Ministry drafts cabinet paper on generational tobacco ban
President Muizzu discussed the possibility of banning smoking among individuals aged 18 to 25.
The Health Ministry has prepared a proposal to implement a generational ban on tobacco use, targeting individuals born after a specified date. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the cabinet for consideration.
President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated an online poll on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to seek public opinion on the generational smoking ban. The options presented in the poll were as follows:
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Prohibit smoking for individuals born since 1 January 2000
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Prohibit smoking for individuals born since 1 January 2004
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Prohibit smoking for individuals born since 1 January 2007
According to poll results from both platforms, the majority supported a ban on smoking for those born on or after 1 January 2000.
At a press conference held at the President’s Office on Thursday, a journalist asked about the potential implementation of the generational ban. In response, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim stated that the ministry has completed a draft after consulting medical experts and professionals to carry out the necessary assessments.
"The matter must be decided at the cabinet level following discussion with all ministers. The ministry has completed its preparations and will submit the proposal to the cabinet. Once a decision is made, it will be shared with the public," he said.
In the second episode of his podcast, President Muizzu discussed the possibility of banning smoking among individuals aged 18 to 25.
The government has undertaken a number of recent initiatives focused on reducing tobacco use across the population.
