President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified a landmark amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, implementing a decisive generational ban on tobacco and e-cigarette use. Positioned as a major public health intervention, the measure reinforces the Maldives' standing at the forefront of tobacco control in Southeast Asia.
The new law prohibits individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 from using tobacco and forbids the sale of such products to this cohort. Public sentiment played a crucial role in shaping the policy, with a social media poll by the president helping to gauge national support. Approved by Parliament on 13 May, the amendment will take effect on 1 November.
Stronger enforcement mechanisms accompany the ban, granting the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and Maldives Customs Service broader authority to seize vapes, e-cigarettes, and related products while targeting illicit distribution channels. Possession and use of electronic smoking devices will also be expressly prohibited.
Strict regulations will also govern tobacco sales, limiting distribution to licensed and registered establishments. Online platforms and vending machines, where buyer verification is difficult, are explicitly barred. Additionally, importing machinery intended for tobacco product manufacturing will also be prohibited.
Public oversight is another key aspect of the law, where a system will be established to ensure the transparent disposal of confiscated tobacco products, vaping devices, and related equipment, reinforcing accountability. The bill, introduced by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashraq on behalf of the government, underwent review by a seven-member parliamentary committee before final approval. Parliament passed the measure during its 30th session of the first term of 2025.
Tobacco control has remained a priority for President Muizzu since taking office. His administration's initiatives have drawn praise from the World Health Organization (WHO), which described the generational ban as a pioneering step, the first of its kind in a Southeast Asian nation. The WHO recently recognised President Muizzu's leadership by awarding him the WHO Director-General's Special Award for Tobacco Control.
The president formally ratified the amendment during a ceremony at the President's Office. Senior government officials, including Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, and other cabinet members, were in attendance. Health sector representatives and secondary school students born after 1 January 2007 also participated in the event.