President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that a six-month transition period would be adequate to implement the generational smoking ban targeting individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.

He noted that this window would give young people who are currently using tobacco products sufficient time to quit before the law takes effect.

The generational ban proposes to ban the buying, selling, and use of tobacco products for anyone born from that date onward. The measure requires amendments to existing laws, which the Government plans to submit to Parliament for approval.

Speaking on Episode 4 of the Rayyithunnaa Eku podcast, the President explained that if the legislation is passed before the end of April, it would allow the law to come into force in November 2025. He said six months would give those affected enough time to prepare for the change, noting that research shows three months is often sufficient to successfully quit smoking.

President Dr Muizzu emphasised that the goal of the generational ban is to prevent young people from smoking and to safeguard the long-term health of the Maldivian population. He also underscored the importance of collaboration, saying the country could successfully combat smoking if everyone, from individuals to institutions, works together.

The President's decision to move forward with the generational ban, backed by the Cabinet, came after a public opinion poll and consultations with international health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO).

If passed by Parliament in the coming weeks, the law is expected to take effect by November 2025, following the six-month transition period supported by the President.