Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 248

President meets the Maldives Senior Citizens Association

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the Maldives Senior Citizens Association at the President’s Office on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the Senior Citizens’ Association of Maldives shared their concerns and challenges with the President. They expressed gratitude for the reopening of the Isravvehinge Naadhee and discussed ways to enhance its functioning and increase senior citizen participation in various programmes. They also highlighted the difficulties in securing office space for non-governmental organisations such as the Maldives Senior Citizens’ Association.

The President shared his vision to support the Government in facilitating NGOs. He highlighted that the construction of an office complex to provide space for various organisations contributing to the development of the Maldives was part of his manifesto. He added that the work would be carried out within the budgetary framework following the Government’s structured procedure.

The members highlighted the need for greater efforts to build a more civilised society and expressed their readiness to share their experiences in various areas beneficial to the country’s future. The President apprised them of the Government’s initiatives to strengthen the social fabric and promote a civilised society. He assured them that the Government would work towards addressing the issues raised during the meeting.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President participates in Veterans League

 Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef participated in the FAM Veterans League 2025 on Tuesday, an event held every Ramadan specifically for former players.

In today’s match of the FAM Veterans League 2025, Muiveyo FC competed against Da Grande Sports Club. The Vice President played as team captain, wearing the captain’s armband for Muiveyo FC. He is scheduled to participate in 4 matches in this tournament and will represent Muiveyo FC in their scheduled matches against STELCO, Eagles, and Police Club.

The tournament, which began on Monday evening, is taking place at the Maafannu Turf Ground. With a total of 10 teams competing, the competition has been organised into two groups. The tournament format ensures that the first and second placed teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, with the final match scheduled for the 27th of this month.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

Saudi Arabia Donates 10 Tonnes of Dates to the Maldives

 Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has donated 10 tonnes of dates to the Maldives. 

The donation was officially received by the Maldives’ Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs on Monday. Senior officials of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Maldives were also in attendance at the event.

During the ceremony, the Islamic Affairs Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for the generous donation.

 SOURCE : PSM

NDMA Still Assessing Flood Damage in Five Islands After Heavy Rains 

The families who were evacuated from flooded homes in the heavy rains over the weekend have since returned home, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said. 

Maldives experienced heavy rains during the weekend leaving large parts of the capital Male’ flooded. Forty people from four different households had to be moved to temporary shelters due to flooding. In addition to Male’, five other islands in Kaafu Atoll had also suffered severe flooding. 

NDMA Chief Executive Hisan Hassan told PSM News that several homes had reported flood damage in the five islands. A damage assessment of the islands is being conducted and information is being collected, he said. 

Most of the residential areas in the islands had been flooded, while some islands had reported sewage leakages due to flooding. 

Hisan said NDMA will collect information on damages to household items including furniture and electronics during the assessment. 

Proactive measures by the authorities had limited flood damage in Male’. 

According to NDMA, sandbags had been put up in over 200 houses to prevent flooding while pumps were set up in key areas to quickly drain the flooded streets. 

SOURCE : PSM 

PCB Transfers HDC Chairman Nasif to Head WAMCO 

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has announced the removal of Ahmed Nasif from his role as Chairman of the Housing Development Corporation Ltd. (HDC), with his subsequent appointment as Chairman of the Waste Management Corporation Ltd. (WAMCO). The announcement was made on Tuesday. 

This move follows the launch of an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving the HDC board of directors, specifically concerning improper management practices in the allocation of social housing and land plots. Consequently, the PCB suspended the entire HDC board of directors in December 2024, with the exception of Nasif, who remained in his position until this recent reassignment. 

Ibrahim Fazul Rasheed, the former managing director of HDC, resigned amid these allegations to facilitate the investigation. He was succeeded by Mohamed Mauroof Jameel, the former Minister of Construction and Public Infrastructure. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldives Earns USD 18.6 Million in Import-Export Revenue for January 

Maldives Customs Service has reported an import-export revenue of USD 18.6 million for January. 

According to Customs statistics, the Maldives imported goods worth USD 337 million in January, a slight increase compared to the USD 330 million in the same period last year. However, export earnings fell by 16 per cent, with USD 9.3 million recorded this January compared to USD 11.2 million in the previous year. 

As per statistics, fuel remained the Maldives’ largest import expense, with USD 47.2 million spent on fuel imports. 

In January, import sources were as follows: 

• India: USD 67.7 million 

• China: USD USD 67.6 million 

• United Arab Emirates: USD 65.2 million 

• Malaysia: USD 27.3 million 

• Singapore: USD 21.5 million 

Meanwhile, export destinations were as follows: 

• Thailand: USD 4.4 million 

• United Kingdom: USD 1.6 million 

• Vietnam: USD 972,763 

• Bangladesh: USD 324,254 

• India: USD 259,403 

In January, canned tuna exports generated a USD 1.8 million revenue while frozen fish exports generated USD 4.7 million. 

SOURCE : PSM