Wishing a very happy birthday to the President of @MDPSecretariat@abdulla_shahid . May this special day bring you good health, happiness, and continued success in all your endeavors.
Speaking today at a press conference held on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan stated that the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended reducing the specific tax on tobacco in Maldives from MVR8 to MVR4, after the organization conducted studies on the matter.
The current administration increased the specific duty from MVR3 to MVR8 per stick in November 2024. In addition, the ad valorem tax rate on tobacco was raised from 50 percent to 100 percent.
Following these changes introduced by the government, a large black market for smuggled tobacco emerged, and counterfeit cigarettes became widespread across the Maldives. These fake cigarettes remain available today at much lower prices.
WHO has advised the Maldivian government to lower the tobacco tax, which was previously increased by President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration without any prior study or national-level consultation.
Ihusaan added that the government will make a decision on the matter after discussing the WHO's recommendation.
"This is a rate we are currently considering. We will hold these discussions with all relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in making this decision. If we all agree that we need to move to that rate, the government will submit that recommendation to the People's Majlis", Ihusaan said.