned in Maldives effective 15 December. [5] This new amendment changed the minimum legal age from 18 to 21. [6] It'll impose fines starting up to MVR 50,000 to businesses or individuals importing vapes and MVR 10,000 for each item, sales of a vape will be MVR 20,000, distributing to minors will be MVR 50,000, and using them will be MVR 5,000. [6] The Maldivian government has also increased duties on tobacco products, leading to prices being more expensive. [6]

Prevalence

About 32.3% of adult Maldivians reported being current tobacco users in 2020. [7]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The hidden dangers of smoking in the Maldives". Maldives Financial Review. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  2. 1 2 Masters, Tom (2009). Maldives. Lonely Planet. p. 21. ISBN   978-1741790139 . Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  3. "Maldives". Tobacco Control Laws. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  4. "President ratifies 1st Amendment to Tobacco Control Act". The President's Office . 13 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  5. Mohamed, Mariyath (14 November 2024). "President ratifies bill on banning vapes". The Edition . Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 "Maldives Tightens Tobacco Regulations with New Amendments". Corporate Maldives. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  7. "Tobacco smoking in Maldives". Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction. Retrieved 26 November 2024.