President says govt won't ban shisha or raise sugar prices

President Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday that the government does not plan to ban shisha or increase the price of sugar.

The president made the statement during a campaign event organised by the People’s National Congress.

His remarks followed comments made last week by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim during a press conference.

Nazim said measures related to tobacco products and taxes on sugar-based products were being considered as part of policies addressing lifestyle-related health issues. He also said the health sector was awaiting changes involving taxes and subsidies on sugar products.

Muizzu said the remarks had caused confusion among the public and he wanted to clarify the government’s position.

He said it is not the policy of the government to impose bans on such matters.

However, the president said the government would focus on raising awareness about health-related practices.

According to Muizzu, shisha has been used by people for a long time and such habits cannot be removed simply by introducing bans.

Instead, he said people should be informed about the effects of such practices and encouraged to avoid them.

“The policy of this government is to raise awareness about health,” the president said.

He added that the government will also work to make food and fruit available locally and at prices that people can afford.