In a bold initiative to curb youth smoking, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has proposed a generational tobacco ban aimed at preventing nicotine addiction before it becomes entrenched.

The proposal, which focuses on individuals aged 18 to 25, was discussed during the second episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast designed to foster public engagement and address national issues.

During the discussion, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the urgency of tackling smoking among young people and announced that Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has been tasked with drafting a Cabinet paper outlining the details of the proposed ban. He emphasised the importance of consulting medical professionals and stakeholders to ensure that the policy is both comprehensive and effective.

As part of the proposal, the Government is considering three potential approaches:

In explaining the strategic rationale behind these initiatives, President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the 18-25 age demographic represents a critical developmental period during which tobacco habits are often formed. By restricting tobacco use for younger generations, the Government aims to mitigate long-term health risks associated with smoking and ultimately work towards a smoke-free future.