It is true that tobacco has been a part of the Maldivian lifestyle through generations, but to build a healthier society, actions need to be implemented. In 2012, a major step was taken by the government to help stop the increasing number of tobacco users in the community. Tobacco and tobacco-related products can no longer be advertised in public spaces.
However, some have thrown a blind eye towards this regulation, and tobacco related advertisements are still present in this tiny island nation.
Recently, an advertisement placed inside the Galolhu National Football stadium went viral on social media. A large poster was placed for the public to see, which promoted the sale of e-cigarettes.
Advertising tobacco & tobacco products in Maldives in illegal. Here is the national stadium advertising a tobacco product which is a direct breach of the Law. @MaldivesFA @MoYSCEmv @AhmedMahloof @MoHmv pic.twitter.com/aGafEoxTHB
— Afaal🇲🇻 (@ahmedafaal) November 22, 2019
MOK brand e-cigarettes promise to “provide a full-flavored tobacco experience” on their official website. It is a company based in Philippines that specialize in manufacturing Heat not Burn Tobacco devices. Promoting such a brand in the Maldives is an encouragement towards the use of such harmful products.
Research shows that the use of e-cigarettes can lead to multiple health problems. The increasing number of teenagers and young adults in our society is a direct result of the lack of awareness on health risks that these products can cause. Some issues that e-cigarettes can lead to include lung cancer and stomach cancer. In addition, the number of fatalities is also rising with America announcing that a total of 47 people has died this year.
In a press conference held last month, the Health Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Ameen has stated that the government is planning to ban the use of e-cigarettes. Even though this is promising, whilst the ministry is planning, these products are being advertised in bold letters across the nation.
Moreover, in a new regulation, starting from December 2019, tobacco products can only be sold with pictorial warning labels. Yet, would these labels have a large impact on tobacco users is still a question that needs to be answered. If the law makers in our country do not understand the true nature of this epidemic, there is no real use for such warning labels.
Every government announces new plans and laws to control tobacco use during their term. However, we do not see results. To stop public smoking, the government made it illegal to smoke in several public places in 2012, in reference to the Tobacco control act 15/2010 which was introduced in 2010. It states that smokers can now be fined up to MVR 500.
Yet, it is a common sight nowadays to see smokers enjoying a cigarette in the public places that the law which was implemented starting from 1st January 2013 states is illegal to smoke in. Some of these places include ferries, parks, restaurants and cafés. Due to action not being taken, the importance of this law has slowly vanished.
In reference to section 8 of the tobacco control act, it is illegal to advertise tobacco and tobacco-related products in the Maldives. Awareness programs on the dangers of tobacco use such as lung cancer, heart diseases, and the effects on the unborn child, are also being conducted regularly.
Nevertheless, without stopping those responsible for the promotion of these products for their individual gain, and without implementing the tobacco control act fully, we cannot save our nation from the dangers of tobacco.
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