NCD Alliance Urges President to Ban E-cigarette Imports in Maldives

Sep.13.2024
NCD Alliance Urges President to Ban E-cigarette Imports in Maldives
The Edition reported on September 12 that Maldives NCD Alliance urges President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to ban e-cigarette imports.

According to The Edition on September 12th, the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance in the Maldives has called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to ban the import of e-cigarettes.


In a letter submitted to the president, the alliance expressed concern about the increasing use of e-cigarettes and vaping products in the Maldives. It pointed out that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the country's biggest health burden, and the use of tobacco and tobacco-related products (including e-cigarettes) is one of the major risk factors for NCDs.


The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (NCD) is made up of seven organizations including the Cancer Association, Diabetes Association, SHE, Mediterranean Anemia Association, Mental Health Awareness Foundation, MAPD, and Tiny Hearts. The alliance is calling for immediate action to ban the import and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products in the Maldives. NCD also cited research from the American Cancer Association, indicating that 15% of e-cigarette users have risk factors for lung cancer. Additionally, over 30% of e-cigarette users reported an increased risk of developing diabetes, as well as facing health problems such as kidney cancer, stroke, and heart disease.


The Minister of National Security and Technology of the Maldives, Ali Ihusaan, stated in an interview with Mihaaru News that...


The government is preparing to make this decision. Personally, I believe e-cigarettes should be banned, but the final decision will be made by the State Council, and I will submit it to them for consideration.


He added that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking the lead in banning e-cigarettes because electronic pod cartridges have been used to smuggle drugs. He further stated that their drug enforcement operations have found narcotics in e-cigarette devices, posing a threat to recruiting children for drug-related activities.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
Belarus Official Says Full Vape Ban Is Not Advisable Due to Supply Risks From Russia
A Belarusian Interior Ministry official said on March 18 at a press conference on preventing dependence on electronic smoking systems that a full ban on vapes is not appropriate in Belarus at this stage.
Mar.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Announces Nationwide Retail Expansion of on! PLUS Nicotine Pouches
Altria Announces Nationwide Retail Expansion of on! PLUS Nicotine Pouches
Altria Group, Inc. announced the nationwide retail expansion of on! PLUS nicotine pouches, a product manufactured by Helix Innovations LLC, an Altria operating company. The product had already been available through e-commerce and participating retailers in North Carolina, Florida and Texas, began wholesale deliveries on March 16, 2026, and is expected to reach participating retailers nationwide starting March 23, 2026.
Mar.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Fourth Circuit denies rehearing bid over stay allowing Virginia e-cigarette rules to be enforced
Fourth Circuit denies rehearing bid over stay allowing Virginia e-cigarette rules to be enforced
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has declined to grant en banc or other rehearing of its decision to stay an order that had blocked enforcement of certain Virginia e-cigarette regulations. In a brief order filed Tuesday, the court denied a rehearing petition by Nova Distro Inc. and Tobacco Hut and Vape Fairfax Inc., noting that no judge requested a poll on the petition.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15
Al Fakher Enters the Oral Nicotine Market With Four Flavors
Al Fakher Enters the Oral Nicotine Market With Four Flavors
Al Fakher has launched nicotine pouches, marking the world’s leading hookah brand’s entry into the modern oral nicotine category.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine Customs Seizes Illegal Vape Products Worth Up to PHP 1.4 Billion in Navotas Warehouse
Philippine Customs Seizes Illegal Vape Products Worth Up to PHP 1.4 Billion in Navotas Warehouse
The Philippine Bureau of Customs seized illegal vape products worth an estimated PHP 1 billion to PHP 1.4 billion at a warehouse in Navotas City. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation was the agency’s largest crackdown on illegal vape products since 2024.
Mar.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai