Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 196

A just climate transition, addressing the diverse needs of nations, is essential to limit global warming and protect marine biodiversity: Vice President

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef emphasised the need for a just climate transition to limit global warming and protect marine biodiversity, crucial for the blue economies of vulnerable states. He made these remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, in Kunming, China.

The Vice President highlighted that the ocean has sustained the livelihoods and shaped the identity of Maldivians, as the “children of the sea” for centuries, and that fisheries and tourism are primary income sources for the Maldives. He noted that tourism and fisheries industries are heavily impacted by climate change, marine pollution, and llegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, adding that it threatens fish stocks, coastal livelihoods, and food security. He further pointed out that Maldives’ traditional ethical fisheries, such as pole-and-line fishing, which ensures zero by-catch and no harm to marine habitats.

The Vice President stressed that Small Island Developing States like the Maldives bear a disproportionate climate burden despite minimal emissions. He emphasised the Maldives’ efforts to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts with limited resources. He also highlighted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ambitious plan to scale up our climate action, his commitment to sustainable development by utilising the blue economy.

Before concluding this statement, the Vice President stated that China is a reliable partner to the Maldives, through a strong bilateral relationship, and expressed gratitude for the continued support of China for the development of Maldives.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

President’s Policy to Enhance Military Capabilities and Ensure Regional Security: Defense Minister

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy is to enhance military capabilities while ensuring regional security, Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has stated.

The Minister made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held to handover diving and communication equipment donated to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by the Japanese government. The equipment, valued at USD 5.18 million, was presented to the Maldivian Government by the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Ghassan noted that Japan has consistently extended significant assistance to the Maldives in various sectors. He said the Japanese government’s most recent contribution further strengthens the bilateral relations between both countries.

The Minister emphasised that the donation aligns with President Dr Muizzu’s vision to enhance the Maldives’ military capabilities, while also ensuring regional security.

“President Dr Muizzu is committed to enhancing the Maldives’ military capabilities. This effort aims to ensure peace, security, and safety in the region. He is undertaking this responsibility while also performing internal and external priorities,” the Minister said.

 SOURCE : PSM

President ratifies three major Amendments to Penal Code, Ciminal Procedure Act, and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 

The Maldives has taken significant steps to modernise its legal framework with three major legislative amendments ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, marking a progressive shift in addressing cybercrime, financial fraud, and international legal cooperation. 

Criminal Procedure Act: Enhanced Bail System and Cybercrime Measures 

The Fifth Amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act introduces refined guidelines for bail procedures during investigations and trials and specifies conditions for bail following a conviction. 

It also provides a clear appeals framework, ensuring greater transparency and fairness in judicial proceedings. To combat cybercrime, the amendment authorises law enforcement to access subscriber and communication data through court orders and introduces a real-time data-sharing mechanism in collaboration with financial authorities. 

Additionally, it empowers authorities to freeze assets and block transactions linked to scams, strengthening safeguards for public safety and financial integrity. 

Penal Code: Defining Cybercrime as a Legal Offence 

The Sixth Amendment to the Penal Code formally recognises cybercrime, identifying a wide range of offences which include: 

1. Unauthorised access to computer systems

2. Accessing unauthorised computer systems with the intention of committing a crime 

3. Intercepting unauthorised data on computer systems 

4. Interfering with unauthorised computer systems 

5. Misuse of computer systems or similar devices 

6. Acts of cyber violence 

7. Computer-related forgeries 

8. Acts of fraud and misrepresentation related to computer systems 

9. Infringement on copyright and associated rights 

This Amendment underscores the Maldives’ commitment to addressing the challenges of digital crime, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring accountability for technological misuse. 

Mutual Legal Assistance Act: Enhancing International Collaboration 

The First Amendment to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act focuses on improving international cooperation in addressing cybercrime. 

It outlines advanced procedures for discovering electronic evidence, retrieving traffic data, and inspecting content data in collaboration with global partners. A 24/7 network for exchanging information on computer-related crimes has also been introduced to streamline mutual assistance and improve response times. 

