Malé City Council has decided to ban smoking on the streets of the capital city.

The decision was reached through a vote taken at a meeting held by the council on Wednesday night. All eight members voted in favor of prohibiting the use of cigarettes on the streets of the city.

The smoking ban was proposed by councilor for South-Maafannu constituency, Hussain Shareef.

He told press that it will come into effect after six months and that the council has to hold discussions with the line of ministries and other relevant authorities, beforehand.

According to the act that controls the usage of cigarettes, smoking is prohibited in public spaces where large crowds gather.