Tobacco ban from 2007 generation will produce results, president says
The President said the ban would take effect from 1 November, following a six-month preparation period after the relevant legislation is passed.
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President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Cabinet’s decision to implement a ban on tobacco use for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 was based on practical considerations, despite public polls showing majority support for a ban beginning with those born from 1 January 2000.
Polls were conducted on the President’s official Facebook and X accounts to gauge public opinion. The highest number of votes supported a ban for those born from 1 January 2000. The second most votes were for a ban on those born from 1 January 2007, while the least voted option was for a ban on those born from 1 January 2004.
However, the Cabinet decided on Sunday to move forward with the second option — banning tobacco for those born from 1 January 2007.
Speaking on the Rayyithunaa Eku podcast, a weekly programme by the President’s Office on Thursday, President Muizzu said the Cabinet’s decision was not due to disregard for public opinion, but rather a focus on measures that could lead to more feasible and effective outcomes.
“We are not trying to impose something without considering the outcome. When enforcing something, it must be done in a way that does not cause disruption. The most practical route was chosen,” he said.
He added that while the aim is for all age groups to avoid smoking, the government needed to decide on an approach that accounts for current usage trends among younger people. The decision was intended to provide a balanced solution, especially for those already using tobacco products.
The President said the ban would take effect from 1 November, following a six-month preparation period after the relevant legislation is passed. Those over 18 who fall within the affected age group will also have six months to quit tobacco use before enforcement begins.
In order to meet the Cabinet’s timeline, Parliament would need to approve the required legal amendments before the end of this month.
The President noted that the government has taken other measures related to tobacco control, including the ban on the import and use of vapes, and an increase in taxes on tobacco and cigarettes.
