MP Azaan: Increasing Prices on Tobacco Proven to Reduce Smoking Rates

Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan has emphasized that increasing the price of tobacco products is a proven method to reduce smoking rates, citing studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) during a parliamentary debate on proposed amendments to the Import and Export Act. Speaking at the 38th session of the parliament, Azaan pointed to the success of countries like Australia, France, and the UK, where tobacco tax increases led to a significant drop in smoking rates.

“Australia, for instance, saw a reduction in smoking prevalence from 20 percent to 11 percent after introducing a tax in 2010 that raised tobacco prices,” Azaan explained. He added that similar results were observed in developing countries such as Bangladesh, Mexico, and Ukraine, where higher tobacco taxes resulted in lower smoking rates, particularly among middle- and lower-income populations.

Azaan stressed that the Maldives could experience a similar decline in smoking if the government implements these measures, as a large proportion of the population falls within the middle- and lower-income brackets. He emphasized that the government’s decision to propose the amendments was made with the future of the country in mind, and urged opposition parties to support these changes for the nation’s long-term benefit.

Referring to international precedents, Azaan highlighted New Zealand's legislation, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after a certain year, proposing that such an approach could be effective in the Maldives as well. He argued that the amendment is not designed to increase state revenue but to address public health concerns, evidenced by the government’s decision to ban vaping and e-cigarettes rather than introducing taxes on them.

Azaan concluded by calling for bipartisan cooperation in the interest of the country, reminding his colleagues that opposition does not necessitate opposing every government initiative.