The fiscal formula used to allocate block grants to local councils will be revised to take island size into account, President Muizzu announced. The current determination primarily by population size results in unfair allocations for large but sparsely populated islands despite the scale of municipal responsibilities, he argued. The revised allocations will be proposed as part of the 2026 budget. But the current formula accounts for land area, the MDP government's finance minister pointed out. The president also announced the doubling of Women’s Development Committee allocations from five percent to 10 percent of island council budget. Ramadan allowances will also come from council budgets instead of the committee's budget next year, he said.
Police arrested three individuals following the search of a suspected gang safe house in Malé. The house in Henveiru had been used to store weapons and plan crimes, police said, after confiscating a sharp object and two knives. The suspects were identified as Ahmed Nawaz, 30, who was remanded for 30 days, Ibrahim Zaidan, 22, and Mohamed Shidad, 22, both of whom were remanded for 15 days under the new anti-gang law that came into force on August 25.
A large portion of Addu City lost power on Friday night when an individual attempted to cut a power cable in what officials called a robbery gone wrong. The suspect, who suffered head trauma and severe burns from electrocution, underwent treatment at the Addu Equatorial Hospital. Power was restored within four hours to most areas. Feydhoo MP Ismail Nizar expressed frustration in a Facebook post over Fenaka's failure to resolve persistent power cuts as promised despite offering multiple deadlines. The state utility assured that it was working non-stop to find a permanent solution.
Local NGO Resilience Maldives launched a petition against plans to reclaim 13 hectares in Baa Dhonfanu, an island next to the protected Hanifaru Bay in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A land reclamation agreement was signed during President Muizzu’s visit to Baa atoll last month, citing land scarcity for the small island with fewer than 400 residents.
Cigarette imports from January to July declined significantly compared to previous years, according to customs data obtained by Mihaaru.
The national football team defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the opening match of the South Asian Super Cup in Colombo, ending a five-game winless run.
Addu residents raised concerns over the administration of methadone treatment at the Drug Detoxification and Community Rehabilitation Center at the old Hithadhoo Hospital without a doctor or a nurse present.
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry opened a book of condolence for the late tourism pioneer Mohamed Umar Maniku.
The police disciplinary board decided to fire a female officer arrested during a drug operation in July. Aishath Shiyaza, 32, and Saifullah Ahmed, 26, had been on the way to pick up drugs and both tested positive for cocaine.
