A parliamentary inquiry exposed major border security failings and lack of enforcement against smuggling. A report commissioned after local fuel supplier Hawks was implicated in the illegal import of 8,400 cartons of cigarettes included testimony from customs officers who admitted that it was possible to smuggle any type of goods – including weapons – through various entry points, citing a lack of resources for proper monitoring. During its review of the report, the '241' security services oversight committee questioned the Prosecutor General’s delay in raising charges against Hawks. The report also highlighted the current police commissioner’s visit to a Hawks shareholder's residence as well as concerns raised by the home minister about corruption within Customs.
The Maafaru airport in Noonu atoll was officially upgraded to International status and reopened after the completion of the US$ 76 million Abu Dhabi-funded project. The runway was expanded to 2.8 kilometres to accommodate the largest commercial jets. The national carrier Maldivian's first wide-body aircraft A330-200 made a special flight to mark the occasion. Located near several high-end resorts, the Maafaru airport is known for handling private jet arrivals with 98 movements last December.
More than 1,200 young people applied to join the Maldives National Service programme, according to the defence ministry, which said all medically fit applicants will be accepted with trainings to be conducted in batches.
MNU’s Faculty of Medicine announced research to understand the prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia among persons above 55 years in the Greater Malé Region.
Police statistics show over 112 deaths of tourists in sea-related accidents over the past five years, primarily due to drowning while snorkelling or diving, MP Mohamed Ibrahim told a parliamentary committee.
Mohamed Fazeel Rasheed was sacked as deputy managing director of the Malé Water and Sewage Company, more than six months after he was suspended with pay over a corruption scandal involving forged documents to claim ownership of prime real estate in Hulhumalé.
Appearing on state media, HDC Managing Director Mauroof Jameel explained his decision to retire just over six months after his appointment. The former minister said he only intended to serve for a short period but would continue in an advisory capacity.
The higher education ministry announced it will cover additional expenses for Maldivian students in Malaysia following the introduction of a new six percent tax, which applies to international students at private universities and colleges that charge annual tuition fees in excess of RM 60,000.
Dying one's hair black is not forbidden by Islamic shariah, the Fatwa Council ruled.
Police officers in Shaviyani Milandhoo are under investigation on suspicion of depositing food allowance to their personal accounts, Mihaaru reported.
Hussain Shaam Adam was appointed as the new chairman of Fenaka Corporation.
Parliament's judiciary committee was tasked with vetting eight applicants for the public representative on the Judicial Service Commission.
