Maldives considers cash rewards for smoke-free island communities

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldivian government is exploring a bold new strategy to combat tobacco use by offering direct cash incentives to island communities that collectively quit smoking.

President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday directed ministers to submit a proposal outlining how such a reward scheme could be implemented. The idea, he said, aims to encourage healthier lifestyles by turning entire communities into smoke-free zones, with financial incentives deposited directly into each resident’s bank account.

The proposal follows a series of aggressive steps taken by the Muizzu administration to curb tobacco use nationwide. Recent reforms include amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, the expansion of smoke-free public areas, a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquids, and raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21.

In May 2025, the Maldives made international headlines when President Muizzu ratified a groundbreaking law introducing a generational ban on tobacco. Under the legislation—set to take effect in November—no individual born on or after January 1, 2007 will be permitted to purchase tobacco products, making the Maldives the first country in the world to adopt such a measure.

The initiative reflects the government’s growing focus on public health and long-term behavior change, especially within tightly-knit island populations.

Last month, the World Health Organization recognized Muizzu’s leadership with a World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award, highlighting the Maldives’ emerging role as a global example in anti-tobacco policy.