Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 157

WHO welcomes President’s decision to ban vaping

The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to ban the import, sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping. 

In social media post made by WHO’s Southeast Asia office, WHO congratulated the Maldives for implementing this ban, highlighting it as a significant initiative to combat the alarming rise in vaping, particularly among young adolescents. It also noted that 23.1 percent of boys and 10.7 percent of girls aged 13 to 15 in the Maldives have used e-cigarettes, according to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

WHO further raised concerns that the increasing prevalence of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs), such as electronic cigarettes (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches (NPs), is particularly concerning, especially among youth in the WHO South-East Asia Region. It noted that all forms of tobacco use are harmful and pose significant risks for non-communicable diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes.

In a recent social media post, President Dr Muizzu confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited starting November 15. He instructed relevant authorities to implement comprehensive measures to outlaw the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising, and free distribution of vaping products across the country beginning December 15.

To further reduce tobacco consumption, the President announced an increase in import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. As such an amendment to the law will be proposed to adjust both specific and ad valorem rates of import duty on these items, effective November 2024.

Additionally, the President has called for strengthened measures to empower enforcement agencies to curb tobacco use in public spaces. A comprehensive, nationally recognized campaign will also be launched to assist habitual smokers in quitting. The President urged the public to collaborate in making the Maldives a tobacco-free society.

 SOURCE : PSM

Defence Minister calls for collective action against climate change

 Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has called on all countries for collective efforts to mitigate and overcome the negative impacts faced due to climate change. He made the statement while addressing the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference.

On Disaster Risk Reduction.

In his address, Minister Ghassan spoke on the Government’s strategic efforts to protect the Maldives from the devastating impacts of climate change. He noted that the Maldives will implement the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2024 – 2030 in the coming month. 

Furthermore, Minister Ghassan expressed pride in the Maldives being one of the first member countries to join the United Nation’s Early Warning for All Initiative (EW4All) initiative. He stated that the Maldives was also one of the first countries to prepare a national roadmap, which aligns with the objectives of the campaign.

In his address, Minister Ghassan stated that despite previous administrations’ investments in enhancing the capabilities of islands and communities, securing funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change remained a significant challenge. Stressing that small island nations, like the Maldives, are particularly vulnerable to immediate and severe threats from climate change, he called on all countries to unite in promoting sustainable development and to provide support in overcoming these challenges.

The Government has signed an agreement, aiming to increase the transparency of measures being implemented to combat climate change and enhance the monitoring of the implementation of the measures. It noted that the initiative will play a pivotal role in enhancing the efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, while increasing the reporting of measures utilised by the Maldives to combat the effects of climate change, to international communities.

SOURCE : PSM

Government collects biometric data of over 4,000 immigrants

Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has revealed that biometric data of over 4,000 immigrants have been collected up to date, under Operation Kurangi.

Operation Kurangi is a nationwide initiative to gather biometric data to identify the undocumented migrants in the Maldives and regularise them. The first phase was conducted in Himmafushi and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, and the second phase has now been expanded across the country.

In its latest update on the operation, the Ministry reported that it has commenced operations in 45 inhabited islands. Data collection teams have successfully gathered information from all immigrants on eight of these islands, resulting in a total of 4,272 immigrants from the 45 islands having their biometric data recorded.

The nationwide operation was launched to address the issue of illegal immigrants and will help determine whether foreign workers in the Maldives are employed in compliance with existing laws and regulations. The Ministry has provided fingerprint machines to the councils and developed a specialised application to facilitate the identification and regularisation of foreigners. Additionally, plans are underway to create a registry for the collected immigrant data.

SOURCE : PSM

Government establishes hydroponics system in Hanimaadhoo School

Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has developed a hydroponics system as part of the activities held to commemorate the World Food Day and National Farmer’s Day.

The Agriculture Ministry stated that the primary goal of the programme is to foster interest in the agricultural sector and build a younger generation that is engaged in agriculture and farming. The Ministry revealed that a greenhouse has also been established in Hanimaadhoo School, encouraging students to gain firsthand experience in farming and farming practices. The hydroponic system has been set up within the greenhouse, enabling the growth of a variety of fruits and other plants.

