The Dhonfanu council closed off the island’s house reef to tourists from nearby resorts and safari vessels, citing safety concerns as residents planned to protest at sea against the president’s decision to scrap promised land reclamation. The council prohibited snorkelling and diving within 700 metres of the reef, prompting concern over the restricted access to the nearby Hanifaru bay, a world-renowned sanctuary for whale sharks and manta rays. The lagoon next to Dhonfanu is a "critical anchorage and transit point" widely used by safari vessels and guesthouse operators, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators noted, warning that any disruption of access "threatens the livelihoods of countless Maldivians across the tourism value chain". Late on Thursday night, he Local Government Authority ordered the council to rescind the "unlawful" order.
MDP national council member Hussain Hassan planned to sue the police after he was arrested for photographing a drug raid and refusing to delete the photos in the early hours of Thursday. According to witnesses, there was no crime scene tape to restrict public access. The criminal court released the former journalist, who sustained minor injuries during the arrest, when he was brought before a judge on Thursday afternoon, despite police alleging 14 offences, including assaulting officers. MDP leaders condemned the "blatant intimidation and politically motivated prosecution of opposition figures".
President Muizzu announced the allocation of a fixed percentage of state revenue as a block grant to the judiciary. The approach will ensure financial and administrative independence, he said, pledging that funds in next year's budget will exceed previous ceilings. The Supreme Court welcomed the decision in a post on X, drawing criticism from former justice Husnu Suood, who called the social media engagement “highly unethical.”
The cabinet's decision for the State Trading Organisation to start importing fruits and vegetables will bring down prices by mid-October, Economic Development Minister Saeed assured at a joint press briefing with STO Managing Director Shimad Ibrahim, who noted the development of two warehouses at the industrial village for storing perishable goods.
The homeland security ministry warned of legal action over negligence of employers towards expatriate workers, including fines ranging from MVR 50,000 to MVR 100,000 (US$ 6,485).
The Maldives Journalists Association expressed concern over a death threat made against Adhadhu CEO Hussein Fiyaz Moosa by an anonymous X account, which came "amid a surge in threats against journalists, particularly those from outlets critical of the government and those involved in the advocacy campaign against the 'Media Control Bill'."
A 34-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to influence or intimidate witnesses in an ongoing terrorism trial. Police seized digital devices from the home of the suspect as well as from two other individuals. The case was linked to a 2020 incident involving planned explosives at the Thimarafushi school.
Former president Solih was warmly greeted on a visit to Bodufolhudhoo. At a rally on the island, he urged the public to join the opposition MDP's mass protest planned for October 3. MDP President Abdulla Shahid and former vice president Faisal Naseem meanwhile travelled to Faafu Feeali, opening an outdoor volley court and meeting party members.
A Sri Lankan national struck by a lorry while working near an excavator in Thilafushi was left in critical condition.
The PG office denied claims about declining to charge disgraced former disability ambassador Ahmed Hishan with sexual abuse due to lack of evidence. Charges could not be raised due to the eight-year statute of limitations, a spokesman told Mihaaru. Hishan had been accused of pedophilia and child abuse in 2020.