The Ad Hoc Committee on the Tobacco Control Act has approved a proposed amendment that would prohibit the sale and use of tobacco products by individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.

The bill, introduced by the Government, is part of a broader effort to phase out tobacco use among future generations.

The seven-member committee, formed to review the amendment, includes Maafannu West MP Mohamed Musthafa Ibrahim, Kaashidhoo MP Munthazim Ibrahim, Fuvahmulah South MP Ibrahim Hussain, Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdooh, Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed, Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas, and Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim.

The committee unanimously approved the proposed changes after consulting with key stakeholders, including the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the Ministry of Health, and the Maldives Police Service. The committee is expected to finalise its review before May 12.

Under the current Tobacco Control Act, tobacco products may only be sold to individuals aged 21 and above. The proposed amendment would add a generational clause, making it illegal to sell or provide tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. Sellers would be required to verify the buyer's date of birth before making a sale.

Once the committee's decision is submitted, the bill will be forwarded to the Parliament for debate. A final vote on the legislation will follow the debate.

If passed, the Government plans to implement the amended Tobacco Control Act from November 1 this year.