Public backlash grows as government signals a policy U-turn on cigarette duties, less than a month after the President pledged not to lower them

Despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier assurances that the government would work to strengthen tobacco taxation and pricing, the administration’s stance has now shifted completely.

During a press conference held at the President's Office on May 11, a journalist inquired whether the government intended to reduce the import duty on cigarettes. In response, the President stated that there were currently no plans to consider such a move. The President further clarified that the government's stance is to maintain the existing policy. He emphasized that the current administration would not be making any changes to that policy.

This administration's policy is to establish a holistic healthcare system. This entails the simultaneous advancement of both preventive and curative healthcare services. A vital component of preventive healthcare is steering the public away from various forms of tobacco consumption. Therefore, this administration will not make any changes to that policy.

President Dr. Muizzu

The President stated that day that any adjustments made following consultations with the WHO would focus solely on further strengthening the government's existing policies.

Twenty days later, in a message marking World No Tobacco Day, the President reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening tobacco control laws and regulations. He further assured that efforts would be made to bolster the tobacco tax framework and pricing mechanisms.

However, during a press conference held at the President's Office on the same day, the government revealed that discussions are underway to reduce the duty on tobacco from 8 Rufiyaa to 4 Rufiyaa.

During the press conference, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihsan stated that the government has decided to hold consultations among relevant authorities regarding a proposal to reduce the import duty on tobacco to four Rufiyaa, following a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Minister stated that consultations will be held with all relevant authorities and stakeholders prior to revising the import duty rates on tobacco. He further noted that if a consensus is reached on the necessity of these changes, the government will submit the required legislative amendments to the People's Majlis.

The government is facing intense public backlash following a sudden "U-turn" on its decision to maintain high duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. This policy reversal comes less than a month after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu explicitly stated that these duties would not be lowered. Many citizens have taken to social media to express their concerns and frustrations over the move. Critics are increasingly pointing out a pattern of inconsistent decision-making, alleging that the administration frequently resorts to "U-turns" on key policy matters.

Furthermore, many observers have pointed out that attempting to lower the prices of tobacco products shortly after increasing them raises serious questions regarding the sincerity of the government's efforts to ban vaping and combat tobacco use.