Public support generational ban of cigarettes from 2000 onward

As the poll conducted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to impose a generational ban on cigarettes came to an end, it was revealed that majority of participants supported banning cigarettes for individuals born from the year 2000 onwards.

President Muizzu first announced generational bank during the ‘Rayyithunnaa Eku’ podcast episode aired on March 27^th.

During the second podcast, that aired on April 2^nd, Muizzu said top priority will be concentrated on restricting tobacco use among individuals aged 18 years or youths. He called for the public to provide feedback on three options with regards to said generational ban, which were:

Imposing generational ban on individuals born from January 1, 2000 onward

Imposing generational ban on individuals born from January 1, 2004 onward

Imposing generational ban on individuals born from January 1, 2007 onward

President launched the poll on popular social media platforms that included Facebook, X, and Instagram. By the deadline the poll on X alone had received a total of 5,501 votes, with 51.1 percent of voters supporting a generational ban individuals born in the year 2000 – which a total of 2,809 votes.

From the total voters on X, 41 percent supported imposing this ban on individuals born in 2007 – which is a total of 2,242 votes. Only 450 people voted in favor of imposing this ban on those born in 2004 and onward.

Facebook poll results:

• 2000: 72 percent
• 2004: 4 percent
• 2007: 23 percent

Instagram poll results

• 2000: 45 percent
• 2004: 13 percent
• 2007: 43 percent

Speaking about the generational ban, Muizzu said it would not have been long since local youths aged between 18 and 25 began smoking or using tobacco, which would make it relatively easier to encourage them quit the habit.

He promised all three options he proposed would be deliberated at a technical level before a final decision is made, after which the ban would be legally enforced.

Besides the generational ban, President Muizzu had earlier urged local businesses engaged in the import and sale of tobacco and cigarettes to seek other business alternatives.