World No Tobacco Day
2 articles
ReportLower Taxes, Less Smoking? Inside the Government's Five-Year Plan
The government has launched a five-year plan to create a tobacco-free society through education, healthcare support, and a generational ban. However, critics highlight a major contradiction: while cessation aids are now duty-free, cigarette taxes were halved. This raises concerns about the policy's effectiveness and the lack of alternatives.
NewsWHO advises Maldives to slash tobacco taxes
The WHO advised the Maldives to reduce tobacco taxes following a sharp hike that fueled a black market for counterfeit cigarettes. The government is now considering lowering the specific duty to four Rufiyaa by 2026 to combat illicit trade. Officials will consult stakeholders before submitting a final proposal to the legislature.