Australia’s donation of a Guardian-class patrol boat and hydrography equipment was announced during the official visit of Richard Marles, Australia’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, who co-chaired roundtable discussions, met with the vice president, and opened the first Australian High Commission in Malé.
During a debate on government-sponsored amendments to the civil aviation law, PNC MP Mohamed Ibrahim called for legal changes to prohibit flight operations during Friday prayers. At present, 2,781 airport workers are unable to perform the obligatory prayers, the ruling party lawmaker said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit the Maldives in July, the Times of India reported. It would be his first since President Muizzu took office in November 2023.
As parliament returned from recess, the judiciary committee was tasked with evaluating the president’s nominees to the Supreme Court: former High Court judge Abdulla Hameed and High Court judge Mohamed Saleem.
The SME Bank announced the opening of the second phase of the MVR 100 million (US$6.5 million) startup loan scheme for women on June 15.
Deputy Commissioner Ismail Naveen, former acting Commissioner Farhad Fikry and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem were the three candidates who stood for the vacant police chief post by Monday’s deadline.
Auditors could not provide an opinion on the accuracy of Fenaka's financial statements for 2022 due to fundamental problems with documentation, asset recognition, revenue recording and expense verification, reflecting a complete breakdown in financial controls and record-keeping at the state-owned utility corporation.
Electricity bills for May will be based on reduced tariffs announced by the president, STELCO said.
The heritage ministry offered MVR 30,000 for a “Minivan 60” logo to celebrate the upcoming 60th anniversary of independence.
During a visit to Maldivian pilgrims in Mecca, President Muizzu announced free vaccination and medication for Hajj pilgrims.
The central bank denied media reports about granting approval for a new bank without the consent of the MMA’s board of directors.
Some 135,614 tourists visited the Maldives during May, up 13 percent from the same period last year. China remains the top source market with 116,482 tourists this year, followed by Russia, UK, Italy and Germany. As of June 1, total tourist arrivals stood at 970,845, on course to reach one million in record time.