Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsan has stated that the government is committed to implementing the Tobacco Control Act, emphasizing its intention to effect meaningful change during its term. He made these remarks at a press conference held at the President's Office.
Minister Ihsan emphasized that, despite the existence of various regulations and laws regarding tobacco use and products, the main issue is that the current legislation does not effectively address the problem. He indicated that, under the initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the government has proposed amendments to the Tobacco Act, which include increasing the duty on tobacco products, raising the minimum age for selling tobacco products to 21 years, and banning vaping.
Minister Ihsan acknowledged that certain laws face challenges in implementation, stating that the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act will impose greater responsibilities on enforcement agencies to uphold the law. He assured that law enforcement agencies will act in accordance with the provisions of the Act and emphasized that there will be a marked improvement in the effectiveness of enforcement efforts regarding tobacco control.
Some parliamentarians have expressed concerns that increasing the duty on tobacco products may lead to higher cigarette prices and the emergence of a black market. The minister acknowledged receiving reports of such a market already emerging but assured that he would not allow it to proliferate.