Measures aimed at cultivating a tobacco-free society are being executed with deliberate planning to ensure a comprehensive solution, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced during the second episode of ‘Nation Chat’, a programme broadcast by PSM News, where he outlined details regarding a government-proposed bill to amend duties levied on tobacco products.
A comprehensive health policy active since the administration assumed office targets tobacco consumption afflicting the Maldives alongside numerous other nations, requiring citizens to be distanced to secure a healthy society, the president noted. President Muizzu underscored that while bolstering healthcare treatment is necessary, proactive steps must concurrently distance the public, driving decisions to ban vaping devices and introduce a generational smoking ban. Anticipating younger demographics might pivot to traditional tobacco use after the vaping prohibition, officials increased duties at the time.
“The outcome of that measure has proven to be positive,” the president explained, noting officials consulted World Health Organization study data tables providing specific rate benchmarks for this year and the next. “Relying on those metrics, we consequently resolved to reduce the previously elevated specific duty rate down to MVR 4 [USD 0.26].”
Modifying the duty structure will facilitate an easier transition for individuals consuming highly detrimental tobacco, the president said. These phased efforts include a specialised national programme utilising local island associations and community organisations to systematically cultivate populations entirely free from tobacco use within their respective islands.