Four people fined for vaping

Four individuals have been fined since the new vape ban has been implemented under the Tobacco Control Act, Maldives Police Service has confirmed.

According to the law, which came into force on Tuesday, the use of vape and similar products, will result in a fine of MVR 5,000.

Police said four people have been fined for violating the law as of yesterday. The fine was MVR 5,000 each, which totals MVR 20,000, police said in a message to the media.

Police further detailed that those fined for violating the law will be notified by a text message to their mobile phones. The message will include a payment link for Vaaru Pay to pay the fine, they explained.

The law now imposes a fine of MVR 50,000 for the import of any vape products, and an additional MVR 10,000 for every electronic cigarette or vape.

A fine of MVR 20,000 is also mandatory for the sale of such a product for the purpose of using tobacco, while a fine of MVR 10,000 is imposed for every item sold or distributed for free. If the item is sold to a minor, the fine goes up to MVR 50,000. Smoking is also now prohibited in government offices operating out of private home buildings.