President says cigarette duty cut aimed at reducing use of alternative tobacco products
President Muizzu said the decision followed discussions within the Cabinet and forms part of the government's wider tobacco control strategy.
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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the government's decision to reduce the import duty on cigarettes was taken after higher prices led some smokers to switch to alternative tobacco products that pose greater health risks.
The President made the remarks during a press conference at the President's Office on Monday, when asked about the government's decision to reduce the specific import duty on cigarettes from MVR 8 to MVR 4 per stick.
The government increased the duty from MVR 3.50 to MVR 8 per stick in December 2024, stating at the time that the measure was intended to discourage an increase in cigarette smoking following the nationwide ban on vaping.
Last month, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan announced that the government was considering reducing the duty. The proposed amendment was subsequently submitted to the People's Majlis on behalf of the government by Komandoo MP Mohamed Ibrahim.
President Muizzu said the decision followed discussions within the Cabinet and forms part of the government's wider tobacco control strategy.
"We are moving forward through distinct phases. This is part of a comprehensive health policy aimed at transforming our community into a healthier one," he said.
The President explained that while the increase in cigarette duty was introduced to discourage smoking, it also resulted in some smokers switching to lower-cost alternative tobacco products.
"People who are habituated to smoking started using alternative products that pose a much greater risk to their health. We had to take this step to put a stop to that trend," he said.
President Muizzu said the government remains committed to its broader tobacco control measures, including the ban on vaping and the planned generational tobacco ban for people born in 2007 and later.
He also noted that the proposed legislative changes would remove import duties on smoking cessation products, including nicotine replacement therapies, to support people seeking to quit tobacco use.
