Bill on controlling tobacco sent to social affairs committee

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

maj400iyyeThe People’s Majlis has yesterday voted to proceed with the Bill on controlling tobacco and has been sent to Social Affairs Committee of the Majlis.

Interestingly the debate on this Bill was not divided on party lines; rather there was much appreciation from MDP members to the former government’s strong campaign against smoking and tobacco control.

This was the second reading of the Bill and almost all members who spoke at the debate stage supported the legislation but some members expressed concern that this Bill was too harsh and that it should not be implemented hastily. Some members also pointed out that it looks as if this Bill intends to control smoking rather than controlling tobacco.

Some members criticized the article of the Bill which bans smoking in all public places such as parks, cinemas and conference halls, public transport, teashops, restaurants, cafes, education institutes and hospitals. Kendhikulhudhoo member Ahmed Eesa said that instead of completely banning smoking in all restaurants, tea shops and cafés, an area should be allocated for smoking. This sentiment was expressed by a lot other members and they also pointed out that if smoking is banned in such places business restaurants, cafes and teashops would go down.

Members said that to control tobacco, steps should be taken gradually rather than hastily instead of resorting to harsh punishments. Speaking in this regard Galolhu South constituency member Mahloof requested to not upset the smokers by doing this.

Villimaafannu member Ahmed Nihan said that instead of harsh punishments, alternative ways like rehabilitation for smokers, therapy and nicotine free cigarette should be made available.

Some members also said import duty should be increased and a percentage of it should go to welfare of smokers.

Speaking in more or less the same lines, Nolhivaram constituency member Mohamed Nasheed said that while this Bill gives due importance has been given to passive smokers, smokers rights should also be considered.

Mulaku constituency member Yaameen Abdul Gayyoom said that the Bill was made in a hurry and without proper research. He asked whether the best solution was to increase the price of smoking or to fine people who were found smoking in banned places. He also said that rights of smokers and rights of non smokers should be equal.

This Bill has been drafted to comply with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to which Maldives became a signatory. This convention requires certain regulations to be enforced. After this Bill is passed, one year will be given to draft regulations and enforce the laws.

The final word on the Bill was said by Minister if Health Dr Aminath Jameel. She said that there were some things in the Bill that needed to be amended as well as some editorial problems. She said these problems will be looked into at the committee level. Dr Aminath said that tobacco control was a delicate issue the world over since it was very connected to everyday life and the economy as well. She said the purpose of the Bill was to protect children, youth, old and the whole society from the painful health risks of smoking.

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