With the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, vaping and its trade is banned in Maldives from today.
According to the amendment, the sale and consumption of vape has been banned in Maldives from 00:00 hrs today. The sale, distribution and use of electronic cigarettes along with vapes and vaping devices has also been banned.
As such, import of vapes, or related products result in fines of MVR 50,000, with an MVR 10,000 fine for every e-cigarette or vape unit brought in.
Sale of such products lead to a fine of MVR 20,000, plus MVR 10,000 for each unit sold. Free distribution of such products also carry a fine of MVR 10,000.
If such a product is sold to a minor, then the fine increase to MVR 50,000.
The bill also raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products to 21.
Smoking in government offices located in private buildings are also prohibited here onwards.
Minister of Homeland, Security and Technology, Ali Ihusan, speaking with Mihaaru News earlier, said that the ministry took the initiative to ban vaping because vape cartridges are often injected with drugs. He added that students are enticed by such items and recruited, noting that drugs have been found in vape sticks during recent drug operations.
The government has stated that vaping has become a national issue, with its prevalence even among students within school premises.
Vaping is already banned in more than 30 countries, including seven of the region's 11 countries.
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