No fines have been issued since the use and sale of vapes were banned in the Maldives on December 15 under the Tobacco Control Act, the police said.
A police media official told Adhadhu that while enforcement efforts are underway, no violations have yet resulted in fines.
“So far, no one has been fined under the law,” the media official said.
The police stated that that fines for vaping-related violations will be communicated via SMS to the individual’s mobile phone. The SMS will include a link to pay the fine through the Vaaru Pay platform.
"Anyone fined will receive a notification via SMS, with a payment link for Vaaru Pay," the official said.
From November 15, under the amended Tobacco Control Act:
- Providing a vape to someone results in a fine of MVR 10,000
- Using a vape incurs a fine of MVR 5,000.
- Selling vapes is fined MVR 20,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 for each unit sold.
- Importing vaping devices or related products attracts a fine of MVR 50,000, plus MVR 10,000 per device.
