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

Sep.13.2024

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.

References:

[1] Maldives NCD Alliance appeal banning import of vapes to President Muizzu

Also Read:

[1] Maldives Health Agency Advocates for Additional Tobacco Taxation

[2] Maldives Customs to Cancel Tax-Free Import of E-Cigarettes and Energy Drinks

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Asia #Maldives

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

Australian Border Force Blocks Massive Vape Shipment Following China Intelligence

Australia has seized more than 600,000 illicit vapes in two months, following coordinated intelligence with overseas partners. The Australian Border Force (ABF) warns that illegal vaping products now form a multibillion-dollar black market dominated by organised crime syndicates.

Nov.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Al Fakher Parent Company Plans U.S. Listing in 2026 at $1.75 Billion Valuation

According to Bloomberg, Dubai-based hookah brand owner Advanced Inhalation Rituals (AIR) plans to go public on Nasdaq in the first half of 2026 through a merger with a Cantor Fitzgerald-backed SPAC. The deal values the combined company at USD 1.75 billion under the ticker “AIIR.”

Nov.11

Indonesian Police to Crack Down on Etomidate-Laced Vapes

Indonesia’s National Police Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim Polri) will continue to take enforcement action against users and distributors of etomidate-laced vape liquids, even though the substance is not yet classified as a narcotic. Brigadier General Eko Hadi Santoso, Director of Narcotics Crimes, said etomidate is an anaesthetic drug regulated under Health Law No. 17 of 2023, but has not been listed as a narcotic or psychotropic substance.

Oct.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

South Korea Again Delays Tobacco Business Act Amendment on Synthetic Nicotine

South Korea’s amendment to the Tobacco Business Act, which would classify synthetic nicotine vapes and vape liquids as “tobacco” for regulatory and taxation purposes, has been delayed once again. Despite the government stressing its urgency due to youth access and risks of illicit drug mixing, both ruling and opposition parties at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting agreed that the bill requires further discussion.