Tobacco Tax
4 articles
NewsMajlis approves bill slashing cigarette prices by 50 percent
The Maldives' Majlis passed a bill to slash cigarette prices by 50% by reducing import duties. This reversal of a 2024 tax hike will drop the price of a pack from MVR 250 to MVR 130. The government claims the move follows WHO recommendations, though it was announced shortly before local by-elections.
NewsWHO directs inquiries to Health Ministry
The WHO Maldives office has referred inquiries to the Health Ministry regarding government claims that the organization advised halving tobacco duties to curb smuggling. While the Home Minister cited WHO research as the basis for the tax cut, the WHO declined to confirm the advice, pointing instead to its public stance on tobacco control.
