The Ministry of Health has launched a public consultation study to assess the feasibility of offering a financial incentive to entire island communities that successfully quit smoking.

According to the Ministry, the study aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with smoking, gather public views on challenges in tobacco-related enforcement, and identify areas for future improvement in tobacco control efforts.

One of the key focuses of the study is to collect public opinion on a proposed incentive scheme, which would reward all residents of an island if the entire community achieves complete cessation of tobacco use.

The Ministry has assured that all participant data will remain confidential and that information gathered through the study will be used to inform national tobacco control policies and support efforts to reduce smoking prevalence across the Maldives.

In June 2025, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu directed relevant ministries to study the proposal and prepare an implementation paper on the initiative. The proposal is part of a national effort to curb tobacco use, particularly among youth.

Tobacco control efforts in the Maldives have intensified, with new legislation introduced in May 2025 establishing a generational ban on tobacco. Set to take effect in November, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2007, aiming to phase out tobacco use among future generations.

Additional measures introduced by the Government include the expansion of tobacco-free zones, a ban on the import and possession of e-cigarette and vape manufacturing equipment, an increase in the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21, a ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorships, and higher taxes on tobacco products.