Number of people who are smoking is on the increase in Maldives, according to Maldives Customs statistics. Customs statistics indicate a 10 percent increase in cigarettes during the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the same period last year. Various brands of cigarettes worth Rf.34 million were imported in the first quarter of 2008 while this year cigarettes worth Rf.37 million was imported for the same period. The figures represent values of cigarettes imported directly in to the country as cigarettes sold in duty free shops are tax exempt items.

Health Coordinator at Ministry of Health and Public Works Zenia Ahmed said that the government was working on raising the tax levied on cigarette imports and when the bill on taxation will introduce taxes on tobacco products.

The government has expressed concern over the increase in number of people who are smoking despite various programs aimed at discouraging and preventing the people from smoking. Maldives National Narcotics Control Board (MNCB) has said one of the reasons for rise in number of smokers is due to increase in drug abuse in the country.
Source: Southasianmedia

Tags: smoker's paradise

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