Maldives Don Ban Next Generation From Puff Smoke

Di Maldives don officially begin enforce nationwide ban on smoking for anybody wey dem born after January 1, 2007, making di country di first for world wey carry full generational ban on tobacco, according to wetin di Health Ministry yarn. Di new law wey enter effect on November 1 come under President Mohamed Muizzu administration, and e dey aim to protect public health and promote tobacco-free generation. Di ministry talk say anybody wey dem born after January 1, 2007 no fit buy, use or collect tobacco for Maldives again. Di rule cover all forms of tobacco, and dem don order retailers make dem check age before dem sell anything.

Di law no be only for citizens but for tourists too, as di island nation wey get over 1,190 coral islets for Indian Ocean dey popular for luxury tourism. Authorities talk say di move na part of big plan to stop youth smoking, and enforcement go strict wella. Di Health Ministry still remind dem say Maldives don ban e-cigarette and vape totally from import, sale, use to possession, no matter di person age. Anybody wey sell tobacco to underage person go pay 50,000 rufiyaa fine (about $3,200), while those wey use vape go pay 5,000 rufiyaa ($320). One ministry spokesperson talk say, “Dis generational policy go make future people free from tobacco wahala and disease.” As Britain still dey debate dia own law, Maldives don stand alone after New Zealand cancel dia similar ban for 2023.