Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced that efforts are underway to establish a system in which smoking cessation treatment is provided from all health centres. The establishment of this system comes after the government’s decision of banning the importation of any type of vaping devices, or complementary products. In a programme aired on PSM News, Deputy Director of HPA Hassan Mohamed acknowledged the efforts of individuals striving to comply with the law and quit smoking. Highlighting that quitting smoking is a difficult task without any professional assistance, he underscored the necessity of providing counselling and ensure nicotine replacement therapy is easily accessible. He further noted that smoking cessation treatment are provided from four clinics in Male’ City. The government decided to control the use of tobacco and related products in multiple phases. Under these efforts, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the 19th Amendment of the Export-Import Act, introducing significant increases to the import duties on tobacco and tobacco products imported to the Maldives. Meanwhile, the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act prohibits the import, sale, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and products designed for use with such devices in the Maldives. Upon ratification and the implementation of the bill, tobacco use in all government institution buildings and their premises will be prohibited, fines will be levied for both users and property owners or operators if is tobacco is used illegally in business or service establishments, with potential suspension of smoking permits and temporary suspension of business licences. Regarding the bill, Deputy Director Hassan Mohamed stated that the bill bans the sale of any tobacco or related products to individuals under 21 years or involving persons under 21 in tobacco sales transactions, or the sale of such products without the age verification of the buyer through an identity card or official documentation. Citing various research studies, he revealed that those who refrain from smoking or vaping are unlikely to use such products in their lifetime. The provisions related to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices will take effect on December 15, as part of the second phase of the government’s initiative to control the usage of tobacco. Any individuals who are reported to be utilising such devices will face a fine of USD1,297, with USD648 levied for each individual item. Furthermore, if such products are distributed free of charge, a fine of USD648 will be imposed on the person engaged in the activity.
