MP Abbas decides to stop smoking amid tax hike

MDA’s Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas has announced his decision to stop smoking in light of the government’s recent decision to increase the tax levied on cigarettes and ban vaping.

He appealed to fellow MPs to stop smoking while debating on the bill submitted by the government to amend the Import/Export Act to increase the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as the tax on e-cigarettes and vapes until a planned ban kicks in.

Abbas, noting he is an individual who smokes two boxes of cigarettes per day, said he is targeting to stop smoking completely starting from November 15^th.

He expressed his full support for increasing the tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products, especially the tax on vapes and related products.

Abbas said if the parliament decides to impose the tax hike, the decision will be welcomed by the public.

He accused the opposition of trying to mislead the public and encouraging youths to take to the streets for protests to leverage them as their political shields.

Speaking further, Abbas said the measures will end the expenses on tobacco and related products which would improve the financial status of the individual, adding the funds saved can be injected to improve the living standards of their family.

“This a good measure for the youth generation. A good measure for future generations. A good measure for the children of today. This will decrease the money flowing out of the Maldives as well,” he said.

Abbas extended his sincere gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for taking such a decision at this crucial time, and also thanked the MPs who will vote in favor of the amendments in advance.

Notably, during Tuesday’s debate, ruling PNC’s parliamentary group’s deputy leader Mohamed Ismail called to deny smokers’ coverage under the public health insurance scheme Aasandha.

He stressed that people who suffer major illnesses because of cigarettes and other tobacco products despite knowing its dangers receive Aasandha coverage, same as anyone else.