The housing ministry invited applications for 15,000 land plots and 7,900 flats for residents of Malé under its ‘Housing for All’ programme. Submissions can be made through a digital portal with deadlines of March 4 and April 17 respectively for plots and flats. The 1,250-square-feet plots to be awarded from reclaimed land in the Greater Malé Region and Rasmalé will be handed over by the end of the current administration's five-year term in November 2028, Housing Minister Dr Muththalib told the press. Financing has been secured for the 7,900 flats with construction to be completed over the next three years, he said.
The Maldivian captain of the Balamaa-6 died after the cargo boat capsized near the Taj Exotica resort en route from Hulhumalé. Two crew members were rescued by boats travelling in the area. The captain was found dead in the waters near the resort while search efforts continue for the fourth and final crew member. The deceased was identified as Ali Hussain, 60, from Baa Hithaadhoo, an experienced navigator. Police and MNDF warned vessels travelling in the area to be mindful of vessel debris and cargo drifting westwards near the Vaadhoo channel.
The Maldives Food and Drug Authority urged the public to ensure that private pharmacies display valid registration permit certificates and that pharmacists wear MFDA-accredited ID cards. The authority also advised customers to check expiry dates, usage instructions, and whether medicines are properly packaged and stored. MFDA warned of action against unlicensed pharmacies and those operating with non-accredited pharmacists.
The ruling PNC's candidate for Malé mayor, Major General (Retired) Moosa Ali Jaleel, opened his campaign office in the capital. At the rally, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah praised the candidate as Jaleel pledged to work together with the government.
IGMH established a flu clinic in response to a spike in respiratory illnesses. The government-run hospital advised patients to go to the triage counter first, where a nurse will direct them to the clinic or to the ER as needed. Some 28,619 cases of cold were reported during December.
