Maldives Newsbulletin - Volume 262

President and First Lady scheduled to exchange customary Eid Greetings with the public

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Ibrahim are scheduled to exchange Eid Greetings with members of the public this Eid-ul-Fitr, as per custom.

Mulee’aage, the President’s Official Residence, will be open for well-wishers from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The President and the First Lady invite all citizens, heads of Government offices, diplomats, and representatives of local companies and organisations to exchange Eid greetings, including children and youth.

Well-wishers can use the main gate of Mulee’aage on Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, which is accessible via Shaheed Abdulla Zuhair Hin’gun.

 SOURCE : The President’s Office

President assesses waste management projects in Thilafushi

 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited Thilafushi on Thursday to review the progress of the Greater Malé Environmental Improvement and Waste Management Project, a two-phase initiative to establish a sustainable solid waste management system in the Maldives.

The first phase, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), and the Maldivian Government, focuses on modernising waste collection, transfer, and disposal across the Greater Malé region and outer islands. It includes rehabilitating the Thilafushi waste reception facility, constructing new waste transfer stations, and developing a demolition waste processing plant and an end-of-life vehicle dismantling plant. A new inter-island waste transfer vessel is also in development.

The second phase introduces waste-to-energy (WTE) technology, addressing the region’s 774 tonnes of waste generated daily. It aims to reduce pollution at Thilafushi’s ageing dumpsite by improving treatment, recycling, and disposal infrastructure while increasing public awareness of sustainable waste management.

During the visit, the President, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and senior Government officials, also assessed the progress at the Thilafushi Regional Waste Management Facility, where operations have significantly improved. Baling production, which was previously halted, has resumed at 76 bales per day, while 991 bales have been relocated to optimise space. Efficiency at waste offloading areas has doubled, with vessel clearance times at the Resort Waste Reception Area cut from one day to one hour and Landing Craft Offloading Area (LCT) clearance times reduced from three days to five hours.

Moreover, security at the facility has been enhanced with advanced surveillance systems, and 6,500 tonnes of waste have been repurposed as landfill cover material to clear access roads to the WTE plant. A new 5,000-square-metre waste cell has also been developed to handle waste for the next two years.

The projects aim to address challenges in waste management and environmental improvement in the Maldives, ensuring continued efficiency in the nation’s efforts to mitigate the climate emergency, a cause the Government continues to champion.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Commissioner of Police (Retd) Ahmed Faseeh appointed as Controller General of Immigration

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Commissioner of Police (Retd) Ahmed Faseeh as the Controller General of Immigration.

The appointment places Commissioner of Police (Retd) Ahmed Faseeh at the level of State Minister.

With an educational background from the FBI National Academy, Commissioner of Police (Retd) Ahmed Faseeh is a graduate of the FBI General Course of Instruction from the U.S. Department of Justice in Quantico, Virginia. Throughout his career, he has served the Maldives Police Service for many years and has also contributed as a member of the Police Board.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President amends investment policy to expand infrastructure, tourism, and social development in the Maldives 

The President has issued Presidential Decree No. 6/2025, amending Presidential Decree No. 6/2024, which governs projects eligible for cross-subsidy investment and establishes the minimum investment thresholds applicable. 

The Decree has been issued under Law No. 2/99 (Maldives Tourism Act) and sets forth key investment projects, requisite financial commitments, and designated project locations. 

Notably, the Decree includes provisions for developing multiple airports across various islands, including HA. Dhidhdhoo, HDh. Makunudhoo, Sh. Komandoo, Sh. Milandhoo, Sh. Bileiyfahi, R. Fainu, R. Alifushi, B. Thulhaadhoo, AA. Mathiveri, M. Muli, F. Nilandhoo, Th. Guraidhoo, Th. Vilufushi, an additional airport in Huvadhu Atoll and two airports within Laamu Atoll. 

In the tourism sector, the Decree mandates the implementation of the Asseyri tourism project in Laamu Gan and Addu City. Furthermore, the Decree authorises the reclamation of 15 hectares of land from K. Giraavaru lagoon for the ‘Hope Island’ project, which aims to support at-risk children. Additionally, 30 hectares of land within the same lagoon have been allocated to develop a new Central Prison Complex. 

