President on vape ban: 'Intentions are clear; for future'

President Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday addressed the criticism surrounding his government's recent decisions to ban vapes and raise the prices of tobacco products, stating that his intentions are clear and focused on the nation's future.

The president emphasised that these actions are not aimed at harassing the public, but rather to protect the health and well-being of future generations.

Currently on a tour of various islands, President Muizzu made his comments during a rally in Vaadhoo. Although he did not directly name the critics, he acknowledged the dissatisfaction surrounding the ban on the importation and sale of vapes, as well as the recent hike in tobacco duties. His message was clear: these decisions, though controversial, were necessary for the greater good.

"Doing something wrong for ages is not a reason to let it sit around," the president remarked, explaining that tough decisions had to be made to safeguard the nation's future.

He added that such measures were crucial in curbing the negative effects of certain habits that have become entrenched in society.

“These actions are aimed at saving the country from various plagues that have taken root among us and encouraging healthier lifestyles,” he said. "They are not done to harass the people."

The president also used the opportunity to discuss the broader concept of development. He emphasised that true progress is not solely measured by tangible infrastructure projects but also by the mental and moral development of society.

"Development is not just about visible, tangible projects. It's about improving the mind and character of our people, raising our children properly, and transforming society into one that promotes good and forbids evil," he explained.

He described this shift as a form of "environmental development," one that extends beyond the physical environment to include social and cultural change. In this context, he urged citizens to be brave and take a stand against harmful practices when they see them.

The president also reiterated the importance of public cooperation in these initiatives. He called on the people to support the government's efforts to eliminate practices that harm public health, asking them to recognise the broader long-term benefits of these policies.

Recent changes to the country’s regulations include:

"These decisions are about creating a healthier, more resilient society, not about inconveniencing the public," the president concluded.