Govt Set to Introduce Tobacco Generational Ban, President Confirms Legislation Will Be Enforced by November

The administration will introduce an amendment bill in Parliament this month, aiming to prohibit tobacco use for all citizens born on or after 1 January 2007, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revealed, confirming that the legislation is expected to pass in April, with enforcement scheduled to begin in November.

The president shared details of the initiative during the fourth episode of the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' podcast, where he outlined his administration's legislative strategy to combat tobacco consumption and mitigate its widespread health risks. The proposed amendment, developed in consultation with the Cabinet, targets individuals born from 1 January 2007 onwards, extending the prohibition to future generations.

Approximately 30 per cent of the current population falls within this age group, a demographic significance that the president highlighted as central to the measure. The rationale for the ban is firmly rooted in public health concerns, with the potential to significantly improve national well-being by preventing a substantial portion of the population from adopting tobacco use, he elaborated.

President Dr Muizzu articulated a vision of a healthier, more productive society, asserting that shielding young people from tobacco would foster a robust generation dedicated to national service. "Many young individuals take up smoking upon reaching 18. If we can support them in quitting, the impact on our community's transition toward a smoke-free future will be substantial," he stated.

The dangers of tobacco were addressed with urgency, as the president cited research attributing an overwhelming 80 percent of deaths from diseases to tobacco-related illnesses.

The timeline for implementation reflects the administration's ambitious approach. Following the anticipated passage of the bill in April, President Dr Muizzu confirmed that the law is slated to take effect on 1 November. To ensure public acclimatisation and support, a six-month period prior to enforcement has been allocated for awareness campaigns.

"I am optimistic that this interim period will provide an opportunity for individuals within the targeted age group who have already begun using tobacco to quit," he said. "Studies suggest that tobacco cessation can be achieved within approximately three months, making this six-month window a sufficient timeframe for individuals to overcome the habit."

The policy has already garnered widespread praise, particularly from parents who view it as a critical step in safeguarding the health and future of their children.