The Decree prioritises national security projects and social housing initiatives, including extensive land reclamation efforts in Rasmale’, Gulhifalhu, Giraavarufalhu, and Uthuru Thila Falhu. 

Infrastructure development initiatives stipulated under the Decree include the construction of roads and utility networks within newly reclaimed areas and establishing causeway links between Th. Veymandoo and Th. Kin’bidhoo, Th. Dhiyamigili and Th. Madifushi, L. Hithadhoo and L. Kunahandhoo, L. Kalaidhoo and L. Dhan’bidhoo, and M. Muli and M. Naalaafushi. Additionally, the Decree provides for establishing a high-performance centre to enhance national capabilities in various sectors. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Tourism Act amendments will address delays in resort reopening, says minister 

Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that recent amendments to the Tourism Act will effectively address delays in reopening resorts closed for re-development. 

Speaking to PSM News, the Minister explained that under the new amendments, resorts can only be closed for re-development for a specified period, subject to approval from the Ministry of Tourism. 

The amendment states that an island or land used for tourism purposes can be closed for re-development or any other purpose only for a specified period with permission from the Tourism Ministry. This decision can only be implemented after the lease agreement has been amended per regulations under the Tourism Act. 

If a resort or tourism establishment fails to reopen within the specified period, the Tourism Ministry can take action against the company and terminate the lease agreement. In the event of cancellation, the Government will not have to pay any compensation to the lessor. 

The Minister described this as a key measure encouraging the timely reopening of closed resorts. “This amendment aims to address the closure of already built resorts,” he said. 

The Minister assured that regulations under the amendments, including those for the operation of the Tourism Trust Fund, will be formulated within three months. 

The Tourism Trust Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to the tourism sector through a transparent policy, manage such assistance in good faith, develop the sector’s resources, and enhance capacity building. The Tourism Minister said the Trust Fund will be financed by local and international sponsorship funds received through tourism activities conducted by the Ministry and funds contributed by tourism operators under social responsibility initiatives. 

He added that the Fund will also include proceeds from investments established by the Trust Fund and other sources specified in the regulations. 

According to the Minister, the Trust’s funds will be used for programmes aimed at strengthening the tourism industry and for education and training to enhance the capacity of those working within the sector. 

“I would like to note that the Ministry will manage this Trust Fund through a fund board and the formulation of regulations for governing the Fund. The Ministry will fulfil this requirement within these 3 months. Regulations need to be established before operations can commence. The regulations for managing the Fund will be included in the tourism regulations,” he said. 

The Tourism Minister emphasised that establishing the Tourism Trust Fund will significantly support the tourism industry and contribute to the social sector. 

SOURCE : PSM

President Dr Muizzu conveys Independence Day greetings to the President and Prime Minister of Tunisia 

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conveyed greetings and good wishes of the Government and the people of the Maldives to His Excellency President Kaïs Saïed, Prime Minister His Excellency Kamel Maddouri, the Government and the people of Tunisia on their Independence Day. 

In separate messages to the Tunisian President and Prime Minister, President Dr Muizzu also extended his personal best wishes for their good health and happiness and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Tunisia. This day marks Tunisia gaining independence in 1956. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office 

Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel sends Independence Day greetings to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Tunisia 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, has congratulated the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, on the Independence Day of the Republic of Tunisia. 

The Minister’s message reads as follows: 

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Maldives, and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the Republic of Tunisia, as you celebrate your Independence Day today. 

I look forward to strengthening the friendly ties between our two countries and enhancing our cooperation both bilaterally and in the multilateral arena. 

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

SOURCE : Minister of Foreign Affairs

Maldivian to commence A320 flights to Addu 

Maldives’ national airline plans to resume flights on its A320 carrier to Gan, Addu City. The airline announced that from 10 April, Maldivian will operate two weekly flights between Malé and Addu City, on Thursdays and Saturdays. 

The A320, part of Maldivian’s fleet, has previously served Addu City. The aircraft will resume flights next month following a period of scheduled maintenance. Maldivian already operates three daily flights between Malé and Gan. 

