President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has clarified that the Government has no plans to ban shisha or remove subsidies on sugar products, stressing that the Administration’s focus will be on raising public awareness about health impacts rather than imposing new restrictions.

Speaking at the PNC’s “Greater Addu” event on Saturday night, the President explained that long-standing social habits cannot be addressed simply through bans, and that education and awareness campaigns are more effective in guiding healthier lifestyle choices.

The President reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to informing citizens about the risks of smoking and excessive sugar consumption as part of broader public health efforts.

His remarks followed earlier comments by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who said discussions were ongoing regarding a possible ban on shisha and the removal of sugar subsidies. President Dr Muizzu said the Government’s position had been misrepresented, prompting him to clarify that neither measure is under consideration.

The President noted that the Administration has already taken major steps to improve public health, including raising duties on cigarettes and introducing a nationwide ban on vaping products. He said these measures are part of the Government’s wider objective to build a healthier society and encourage responsible lifestyle choices among Maldivians.