Minister: Discovery of vapes from schools almost nonexistent now

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu stated that the discovery of vapes in schools has dropped to a level so low that it is almost nonexistent.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration launched a campaign against smoking last year, introducing a ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, and doubling import duty and taxes on cigarettes.

He ratified amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, which include a smoking ban for the post-2007 generation, which kicked in on November 1st, back in May.

Speaking during a telethon held to commemorate the generational smoking ban, Education Minister Shafeeu said prior to this, 50 to 60 vaping devices were discovered from Male’ area schools on a daily basis.

On the contrary, he said discovery of vaping devices in schools has dropped to a level so low it is almost nonexistent.

“It is presently at a level where not even one [vaping device] is discovered weekly. We believe this to be a huge step forward,” he said.

Shafeeu added that the government decided to ban vaping for the benefit of students and to build a healthy generation.

Shafeeu also said the generational smoking ban should be celebrated as a proud milestone by parents, teachers and students.

Citing statistics, Minister Shafeeu highlighted that the Maldives imports cigarettes worth MVR 1.8 billion per year. He emphasized that the country could achieve a remarkable milestone if everyone worked together to reach the goals of the anti-smoking campaign.