City Council, HPA discuss designated smoking kiosks to curb public smoking in Male'

Male' City Council and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Monday discussed the possibility of establishing designated smoking kiosks in the capital.

Deputy Mayor Meekail Mohamed Riyaz and HPA officials met to explore the installation of special kiosks for smokers in selected areas of Male'. Several councilors also attended the meeting.

In a post on X, the council said the purpose of introducing smoking kiosks is to reduce smoking in public spaces and promote a cleaner, healthier environment in the city.

HPA could not be reached for comment.

The council recently decided to work with relevant authorities to curb smoking in public places. The motion was submitted by Hulhumale' North Constituency Councilor Fathimath Zahiyya.

Deputy @MekhaelMohamed Mohamed along with members of Health Committee, met with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to discuss the establishment of designated smoking kiosks in different areas of Male’ City.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts under the smoking control… pic.twitter.com/Xw3IZnYP1I

— Malé City Council (@MaleCitymv) September 28, 2026

Zahiyya said she continues to receive complaints from parents and families who face difficulties when people smoke near them in parks and other public spaces. She noted that secondhand smoke poses health risks to children.

Despite smoking being prohibited in several areas, people continue to smoke openly, and authorities have not taken action against them.

The government recently reduced the duty on tobacco products to four percent after previously increasing it to eight percent.

Since 2007, the government has also introduced a “generational ban” aimed at prohibiting tobacco use among children born from a specified year onward.