President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on the public to commit to protecting future generations from nicotine addiction and work collectively towards a healthier, tobacco-free Maldives.

In a message marking World No Tobacco Day, President Muizzu said tobacco and nicotine addiction, along with the associated burden of disease, disability and socio-economic consequences, continued to pose a major challenge to public health and national development in both the Maldives and around the world.

He stressed the need for governments to renew their commitment to protecting people from the dangers of tobacco and to counter what he described as the tobacco industry's continued targeting of young people through addictive nicotine products.

The president highlighted several measures introduced by his administration, including a ban on e-cigarettes and Maldives becoming the first country in the world to implement a tobacco-free generational ban in 2025.

He said access to free smoking cessation services had been expanded and smoke-free zones broadened as part of efforts to achieve the long-term goal of a "Tobacco-Free Maldives".

President Muizzu also expressed concern over the emergence of flavored nicotine pouches and the use of artificial intelligence-driven marketing strategies, warning that such developments required continued vigilance and stronger regulatory responses.

He said the government was reviewing and strengthening tobacco control measures, including taxation policies, pricing mechanisms and legislative reforms.

The president also shared the message on his social media accounts to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed said awareness, education and collective action were essential to creating a healthier and tobacco-free generation.

The most recent change to tobacco import duties came in November 2024, when the duty on cigarettes was increased to MVR 8 per cigarette.