The Islamic ministry declared Sunday, March 30 as Eid based on the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia, although the new moon was not seen in the Maldives.

Immigration officers violated due process and detained migrant workers with valid documents, police revealed, after the former immigration controller general was arrested on bribery charges for ordering the release of a migrant arrested in the raid. The man had a large amount of cash that was returned to him after the immigration chief ordered his “urgent” release.

Applications opened with a deadline of April 30 for 500 new student loans to pursue higher education overseas.

Half a million Rufiyaa is to be donated to the children of Gaza, out of MVR 12 million (US$780,000) collected as Zakat. Individuals registered as eligible to receive charity had each been handed out MVR 4,500 as their share of Zakat, the Islamic ministry said.

Police shuttered 14 locations as “drug cafes.” Close to six others were identified but police were facing difficulties due to ownership disputes relating to the properties.

RDC, Fenaka and MTCC were contracted to build health facilities on 10 islands, including hospitals in Noonu Velidhoo, Haa Dhaal Nellaidhoo and Kaafu Thulusdhoo, at a cost of over MVR 100 million, and hospitals in Alif Alif Rasdhoo and Gaaf Alif Villingili for over MVR 185 million.

President Muizzu excluded a 325-hectare area from the jurisdiction of Haa Alif Kelaa for resort development after land reclamation in the island's lagoon.

The Malé City Council prohibited driving motor and battery vehicles in the capital from 4pm to 6pm on Eid.