Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan has announced that the government will hold discussions with relevant authorities on reducing the specific import duty on cigarettes to MVR 4, following recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office to mark World No Tobacco Day, Ihsaan said a WHO study recommended setting the cigarette duty rate at MVR 4 by 2026. He noted that the government is already considering the proposal.

According to the minister, extensive consultations will be held with stakeholders before any decision is made. Any necessary legal amendments will be submitted to the People's Majlis following these discussions.

The most recent major change to tobacco taxation came in November 2024, while cigarette duty was previously increased from MVR 3.30 to MVR 8 as part of broader tobacco control measures.

Ihsaan said the decision to raise tobacco duties had been difficult but necessary, adding that tobacco control policies should continue to be reviewed and guided by research.