As President Dr Mohamed Muizzu completes two years in office, his Administration’s legacy is being shaped by a bold and uncompromising mission: to break the nation’s long-standing dependence on tobacco and protect future generations.

The measures began in October 2024 with the ratification of the Export Import Act, which imposed a 200 per cent duty on general and prepared tobacco products, and a 50 per cent duty plus MVR 9 per cigarette on cigarette imports.

Speaking on the President’s Office Rayyithunaa Eku podcast, the President urged the private sector to abandon the tobacco trade, stating, “I request businesses importing and selling cigarettes to cease this business and pursue an alternative. This is not something worth doing. Moreover, we are a small, small nation. We do not have a population of millions. Why should this be done here? It would be much more imperative to save our small society.”

In November 2024, President Dr Muizzu ratified the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, enforcing a complete ban on the import, sale, free distribution and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, while strengthening regulations on conventional tobacco. Smoking was also prohibited in all Government buildings and premises, with businesses facing fines, permit suspension or temporary licence loss for violations. Retailers must verify age for every purchase and are prohibited from selling tobacco to anyone under 21 or involving minors in tobacco-related work.

The Administration further advanced the policy with a generational ban through the Second Amendment to the Act, which came into effect on 1 November 2025. Under the amendment, anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 is permanently prohibited from purchasing or using tobacco, positioning the Maldives among the most progressive public health jurisdictions.

These reforms earned international recognition, with the World Health Organization presenting President Dr Muizzu the World No Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award for leadership in tobacco control.