Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam held talks lasting more than five hours with representatives of the Union of Yellowfin Tuna Fishers, promising them their concerns would be addressed within two weeks. The union has been protesting since last Wednesday with a list of demands for the government to fulfil its campaign pledges. The talks were "very positive" but the protest will continue until detained protesters are released, Imran Mohamed, the union's vice president told the press. On Sunday, the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network joined the chorus of concern over the arrest of the fishermen, "who engaged in peaceful industrial action to improve their wages and working conditions."
The Housing Development Corporation will pay out up to MVR 18,600 (US$ 1,200) to staff as an annual bonus, up from MVR 10,000 last year, an official told Mihaaru.
HDC launched an “estate security” service, designating trained security guards by the state-owned company to maintain 24-hour security of roads, public spaces and buildings in Hulhumalé.
The Prosecutor General’s Office pressed charges against 10 men involved in the theft of two cigarette containers from the Hulhumalé port. Apollo Holdings CEO Mohamed Waheed (Dhigali), Lotus Company owner Ahmed Arif and MIFCO general manager Muaz Ali face trial on charges of criminal conspiracy and accomplice liability in theft by disposition. Charges of theft by disposition and criminal conspiracy were also raised against Customs Superintendent Ziwar Ismail, MPL employees Ahmed Shaheem, Ahmed Firusaan and Hussain Samih, as well as boat captain Adam Waheed. A man called Hassan Abdul Rahman and Bangladesh national Mohamed Alamin Mia were charged with being accomplices to theft by disposition. The PG office declined to press charges against an 11th suspect, Mohamed Shareef, citing insufficient evidence.
Wang Donming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu. "Discussions focused on enhancing Maldives–China relations, exploring new avenues for cooperation, and strengthening existing partnerships," the President's Office said, listing "housing and infrastructure, fisheries and agriculture, tourism, connectivity, information technology, and trade" as key areas.
Customs intercepted 3kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of MVR 2.4 million. The drugs were found in the luggage of a passenger who arrived at the Velana International Airport on Saturday.
The Road Development Corporation told the Civil Court that cashflow constraints had prevented it from paying MVR 7.1 million owed to Cartunes International for goods and services provided to the state-owned company. In its judgment on a lawsuit filed by Cartunes to recover the amount, along with damages and legal fees, the court ordered RDC to settle the MVR 7.1 million within three months. The trial is set to continue for the court to determine damages and legal costs.
Island Aviation signed a design and consultancy agreement with Epoch Associates to upgrade and expand the Baa Dharavandhoo airport terminal.
The trade ministry gave a 15-day deadline for inactive companies to apply for reactivation.
Ibrahim Shah, 37, a WAMCO employee who accidentally swallowed diesel, remained on ventilator support at IGMH. The incident occurred during refuelling of a generator in Gaaf Alif Dhiyadhoo last Friday.
Former Maldives Gas managing director Abdulla Maumoon appealed his bribery conviction after he was sentenced to 12 years in prison in September.
STO launched its annual Ramadan bazaar promotion with a grand prize of MVR 100,000.
The Maldives government condemned the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration, describing it as a “cowardly and heinous” terrorist attack.
