Maldives Police Service has reported that four people have been fined so far for using vapes.

In a message sent to the media today, police stated that since the ban on vaping and its trade came into effect on December 15, four people have been fined as of yesterday. The total amount of fines imposed on these four individuals amounts to MVR 20,000, according to the police.

The police have said that the details of the fine for vaping or trading in vapes will be sent as a message to the person's phone.

President ratified the first amendment to the Tobacco Control Act last month. According to the bill, it is prohibited to import electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and products prepared for use with such devices into the Maldives.

If someone smokes in a place where smoking is completely banned, and if that place is a business or service provider, both the person who smoked and the owner or operator of the place can be fined as stated in the law. Additionally, the Ministry has the authority to submit to the relevant government agency a request to temporarily suspend or revoke the business license issued to that place.

The amount of such fines can range from MVR 1,000 to MVR 1,000,000, according to the bill.

The bill states that importing electronic cigarettes and vaping devices and products prepared for use with such devices is prohibited. However, if such items are imported, a fine of MVR 50,000 will be imposed, and for each electronic cigarette or vaping device imported, a fine of MVR 10,000 will be imposed.

If such a device or product is sold, a fine of MVR 20,000 will be imposed, and for each item sold, a fine of MVR 10,000 will be imposed. If such a device or product is distributed for free, a fine of MVR 10,000 will be imposed.

If such a device or product is sold or distributed for free to a minor, an additional fine of MVR 50,000 will be imposed, and if such a product is used in the Maldives, a fine of MVR 5,000 will be imposed.

The bill also includes changing the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. According to the bill, this decision will be implemented starting from next Friday.

The bill also states that nicotine replacement therapy or treatment products used as part of "cessation" treatment to quit smoking, which are approved and authorized by relevant professional bodies, are not considered tobacco products.