Smoking in the Maldives
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 will be banned in Maldives effective 15 December.[5] This new amendment changed the minimum legal age from 18 to 21.[6] It'll also 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
[edit]About 32.3% of adult Maldivians reported being current tobacco users in 2020.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "The hidden dangers of smoking in the Maldives". Maldives Financial Review. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ a b Masters, Tom (2009). Maldives. Lonely Planet. p. 21. ISBN 978-1741790139. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
- ^ "Maldives". Tobacco Control Laws. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "President ratifies 1st Amendment to Tobacco Control Act". The President's Office. 13 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ Mohamed, Mariyath (14 November 2024). "President ratifies bill on banning vapes". The Edition. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ a b c "Maldives Tightens Tobacco Regulations with New Amendments". Corporate Maldives. 23 November 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
- ^ "Tobacco smoking in Maldives". Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
