Parliament passes Tobacco Bill, sent to committee for review

Parliament has passed the first reading of a bill that would introduce tobacco control measures including a generational ban on smoking and referred it to an ad hoc seven-member committee for further review.

The Tobacco Bill, submitted by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashrag on behalf of the government, aimed to strengthen restrictions on the sale of tobacco products was passed with 61 members voting in favour, with only Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa opposing the motion.

Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah proposed that the bill be reviewed by temporary committee rather than through a standing committee. This motion was approved by 63 members. Ghafoor and Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad, both from the Maldivian Democratic Party, opposed the motion.

A seven-member committee was approved by the Parliament to review the bill. The MPs proposed for the committee include:

1. Maafannu West MP Mohamed Musthafa Ibrahim

2. Kaashidhoo MP Mohamed Muntazim

3. Fuvahmulah South MP Ibrahim Hussain

4. Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh

5. Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed

6. Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas

7. Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim

The appointments were approved by 63 votes, despite objections from MPs Ghafoor, Ziyad, and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.