With these Amendments now published in the Government Gazette, the Maldives is poised to strengthen its justice system, enhance public safety, and address the complexities of an increasingly digital and interconnected world. 

These reforms signal the Government’s proactive approach to fostering security, transparency, and international cooperation in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

President declares Government holiday on Thursday, January 2, 2025

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday announced that Thursday, January 2, 2025, will be observed as a Government holiday. The declaration was made by the President’s Office this evening.

The President’s decision is intended to provide Government employees with an uninterrupted break, extending the New Year holiday. Since January 1, 2025, a public holiday, falls on a Wednesday, the additional holiday on Thursday will allow for a continuous period of rest leading into the weekend.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President meets Vice Chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef met with His Excellency Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Monday. His Excellency Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and His Excellency Liu Xiaokai, Chairman of CPPCC Yunnan Provincial Committee were also present in the meeting.

Their discussion centered on bolstering cooperation in key areas of the blue economy, including environmental protection, ocean conservation, and climate change. They also explored further strengthening tourism development, higher education, infrastructure development, and high-level exchanges between the two nations.

Concluding the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed commitment to strengthening Maldives-China bilateral ties.

The Vice President is currently in China on an official visit to attend the ‘Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation’.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel sends National Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan

On the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, has sent a message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel.

The Minister’s message reads as follows:

“On the joyous occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Bhutan, I would like to extend warm felicitations and best wishes to Your Excellency, the Government, and the friendly people of Bhutan. 

I look forward to working with you to strengthen our ties through collaboration on areas of mutual interest, particularly in climate adaptation and mitigation. I am confident that the close relations between our two countries will continue to grow.

As Bhutan celebrates this auspicious occasion, I wish the people of Bhutan continued peace, progress, prosperity, and happiness.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

SOURCE : Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The President conveys National Day felicitations to the King and Prime Minister of Bhutan

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday extended his felicitations to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, on the occasion of Bhutan’s National Day.

In his letters to the King and Prime Minister, the President conveyed warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations of the Government and the people of the Maldives to the King, the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Bhutan on the momentous occasion.

President Dr Muizzu also extended his best wishes for the good health and happiness of the King and Prime Minister, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bhutan.

The National Day of Bhutan is celebrated on the 17th of December every year. The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Bhutan on July 13, 1984.

The President also extended National Day greetings via a post on his official X account.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President Launches GDPP Information Management System and Inaugurates the China-Indian Ocean Region Centre for Maritime Cooperation and Training

Vice President His Excellency Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef attended the closing ceremony of the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming, China.

During the ceremony, the Vice President launched the Global Development Project Pool (GDPP) Information Management System and unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the China-Indian Ocean Region Centre for Maritime Cooperation and Training. He was joined by Honourable Reginald Farley, President of the Senate of Barbados, His Excellency Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of CIDCA, Mr Kouadio Affian, Chair of IOC-AFRICA, and Mr Sun Shuxian, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China.

Following the closing ceremony, the Vice President attended a banquet hosted by His Excellency Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Innovation, Science Key to Sustainable Ocean Development, Says Minister Shiyam

Decisions concerning ocean and maritime development should be founded on evidence-based science and innovative technology, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated. He made this statement during his address at the Thematic Discussion on the Ocean Decade of the United Nations in the context of the Global Development Initiative.

The thematic discussion was held as part of the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming, Yunnan province, China.

In his speech, Minister Shiyam highlighted the critical role that oceans and marine ecosystems play in the Maldivian economy. Evidence-based science and innovative technology are vital to addressing environmental challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), he said.

As Maldivians have for centuries been the beneficiaries and relied on ocean resources, Minister Shiyam stated that protecting and preserving our ocean resources is paramount. The Maldives is at the forefront of the fight against climate change and the first to face its negative impacts, he warned, adding that the oceans must be protected and preserved for the future generations.

