The Maldives began implementing a smoking ban Saturday on anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation with a generational prohibition on tobacco, the Health Ministry said.

The move, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year -- which came into effect on November 1 -- will "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation", the ministry said.

"Under the new provision, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives," it added.

"The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale."

The measure also applies to visitors to the nation of 1,191 tiny coral islets scattered some 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator and

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