The government amended the Environmental Impact Assessment regulation to exempt major housing projects, road construction, and large-scale tree felling from requiring an EIA as previously mandated. The EIA requirement was also removed for buildings up to 10 storeys, initial resort construction infrastructure, and routine tree trimming. Environmental advocates have raised concerns that the changes will allow major infrastructure projects – including road works that have already drawn criticism for felling mature trees – to proceed without adequate environmental scrutiny.
The Human Rights Commission is investigating allegations by a Bangladeshi national that police assaulted him during a drug arrest last month. Hanif, 36, was detained with 3kg of drugs on February 20. Police said their preliminary review found no evidence of abuse and that Hanif made no complaints or requests for medical attention during custody, but pledged to cooperate with the HRCM investigation.
Police opened an investigation into Abrar Group after the company collected MVR 45,000 per person from 110 pilgrims for last-minute Ramadan Umrah trips, then cancelled the journey on the day of departure, citing uncertainty over the Middle East conflict. The Islamic ministry found no valid justification for the cancellation and has suspended the company's licence, with further action pending. Passengers allege the company had not secured the necessary permits, visas, or hotel bookings, though the company disputes this and has begun issuing partial refunds after deducting ticket costs. The Islamic ministry stepped in and chartered a Maldivian airlines flight through the Hajj Corporation to fly 164 stranded pilgrims to Makkah and arranged their accommodation.
Fenaka Corporation signed an agreement transferring electricity, water, and sewerage services in Kaafu Huraa to STELCO, making it the provider for all inhabited islands in Kaafu atoll.
The Human Rights Commission identified delays in receiving information from state institutions as one of its biggest obstacles to completing investigations in its 2025 annual report. The commission also flagged staff shortages, high turnover, and insufficient training as compounding the problem, leading to growing caseloads and prolonged delays in delivering justice. HRCM noted that even where systemic issues are flagged to relevant authorities, corrective measures are rarely implemented within the given timeframe, causing the same problems to recur. Inadequate budget allocations – both for the commission itself and for the institutions it oversees – were cited as a further barrier to effective implementation of its recommendations.
MDP launched its Malé City Council election manifesto, pledging to accelerate land plot handovers, establish a housing fund, introduce multipurpose parking buildings, expand waste collection to narrow lanes, develop multipurpose sports and arts centres, relocate the commercial port to Thilafushi, designate Villimalé for local tourism, and launch a home solar programme. On governance, the party pledged greater public participation in budgeting, financial transparency, and expanded CCTV coverage across the city.
The fisheries ministry disbursed MVR 51 million (US$ 3.3 million) in loans to 45 vessel owners out of 90 applicants to install refrigerated seawater chilling systems on their boats, reducing dependence on land-based ice plants and cutting fuel costs from unnecessary travel. The loans, offered through SDFC without collateral, range from MVR 100,000 to MVR 2 million with a six-month grace period and a 10-year repayment term, and now also cover solar panels and generators. The credit history requirement was reduced from one year to three months to ease access.
The health ministry handed over ambulances to 14 island health facilities, bringing the total delivered since the government took office to 70 islands. State Minister Ahmed Gasim said the government is also constructing health facility buildings on 135 islands and has recruited over 1,000 health workers in the past year, with around 600 more planned for this year. MPL signed an agreement at the ceremony to handle maintenance and servicing of the ambulances and vehicles.
