The Parliament has passed a bill banning the sale and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.

The amendment to the Tobacco Control Act is part of the current Administration’s broader policy to create a tobacco-free generation. The bill, presented to Parliament by PNC MP Ali Ashrag on behalf of the Government, was passed on Tuesday with 63 votes in favour. The law is set to come into force in November.

Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. Retailers will be required to verify the date of birth of all buyers and ensure compliance with the age-based restriction.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had previously announced the initiative as part of efforts to reduce the public health burden caused by tobacco use. He noted that tobacco is the leading cause of chronic illnesses and disability in the Maldives, contributing to 84 per cent of all deaths nationwide.

Citing findings from a national survey on chronic diseases, the President said that 21.8 per cent of Maldivians aged 15 to 29 use tobacco products. He also referenced the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which showed that 45 per cent of school students currently use tobacco or nicotine products.

Once implemented, the Maldives will become the second country in the world to introduce a generational tobacco ban, following New Zealand, which had passed a similar law before it was later repealed.