On Friday evening, the government commemorated World No Tobacco Day with an official ceremony in M. Mulah, led by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who launched the National Anti-Tobacco Campaign.

During the event, Minister of Health, Family, and Social Affairs Geela Ali emphasized that the current administration under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu prioritizes safeguarding public health and protecting communities from harmful habits like smoking more than any previous government.

The minister acknowledged past setbacks in tobacco control efforts but highlighted that the situation has now improved. The National Tobacco Control Campaign was officially introduced at the ceremony. Geela described it as a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness, expanding cessation services for those wanting to quit, and strengthening the enforcement of laws and regulations. The goal is to collaborate with institutions and civil society organizations to sustainably shield the country from tobacco-related dangers.

She also mentioned that significant measures, such as banning the import and sale of vape products and implementing a “generational ban,” have been put into place over the past two years. 

“The government has taken strong environmental and sustainable actions to control tobacco and protect current and future generations over the past two years. We expect to see positive results soon, God willing,” she stated.

Her comments coincide with a bill that has been submitted to Parliament to reduce the cigarette duty from MVR 8 per cigarette back to MVR 4. The bill has been sent to a committee for review. At a press conference on 31 May, held to mark World No Tobacco Day, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan mentioned that increasing the tobacco duty from MVR 3.50 to MVR 8 was a difficult decision and that the government is now contemplating halving it based on guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, Minister Geela was unable to answer a question from MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader and Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad (Fitte) regarding the government’s decision to lower cigarette prices. She stated she would provide a response at a later time.