President Muizzu promised STO's planned bulk imports of essential items will not harm Kan'doodhoo's chilli farmers. Meeting the island community during his ongoing tour of four atolls, he announced that an agriculture ministry team will soon arrive to address cultivation challenges. He also signed agreements for a new jetty, land reclamation, and road development, and confirmed the launch of RTL ferry services in Thaa atoll on Wednesday night. Muizzu announced the Thaa Vilufushi airport project for the second time, re-laid the foundation stone for a hospital and assured that land reclamation for the airport would begin at a site chosen by the community. Speaking during the ceremony, Hussein Jabeen, the council president, thanked Muizzu for relaunching the projects but described them as envisioned by former president Solih. Contrary to Muizzu's promise to commence land reclamation on Wednesday, Jabeen said there was no excavator on the island.
The government continued to maintain a budget surplus of MVR 741 million by drastically reducing capital expenditures, utilising just MVR 3.4 billion from MVR 12.5 billion approved for investments and infrastructure projects. Debt repayment meanwhile reached MVR 4.3 billion as of September 18, up from MVR 1.9 billion in the same period last year.
Rules for electing members to the new media and broadcasting commission were gazetted.
A 34-year-old man who was stabbed in Addu City on Tuesday night was receiving treatment at the Addu Equatorial Hospital, police said.
The National Integrity Commission decided to investigate alleged use of excessive force by police officers against journalists protesting the passage of the new media regulatory bill.
Speaking in Thaa Hirilandhoo, President Muizzu announced that 200 additional loans for Refrigerated Sea Water systems will be available ahead of Fishermen's Day. He also pledged to include the development of a cold storage facility on the island in next year's budget with construction to begin in January. Several development projects inaugurated or signed during the president's visit included roadworks, a new council secretariat office, harbour upgrades and new recreational facilities.
Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim was admitted to IGMH after his health suddenly deteriorated with low oxygen levels. He was rushed to Malé from his Sun Island resort and his condition was reported to be improving.
