The government has enforced a new tobacco retailing law specifically for the trade of loose cigarettes.
According to Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen, banning dealers from selling loose cigarettes is a huge accomplishment and a very important step that the government took in order to combat tobacco use in the country. People are expected to exercise the new regulations starting May 31st. He further adds that the government is diligently striving to control the use of tobacco in the country.
According to the Health Minister, this is a mutual decision made by the cabinet and social council of the Maldives.
Despite the widespread knowledge of the health consequences of tobacco use, young adults in the Maldives represent the high-risk group for smoking. The government has plans to minimize these risks in the upcoming days through public awareness programs.
The government has also banned selling tobacco products made/imported on and after July 31st, without tagging the warning message on the packages and the notice from the health ministry.
Starting from the 30th of November, these new policies and rules must be followed and they will strictly be monitored by the government.
