President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has shared his proposals for a generational tobacco ban aimed at keeping younger generations away from smoking.
He discussed the initiative during the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast series designed to engage with the public, address concerns, and provide direct responses.
During the episode, the President revealed that Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has been tasked with drafting a Cabinet paper regarding the recommendations. He emphasised the need for consultation with medical professionals and other stakeholders in drafting the policy.
As part of his proposal, the President outlined three potential approaches for the ban;
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2007
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2004
- Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after 1 January 2000
Explaining the rationale behind these options, he stated that focusing on the 18–25 age group would make it easier to prevent addiction before it becomes entrenched.
