The steps taken by the Housing Minister Dr.Mohammed Muizz to stop energy drink advertisements in Maldives are well received by the public. A lot of people support this decision.
Housing Minister tweeted on 15th of this month saying that the ministry will not issue permission to advertise energy drinks in public places such as parks and also hold events to promote such drinks.
Even though it is not in the mandate of the housing ministry to promote public health, the minister has taken firm action to prevent such advertisements.
It is the mandate of the Health Ministry and FDA and HPA to prevent actions that deteriorate public health. Food and beverages can be advertised in the Maldives with the permission of Health Ministry.
Youth Ministry Iruthishaam Adam is a vocal opponent of energy drinks. Even when she was the health minister she advocated against advertising energy drinks. Red Bull Stadium in Hulhumale’ was not planned when Iruthishaam was the Youth Minister. However she still can stop them from using that name. If Redbull is not happy with it, the work can be contracted to another company. If the government has to pay something to prevent the advertisement of such an unhealthy product, there will be people in the society who can pay it for the government.
Redbull sports competitions are being held while Iruthishaam is the minister. This is a huge advertisement and an insult to the prospective youths who wants to pursue careers in sports.