President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Government will not reverse its tobacco control policies, stressing that any changes to tobacco import duties will be determined through technical consultations and expert recommendations.

Speaking at a press briefing at the President's Office on Monday, President Dr Muizzu dismissed suggestions that the Government was taking a different direction on tobacco taxation, stating that its overall policy remains unchanged.

The President said the Maldives remains committed to strengthening tobacco control measures and highlighted the country's introduction of the world's first generational tobacco ban as a key milestone in that effort.

President Dr Muizzu noted that the Government continues to implement a range of preventive healthcare initiatives and is currently consulting relevant authorities and technical experts on potential adjustments to tobacco import duties.

He said decisions on the matter would be guided by research and recommendations from international organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The President added that no final decision has yet been made on proposed changes to tobacco duties.

The remarks come after the Government announced on Sunday that WHO had recommended a 50 per cent reduction in cigarette import duty and that consultations would be held with relevant stakeholders. The Government said legislative amendments would be introduced if required following those consultations.

The most recent revision to cigarette import duties was introduced in November 2024, when the duty rate was increased from MVR 3.30 to MVR 8 per cigarette. A 50 per cent reduction would reduce the current rate to MVR 4 per cigarette.