Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has stated that before vaping was banned, about 60 vape sticks were found daily in schools in Malé, but now that number has significantly decreased.

Amendments to the Tobacco Control Act banned the use and sale of vapes in the Maldives from December 15 last year. Under this law, importing vapes into the country is also now prohibited.

In addition, under the new law, implementation began yesterday to ban tobacco products for individuals born after 2007 and those who will be born in the future.

Speaking at the "Generation Ban" telethon yesterday, Education Minister Shafeeu said that before the vape ban, consultations were held with principals and parents from more than 200 schools regarding the issue, and they had requested that vaping be banned.

"Looking at the Ministry's records, even just in the Malé area, we used to find 50 to 60 vape sticks daily. However, now it has decreased so much that we barely find one or two in a week. I consider this a significant improvement, a major achievement," the Minister said.

The Minister said it became clear that banning vapes alone would not achieve the desired results, and that many citizens believe a generation that is addicted to tobacco and drugs is developing to some extent.

"Many parents who use tobacco have also consulted with us, have spoken to us, saying they are trapped in this and can't get out, and they don't want their children to do this," the Minister said.

Minister Shafeeu further stated that the most important aspect of this effort has been the work done to raise community awareness alongside the vape ban initiative.