Maldives moves to enforce vaping ban

The Maldives' ban on vaping will lead to a reduced rate of nicotine addiction among the youth, while raising the smoking legal age and hiking taxes on e-cigarettes will discourage their use, which experts say, will benefit the nation in the long run.

The Maldivian government enforced a nationwide ban on the use and sale of vaping devices earlier this month, reported the state-run Public Service Media. The clampdown follows amendments to the Tobacco Control Act signed into law by President Mohamed Muizzu on Nov 13.

As per the amendments, sales, free distribution, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become illegal from Dec 15 this year. The media reports said anyone or any organization importing vaping devices into the Maldives after the ban takes effect would face a fine of 50,000 Maldivian rufiyaa (about $3,250).