Deputy Minister of Health Ahmed Hamdan Nasir says President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision yesterday proves that the state’s decision to increase tobacco duty was not for its benefit. 

Speaking on MMTV's Bodu Khabaru programme, Deputy Minister Hamdan stated that the government’s decision to increase duty on tobacco has brought criticism from the opposition parties. 

He further highlighted efforts to protect society from tobacco, including the cessation programs they conducted at 7 Atolls in the past few years, with preparations underway to conduct this program in the remaining atolls. 

They are also setting up a 24-hour call centre to support individuals seeking help to break free from tobacco addiction. He also stated that public health staff are now being trained nationwide to strengthen tobacco control efforts. 

In addition to Hamdan, the Deputy Director of the Health Protection Agency, Hassan Mohamed, mentioned that they are now working on creating an application to help tobacco addicts and making it compulsory to conduct preventive healthcare programs in all healthcare facilities.

Under the Government’s efforts to reduce tobacco use in the country, a generational ban policy on the sale and use of tobacco products for all individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, was implemented on April 13. The policy is set to come into force on November 1, 2025.