President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to raise the import duty on tobacco products to eight percent, effective from November. Additionally, a ban on smoking in public places will be enforced.

In a post on X, the President shared that significant actions will be taken starting in November to discourage the use of tobacco products. These measures include increasing the specific import duty on cigarettes and similar products from MVR 3 to MVR 8, along with a 50 percent hike in the ad valorem tax on tobacco products.

President Dr Muizzu also emphasised that enforcement authorities will be given greater powers to implement the smoking ban in public spaces. He urged everyone to cooperate in the effort to create a tobacco-free society.

This announcement follows a previous decision to introduce a ban on the import, sale, distribution, advertising, and use of vapes, also set to begin in November.