Gov’t Has No Plans to Ban Sheesha or Cut Sugar Subsidies, President Muizzu Clarifies 

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has clarified that the government has no plans to ban sheesha, cut sugar subsidies or impose a sugar tax, distancing the administration from recent remarks made by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.

The clarification was made during an event held at the Artificial Beach last night to launch the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) “The Greater Addu” campaign. The President said the government is addressing sensitive issues that often generate differing opinions among the public, particularly those related to health and lifestyle.

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According to the President, the administration has already taken steps on certain matters, including banning vapes and implementing other anti-tobacco measures. However, he stated that the government does not intend to introduce additional bans on related products.

The President noted that some members of the public had expressed concern following comments recently made by the Health Minister regarding tobacco products. He clarified that introducing further bans is not part of the government’s policy approach, emphasising that the focus will instead be on public awareness.

He stated that the government intends to strengthen awareness programmes aimed at encouraging people to move away from harmful habits and health-risk behaviours. In this regard, the administration will prioritise education and behavioural change rather than prohibition.

Addressing speculation surrounding sheesha and sugar policies, the President reaffirmed that the government will not ban sheesha or remove subsidies on sugar. He noted that hookah use has been present in Maldivian society for many years and that long-standing practices cannot be effectively addressed solely through bans.

The President also confirmed that there are no plans to increase the price of sugar or remove existing subsidies. Instead, the government plans to focus on improving access to healthier alternatives, including making fruits and vegetables more affordable and expanding local agricultural production.

Last week, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim addressed the issue during a press conference when responding to a question from Mihaaru News. The Minister explained that banning additional tobacco products or imposing taxes on sugar-related products falls under broader lifestyle-related policies.

He noted that the Health Ministry cannot independently decide to cut subsidies or introduce taxes on sugar products, as such decisions require wider government policy measures. However, the Minister said the health sector anticipates the possibility of such actions in the future and confirmed that discussions had been taking place on banning sheesha, reducing sugar subsidies and introducing taxes on sugary products.

Meanwhile, the Doctors’ Association has also called for stronger public health measures, including banning sheesha and increasing taxes on sugary drinks.