The Republic of Maldives introduced a smoking ban for people born on or after 1 January 2007, becoming the second country in the planet after fresh Zealand, which introduced a smoking ban for all generations.
According to the Maldives wellness Statistics, smoking and vulnerability to passive smoking are among the main causes of illness and deaths across the country.
This prompted president Mohamed Muizzu to launch an anti-smoking run last year, banning vaporizators and e-cigarettes, while doubling duties and import taxes on cigarettes.
The fresh ban, mainly concerning the Z generation, was ratified as an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act in May and entered into force on Saturday.
It is said that it besides concerns people visiting this island country known for its luxurious tourism.
Persons born after 1 January 2007 are presently banned from buying, selling and utilizing tobacco products in the Maldives.
The regulation covers all types of tobacco and retailers must verify the age of buyers.
Persons under 21 may besides not participate in the sale of tobacco or in the commercial activity related to tobacco, as described as "further protection of young people from vulnerability to tobacco smoke".
The fresh law prohibits all forms of advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco and maintains a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaporizators for all age groups, including their import, sale, distribution, possession and use.
The Maldives wellness Ministry stated that the fresh law would aid "protect public wellness and advance a tobacco-free generation".
First woman Saajidhaa Mohamed considered this decision historic, calling it "a bold, evidence-based step towards breaking the cycle of addiction and illness prevention" and commitment to "ensure a healthier and stronger future for our youth".
In fresh years, many countries have introduced measures to limit tobacco use, ranging from smoking bans in public places to tobacco taxation increases and marketing and age restrictions.
The United Kingdom is considering a akin age-based law that prohibits the sale of tobacco to persons born on or after 1 January 2009.
New Zealand repealed its ban in November 2023 – little than a year after its entry into force – citing the hazard of a black marketplace being created.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/627258-maldives-ban-smoking-gen-z/