The establishment of the hydroponics system involved the participation of 50 individuals, including teachers, parents, and students, who contributed to its development.

SOURCE : PSM

Education Ministry opens enrolment for first grade students

Ministry of Education has announced the opening of applications for enrolment in Lower Kindergarten (LKG), Upper Kindergarten (UKG), and first grade at government schools for the 2025 academic year.

The Education Ministry stated that the enrolment opportunities are available now until November 15. Students applying for schools in Greater Male’ Region must submit their applications through the Ministry website. Any applications submitted after the deadline, the Ministry said, will not be accepted. 

In the current academic year, 162 government schools are single session schools, and 55 schools conduct classes in two sessions. Additionally, six schools provide satellite education. Over 96,000 are currently seeking education, with approximately 26,000 students studying in schools situated in Male’ City.

The second term of the ongoing academic year is scheduled to conclude on March 6, 2025, with academic holidays aligning with the Holy Month of Ramadan. The Government plans to gradually shift the start date of the new academic year back to the beginning of the calendar year. The commencement date was adjusted in 2021 after the 2020 academic year experienced a delay of one year and six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the Ministry’s adjustments to the academic calendar, the new academic year for 2026 is set to begin in January.

SOURCE : PSM

MNDF concludes “Operation Hiraas Faas”- 144 chemical storages inspected

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services has concluded its “Operation Hiraas Faas”, an operation carried out to investigate chemical storages. The operation took place from October 1-15.

MNDF revealed that it had inspected a total of 144 chemical storages for hazardous chemicals. It disclosed that it collected information on 62 shops selling chemicals and 399 residential buildings where chemical storages were present.

In the Greater Male’ Region, a total of 285 storage facilities are authorised, with 77 situated in Male’ City, 36 located in Hulhumale’ and 172 in Thilafushi. MNDF reported that it conducted inspections of these facilities to verify that they are equipped with the essential equipment for extinguishing fires. Additionally, it directed facilities lacking the required fire extinguishing equipment to procure the necessary tools.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with MPS, MNDF Male’ Area Command and six government institutions. It was conducted with teams of soldiers and police officers from Maldives Police Service (MPS), inspecting the Greater Male’ Region, distributed to ten zones.

According to the Ministry of Defence, a database will be created with the relevant information collected through the operation. The Ministry stated that the collected data will be shared with the relevant authorities and measures will also be taken against those storing or trading chemicals illegally.

SOURCE : PSM

STELCO to establish a 150MW power plant

State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company, TBEA Group Company Limited to conduct preliminary studies prior to establishing a 150MW power plant. TBEA Group is a global leading enterprise in manufacturing of power transmission and distribution equipment.

Following the signing of the MoU, Managing Director of STELCO Fahmy stated that the agreement is a significant step to enhance the energy infrastructure of the Maldives. He noted that the MoU will facilitate the provision of electricity more conveniently.

STELCO revealed that the highlights of the partnership include conducting preliminary studies for the establishment of the 150MW dual-fuel power plant and the installation of a high-capacity transmission line.

Furthermore, STELCO stated that the power plant will be established in Thilafushi, with the practical works also contracted to the TBEA Group. The organisation noted that the power plant will serve as a central facility to substantially increase power generation capabilities, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. It disclosed that the power plant will be equipped with generators which produce electricity, utilising oil and gas.

Regarding the high-capacity transmission line, STELCO stated that it will be installed along with the ThilaMale’ Bridge. It further noted that the transmission line will play a pivotal role in creating a robust network to meet the energy demands in Male’ City, Hulhumale’, Villimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.

SOURCE : PSM

HDC seeks contractors to develop Upscale Hotels at Urban Isle, Hulhumale’

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced that they are seeking contractors to develop and run three Upscale Hotels at Urban Isle, situated in the Integrated Tourism Zone of Hulhumale’ Phase II. The Corporation stated that interested parties can submit their Expression of Interest (EoI) documentation. 

HDC stated that the hotels will be equipped with the latest advancements to provide quality services and will be specialised to accommodate tourists visiting the Maldives. The Corporation stated that priority will be given to those contractors who propose to complete the project under the land lease model. However, it noted that proposals with other models will also be accepted.

