Independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru resubmitted a bill to merge the Broadcasting Commission and Media Council into a single seven-member Media and Broadcasting Commission. Three members would be appointed by the president with parliamentary approval and four elected by the media. The new regulator would be empowered to fine journalists between MVR 5,000 (US$325) and MVR 25,000, and media outlets up to MVR 100,000. Hannan had introduced a similar bill last year but withdrew it after strong opposition from media and rights groups.
Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are facing difficulty getting methylphenidate (Ritalin) as it is listed among drugs prohibited for import under the Drug Act, Maldives Food and Drug Authority officials told a parliamentary committee. The petition committee questioned MFDA and health ministry officials following complaints about shortages of mental illness and disability medications. Five psychiatric drugs remain unavailable despite efforts to address the ongoing medicine shortage.
The Attorney General’s office withdrew an enforcement case to recover MVR 1.1 million in unpaid rent and fines for the shuttered Newport restaurant in Malé’s eastern waterfront. The 10,000 square feet plot had been leased in 2016 to Strada, a company owned by ruling party council member Zahid Rameez.
A recipient of social housing under the Gedhoruveriya scheme sought an injunction to stop the government from reallocating her flat pending a judicial review.
The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority forwarded tax evasion cases against speedboat operator Hope Travels over the failure to declare over MVR 3 million in GST in its filings and the omission of MVR 29 million in income from its tax returns.
Police arrested nine people in Faafu Nilandhoo after a raid uncovered a can of drugs. One suspect was later released by the court. In a separate operation, officers detained a man at the island’s harbour and seized six packets of drugs.
President Muizzu forwarded to parliament six nominees to fill three vacant seats on the Civil Service Commission, including current commission president Mohamed Nasih and Dr Dheeba Moosa, the wife of Health Minister Abdulla Nazim.
Parliament approved Mohamed Shafeeq to the Human Rights Commission. He previously served as CEO of the Local Government Authority.
Japan gifted five speedboats to the police during a ceremony held in Dhoonidhoo.
Parliament passed a new insurance law with hefty fines of up to MVR 5 million for operating insurance businesses without a license issued by the central bank.
An amendment made to the National Payment Systems Act granted the central bank authority to establish, operate and own payment systems, as well as enter into partnerships or joint ventures to manage them.
The new Gang Crimes and Other Dangerous Crimes Act, which comes into force on August 25, will end amnesty and leniency for those convicted of serious violent crimes, the Prosecutor General’s Office said, as it launched a media awareness campaign and training programmes for law enforcement to prepare for the law’s implementation.
President Muizzu ratified legal changes extending the deadline to establish water and sewage services in all inhabited islands before 2027. The previous deadline expired on August 5.
