A heated debate unfolded in Parliament today over the government’s proposal to reduce import duty on cigarettes to MVR 4 per cigarette.
The bill, submitted by Komandoo MP Mohamed Ibrahim on behalf of the government, seeks to reduce the current duty from MVR 8 back to MVR 4. The rate had previously been increased from MVR 3.30 in 2024 by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)-led Parliament.
During the debate, PNC MPs defended the earlier tax increase, arguing it was introduced amid concerns that a ban on vaping products could lead to increased cigarette consumption. They said the policy was based on public health considerations and that tobacco use could rise as a substitute for vaping.
PNC Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau said concerns over vaping and tobacco use had remained consistent.
“It’s the damage that vape is causing. It’s destroying a generation. We were concerned that the vape ban might migrate the community to tobacco and cigarettes. That’s the concern we have today as well,” he said.
Shujau added that more recent evidence suggested vape users had not significantly shifted to cigarette smoking, attributing this to government enforcement measures. He said policy decisions should be guided by updated research.
In response, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (MDP) accused the government of contributing to illicit cigarette imports by raising duties.
“They created a market for theft by increasing the price. Fifty 40-foot containers have been entered the country illegally,” he said, adding that the state had lost an estimated MVR 2 billion in customs revenue.
Hulhumale’ South MP Dr Ahmed Shamheed said previous amendments increasing cigarette duties had failed to achieve their intended objectives, and instead had led to a rise in illegal cigarette imports compared with legally imported stock.
PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Inguraidhoo MP Ibrahim Falaah defended the government’s broader legislative approach, saying recent policy changes were aimed at addressing national priorities rather than revenue generation.
He rejected allegations of wrongdoing and criticised the opposition, stating that the public would not forget alleged misconduct during the previous MDP administration.
