Getty ImagesThe Maldives banned young people born on or after January 2007 from smoking, becoming the only country in the world to implement a national tobacco ban.
The archipelago’s health ministry announced on Saturday that it is not illegal for the younger generation to use, buy or sell tobacco within the country.
The ban “shows the government’s strong commitment to protect young people from the harms of tobacco”, the ministry said.
Ahmed Afaal, Vice Chair of Swords at CHARPELOO COICCCO
The new ban “applies to all forms of tobacco, and sellers must verify the age before sale”, added the arrangement of the World Tobacco Combination.
According to the UN health body, this convention “provides a global response to a global problem – that is, the tobacco epidemic”.
Mr. Afnaa said that the country’s crackdown on VAPING is an important first step because “these new stylish gadgets of the younger generations approach their health”.
Last year, the Maldives made it illegal for anyone to import, sell, possess, use or distribute electronic products, regardless of age.
Tourists visiting the Maldives’ islands must also obey the law, but Mr Afoal argued that the smoking ban would not harm the tourism industry’s impact.
“People don’t go to the Maldives because they can smoke. They come for the beaches, they go for the sea, they go for the sun, and they add up.
Citing tourism data, Mr. Afaal argued that despite the new regulations there was no tourist cancellation and the number of arrivals last year.
“We are targeting 2m (tourists) next year,” he said.
New Zealand’s plans to pass a generation-long smoking ban have been scrapped by 2023 after a new government took power.
The move was seen as a blow to Many health experts and Specifically Māori peoplewhich has one of the highest smoking rates.
Last year, the Prime Minister of the UK, Rishi Sunak, hoped to introduce a law that would ban young people born on or after smoking.
A new version of the legislationwhich was introduced by the current government, has passed through the Commons and is now at the Starttee Stage in the House of Lords – with the clearances almost before it gets royal assent.