President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that while globalisation presents many challenges that could be overcome through determined efforts. He added that one such effort is the implementation of the ban on the sale and use of vaping devices nationwide, which took effect at midnight last night.
The President made the remarks earlier this morning while speaking with the residents of Mahibadhoo Island on his tour of the islands of South Ari Atoll. Speaking at the gathering held at the Atoll Education Centre in Mahibadhoo Island, the President stated that although the sale of e-cigarettes, or vaping devices, had been conducted legally in the Maldives and that it had caused considerable harm to the nation. He emphasised that it is a national duty to protect future generations from this menace.
The President stressed that our community must be protected from the ill effects of vaping and other addictive substance abuse. He underlined that youth, and the general public must remain healthy in order to contribute to national growth.
The President stated that we must abandon the deep-rooted harmful habits passed down the generations and achieve ideological advancements in order for us to ensure a better future for the next generation. Emphasising that true development isn’t just tangible, the President stated that meaningful development can only be achieved through infrastructure development, intangible, intellectual as well as human development combined.
The President stated that widespread adverse lifestyle within our society cannot just be prevented through applicable laws and that it requires the determined efforts. He added that penalising a group of people had not been the Administration’s desired outcome and that the government aims to reform youth by assisting them to disassociate themselves from addictive substances and other crime affiliations.
The President called for national unity in achieving national progress stating that the people would want ideological development alongside infrastructure development. Negating any bias, the President assured that every citizen is equally important for him.
The President ratified the first amendment to Act No. 15/2010 (Tobacco Control Act) on November 13, 2024, effectively prohibiting the import, sale, free distribution, and use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices in the Maldives starting December 15, 2024.