HDC stated that proposals will be evaluated by HDC, focusing on the proposed business model, relevant experience of the contractor.

HDC stated that interested parties can now submit their EOI, on or before October 29, 1400hrs. The EOI’s can be submitted via mail. Additional information on the project will be available from the corporation’s website, and queries can also be submitted through mail.

SOURCE : PSM

BML welcomes first Maldivian CEO

Bank of Maldives Plc (BML) has announced Mohamed Shareef as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 17. With this appointment, Shareef has become the first Maldivian CEO of the institution, a major turning point for banking and Maldivian financial sector.

Shareef has over 25 years of extensive experience in the finance sector, including over seven years at executive and board level.

Throughout his tenure at BML, Shareef played a significant role in modernising the bank’s operations and achieving substantial growth. He led a key role in the implementation of core banking systems, the introduction of debit and credit card services, and the expansion of digital banking solutions, including internet banking, mobile banking, self-service banking, and e-commerce payment gateways. These efforts greatly enhanced the bank’s financial performance and improved its service delivery and digital transformation.

Additionally, Shareef was pivotal in the bank’s strategic development throughout his tenure. He has played an important role in managing key departments including Islamic Banking, Technology, Marketing, Retail Banking, and Operations. His career continued in the private sector following his departure from BML in 2020, where he held several executive and consulting positions.

Shareef holds an MBA from the University of Manchester and has completed the Senior Executive Programme at London Business School, a prestigious programme for CEOs and senior executives worldwide. He further enhanced his leadership credentials by serving as the elected Vice Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association from 2018 to 2020.

SOURCE : PSM

Data is essential for the future of the tourism industry: Shiuree

Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Ibrahim Shiuree has emphasized the critical role of data in shaping the future of the tourism industry.

In his opening remarks at the Global Data Forum, Shiuree highlighted the significance of hosting such an event in the Maldives, stressing that the collection of statistical information is vital for effective policymaking. He stated that in a sector as vital and dynamic as the tourism industry, use of data is essential. He expressed optimism that the forum would empower industry stakeholders to leverage data for positive transformations.

MMPRC Chairman Abdulla Ghiyaas also addressed the Forum, noting that the Corporation had always prioritized research over mere statistical collection since its inception. The data and insights gained, he said, can significantly enhance tourism promotion. Ghiyaas pointed out that this approach helps identify tourists needs and uncover future growth markets. He reaffirmed MMPRC’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions, particularly those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

The inaugural Global Data Forum, dedicated to the Maldives’ tourism sector, attracted a wide array of industry experts, including representatives from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Adara, UnionPay, and Amadeus. Organizations such as Tourism Economics and Oxford also contributed to discussions on the importance of data in the tourism landscape, with around 150 attendees participating.

The event was attended by government officials, ministry representatives, and industry stakeholders, featuring the Advisor for Tourism Development at the President’s Office, Mohamed Khaleel, as the special guest.

SOURCE : PSM

MNU to hold graduation for first batch of medical school this month

Maldives National University (MNU) has announced plans to hold the graduation of its first batch of medical school students on October 31.

The University’s council granted permission to establish the School of Medicine in MNU in 2017, to facilitate medical education in the Maldives. The School of Medicine was created in 2019, with the first batch of students beginning their studies that same year. The curriculum aligns with that of the national university of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Classes for the School of Medicine are held in Dharumavantha Hospital. However, the initial batch completed two modules at the Malaysian university until the medical setup of the School of Medicine became fully operational. Studies officially commenced in the Maldives in 2020.

Speaking to PSM News, Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Sheeza Ali stated that over 40 students applied to study medicine in the first batch. Of these, 22 started studies, with 21 completing the degree course in medicine, and passing with flying colours.

MNU notes that the graduation of the first batch of students completing medical school in the Maldives, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. After completing the five-year program, students must undertake an additional year of internship to become registered doctors with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council. The graduates are currently completing their internships at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

Currently, a total of 222 students across seven batches are enrolled in the School of Medicine.

SOURCE : PSM