The year 2024 marks the fourth year of the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The 2024 theme, ‘delivering the science we need for the ocean we want,’ is closely related to the people of the Maldives, Minister Shiyam noted. The Ocean Decade initiative helps Maldivians face the challenges affecting oceans by utilising evidence-based science and innovative technology, he added.

Minister Shiyam also underscored the importance of promoting the Global Development Initiative in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives provide opportunities to empower fishermen, advocate for the protection of marine life, and promote scientific research on protecting marine resources, he added.

Highlighting the need for global collaboration, Minister Shiyam underscored that working together can ensure sustainable development for future generations. He also highlighted the importance of sharing information, experiences, and expertise between countries to find solutions to global challenges.

SOURCE : PSM

Islamic Minister Lauds Increase in Efforts by Police for a Safer Maldives

Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Tuesday said there has been a distinct increase in efforts by the Maldives Police Service during this term to maintain the safety and security across the whole country.

The Minister made these remarks at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Maldives Police Service and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Dr Shaheem said police are doing more than ever to maintain security and religious unity in the society.

The minister assured the Police that the Ministry of Islamic Affairs would provide all possible assistance in this endeavour. 

Minister Dr Shaheem said that similar to most countries in the world, Maldives also has a few who believe and follow “extremist” religious ideology, noting the extensive efforts, past and present in collaboration with the police to raise religious awareness and ensure religious unity.

“The ministry is working hard to establish the right ideologies. We have tried to address differences through communication and dialogue. In Maldives, there had been separate congregations by some groups. The two institutions worked together to put a stop to this,” the Minister said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police (CP) Ali Shujau said that several awareness programs have been conducted in line with the mandate of maintaining security in the society. The CP also thanked the Ministry for its assistance to such programs, noting that each of these programs includes a religious component.

CP Shujau revealed the decision to conduct a special program with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to increase religious awareness among the police ranks.

“We are now waiting for the day when the religious program for the police will begin. This program will enhance and facilitate the service of the police due to increased religious awareness. It will also facilitate the efforts to maintain peace and order in the society,” the CP said.

The agreement between the Police and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs was signed by Minister Dr Shaheem on behalf of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau signed on behalf of the Maldives Police Service.

Under the MoU, cooperation between the two institutions will be exchanged in wide ranging areas.

SOURCE : PSM

Police Warn of Strict Enforcement of New Vaping Ban

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has issued a stern warning regarding the enforcement of the recently amended Tobacco Control Act, which now bans the sale and use of vaping devices and products.

In a statement, the MPS cautioned that individuals found in violation of the vaping ban will face fines as stipulated by the law. Notifications of these fines will be sent through text messages, police said, ensuring that violators are promptly informed of their penalties.

To ensure compliance, the police will take legal action against individuals who sell or give away electronic cigarettes or vaping devices and products, according to the statement. The police also warned that those caught vaping or using vaping devices will be fined accordingly. The text messages sent to violators will include details on how to pay the fines, along with a link to ‘Vaaru Pay’ for convenient payment, it said.

The police also urged the community to comply with the new amendment and assist in promoting a smoke-free environment, calling on the public to support the enforcement efforts and report any instances of vaping in public spaces.

Speaking on PSM News’ ‘Dhafaraa’ programme, Sub-inspector of Police Nizam Mohamed noted that the public can report individuals found vaping on the street or in public spaces. When the police receive such a report, officers will attend the scene and address the issue, he said, highlighting the enforcement protocol in place.

Inspector of Police Aminath Nishana revealed that guidelines have been drafted to ensure uniform enforcement across all islands. Reports of vaping violations can be made through hotlines 119 and 911 and other contact numbers used by the police, she added. “The frontline officers will follow our guidelines. In islands lacking a [police] station or post, they will follow the guidelines set forth by the Health Ministry,” she stated.