According to Maldivian, the airline now maintains a fleet of 25 aircraft. These include two ATR72s, one ATR42, and seven Dash8-300s. The airline also operates two Dash8-200s, 11 DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, one narrowbody Airbus A320, and one widebody Airbus A330. 

Maldivian introduced its first wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 January this year, fulfilling a key presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. With this aircraft, Maldivian has launched direct flights to three Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. 

In his Presidential Statement this year, President Dr Muizzu said the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft would enable Maldivian to introduce direct flights to European destinations. The Government aims to commence these flights by October this year. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Seventh Amendment introduced to the Public Service Pay Framework 

 The National Pay Commission has issued the seventh amendment to the Public Service Pay Framework. 

The amendment introduces a provision for an attendance benefit to be payable to Government employees on duty during the final 10 days of Ramadan, as determined by their respective Government offices. Under Law No. 02/2008 (Employment Act), all days from the 20th of Ramadan until the end of the month are now classified as “official holidays.” Staff required to work during these holidays will receive an allowance equivalent to two-thirds of the standard holiday duty allowance. 

Furthermore, overtime worked during these Ramadan days will be calculated at Government holiday rates, including those designated Government holidays by the President’s Office. Overtime payment will apply to all office-determined working hours on these days, with the previous 10 per cent exclusion period now removed. 

The amendment further specifies that personnel who have transitioned to the Public Service Pay Framework will receive an attendance allowance for weekdays (excluding Fridays and Saturdays) between the 20th and the end of Ramadan, irrespective of their physical presence at the workplace. 

This seventh amendment to the Public Service Pay Framework takes effect upon its publication in the Government Gazette. 

Leadership & strategy drive STELCO to US$ 8.94 million profit: Fahmy 

State Electric Company (STELCO) has achieved its highest annual earnings in the last seven years, reporting a record profit of USD 8.94 million for 2024. Managing Director Hussain Fahmy announced this achievement in a detailed social media post. 

The post reviewed STELCO’s financial performance over seven years, charting its growth, challenges, and eventual recovery. In 2018, the company recorded a profit of USD 6.8 million. By 2020, this figure had risen to USD 8.42 million, reflecting an increase of 23.8 per cent. 

However, the upward trend was disrupted in 2021, with earnings declining to USD 6.79 million—a 19.5 per cent drop compared to the previous year. STELCO began its recovery in 2022, with profits edging up to USD 6.92 million. 

Despite this progress, the company faced its most significant setback in 2023, reporting a loss of USD 11.14 million—the steepest decline during the period under review. The following year saw a remarkable resurgence, as the company posted a profit of USD 8.94 million, an extraordinary improvement of 180.2 per cent compared to 2023. 

Fahmy attributed the turnaround to decisive measures aimed at refining management practices, enhancing resource efficiency, and reducing unnecessary expenditure. These efforts, he explained, had strengthened operational resilience and fuelled the company’s return to profitability. 

STELCO, the country’s principal electricity provider, operates 35 power plants nationwide, ensuring a steady and reliable electricity supply to households and businesses. While its operations primarily focus on Malé, it also services islands in Alifu Alifu, Dhaalu, and Kaafu Atolls. 

SOURCE : PSM 

Maldives ready to light up for Fitr Eid 

Authorities are gearing up to light up the country for the grand celebrations of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. Under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s special directive, ‘Eid Ali,’ an initiative was launched to illuminate islands across the Maldives with festive lights representing Islamic symbols. 

Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar said two more islands from every Atoll will be lit up as part of this year’s Eid celebrations. Additionally, the Government has resolved to install festive lighting in all cities and atoll administrative capitals across the Maldives, further enhancing the spirit of celebration. 

The minister said efforts are underway to send the Eid lights to 36 islands, where they are expected to be delivered by 24 March. The Ministry is implementing the initiative with the help of local island councils and State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). 

The “Eid Ali” initiative was first held in the capital Malé when President Dr Muizzu was Mayor. As the initiative was well received by the public, President Dr Muizzu expanded it to all parts of the country after assuming office. 

SOURCE : PSM