The nationwide ban on the use, sale, and free giveaway of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, and products came into effect on 15 December. Under the amended Tobacco Control Act, the import of vaping devices and related products incurs a fine of approximately USD 3,243, with an additional fine of approximately USD 648 for each item.

Sellers of vaping devices and products face a fine of around USD 1,297, plus USD 648 per item sold. Those giving away vaping products for free will be fined approximately USD 648. A stricter penalty of about USD 3,243 is imposed on individuals who sell or give away vaping devices or products to minors.

SOURCE : PSM

Maldives Opens Doors to Chinese Investment in Mariculture Industry

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has extended an invitation to Chinese investors in a bid to bolster Maldives’ mariculture industry. The call for investment was made during a meeting with Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), in Kunming, Yunnan province, China.

Minister Shiyam, accompanied Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also attended the third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation. During the meeting with CIDCA Chairman Luo, Minister Shiyam highlighted the efforts of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration to promote and develop the mariculture industry, highlighting the growth potential in this industry. 

The opportunity to invest in the Maldives’ mariculture industry is open to Chinese investors, he said, adding that there is ample room for growth in the industry.

The President Dr Muizzu’s Administration has identified four locations across the country for the development of the mariculture industry, according to Minister Shiyam. Investments are vital for the development of these regions, he noted, highlighting the need for capacity building and human resources development in the mariculture field.

During the meeting, Minister Shiyam discussed the ongoing efforts by President Dr Muizzu’s Administration to enhance the fishery sector. These efforts include increasing fish processing capacity and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing practices, he added.

Minister Shiyam also highlighted the close and historic ties between the Maldives and China, underscoring that these relations are based on mutual respect for sovereignty. He expressed his hope for further strengthening and enhancing relations between the two nations in the future.

The third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, co-hosted by the Maldives and organised by CIDCA, is being held from 15 to 17 December under the theme “The Future of the Blue Indian Ocean Development, Practice of the Global South.”

SOURCE : PSM

MMPRC and NBAM Promote the Breathtaking Underwater World of the Maldives at the DRT Show 2024

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) promoted the breathtaking underwater world of the Maldives at the Diving & Resort Travel Expo (DRT Show) 2024. 

The event took place from 13th to 15th December 2024 in Hong Kong. A total of 6 companies from the Maldives tourism industry took part in the fair alongside Visit Maldives and NBAM. These companies are Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt Ltd, Marselia Maldives, Voyages Maldives Pvt Ltd, Divescape Maldives Pvt Ltd, Highrise (Floating Asia & Maldives Marine Expo), and Noorani Travels Pvt Ltd.

The DRT Show is a premier international event connecting diving and marine tourism professionals. This event offered a unique platform for showcasing the latest innovations and promoting destinations like the Maldives as a world-class diving and marine tourism hub. The fair provided multiple opportunities to provide the latest information about the diving industry of the Maldives to the B2B travel trade professionals. 

Visit Maldives aimed to showcase our full range of products, including resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, hotels, along with our exceptional diving services and unique underwater experiences of the Maldives at DRT Show. Along with our industry partners, we aimed to reveal the latest plans, collaborate with international tourism suppliers and buyers and strengthen old ties in the market. Additionally, the fair provided a significant platform to share the latest information about individual properties to the Hong Kong travel trade and beyond. 

Hong Kong remains an important market within this region. MMPRC is consistently strengthening the presence of Maldives in the Hong market through a 360-degree marketing approach. So far this year, we welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong to the Maldives since 2020. MMPRC also conducted other marketing activities in the Chinese market including China webinar series; Fujian events; Welcoming of the Xiamen Flight and China Eastern Flight; Campaign with Red; PATA Annual Summit Panel Discussion; ITB China; MOU with Fliggy; KOL FAM trip in collaboration with PADI; Golden Week Campaign; and Discover Maldives Webinar series aimed to the Chinese market. MMPRC said they are also maintaining our digital presence on social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat. These targeted marketing efforts aim to elevate the Maldives as the ultimate destination in the market. 

SOURCE : Visit Maldives