New policies were gazetted for awarding flats and land plots in the Greater Malé Region. The main changes include allowing residents of one- or two-bedroom flats to apply for larger units if they have children under 18 or children of both genders, accepting applications despite a spouse owning a house or flat outside the Malé region, and allowing applications for land plots one year after registration to a Malé address (down from five years). Some 15,000 plots of 1,250 square feet are to be handed out to native Malé residents and non-native residents of the capital from from Rasmalé, a new eco-city to be developed on reclaimed land in the Fushidhiggaru lagoon south of the capital. The former can also apply for plots from Hulhumalé, Gulhifalhu, Giraavaru and Rasmalé, while the latter are restricted to Rasmalé. A new rent-to-own model meanwhile targets households earning a monthly income below MVR 60,000 (US$3,883). The government plans to build and allocate 4,000 flats to Malé natives, 1,500 flats to non-natives and 2,400 flats to persons eligible under special priority categories. Applications through the Hiyaavehi portal will open on January 15 with a deadline of April 14.
The Bank of Maldives awarded contracts to two Chinese companies to build more than 2,400 "affordable housing units" in Hulhumalé. The Beijing Urban Construction Group, which upgraded the Velana International Airport's runway, was contracted to build 1,117 units while the China Machinery Engineering Corporation, which recently completed the Vinares flats, was contracted for 1,224 units with construction to begin in January. The projects are part of a housing initiative mandated by the central bank that requires commercial banks to "channel 10%–15% of their lending portfolio towards affordable housing solutions aimed at expanding home ownership opportunities for Maldivians."
An Indian spy plane and the Indian military's Dornier aircraft based in the Maldives flew an apparent coordinated mission over Maldivian territory, Adhadhu reported based on flight tracking data. The Dornier based in the northernmost atoll flew south near the Huvadhoo channel at the same time as an Indian Navy P-81 Neptune surveillance aircraft from Goa. The flights on December 21 marked the third observed entry of Indian surveillance aircraft near Maldivian waters. Previous flights in March and November coincided with Pakistani naval vessel visits. The MNDF and the defence ministry, which approves the Dornier's operations, did not comment.
A 46-year-old chemistry teacher was charged over alleged sexual abuse of a 13-year-old student during private tutoring in Malé. The five charges include child sexual abuse by a person in position of trust, unauthorised entry, obstruction of law enforcement, entering a residence with intent to commit sexual offence, and possession of pornography.
A 28-year-old man was arrested after allegedly stabbing his brother during an altercation between the siblings. The incident at a house in Malé was reported around 6:30pm, police said. The victim was undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The Maldives affirmed "steadfast adherence to the One China Policy" and reiterated recognition of Taiwan as an "integral part of China’s territory." The foreign ministry expressed concern over what it called interference in the "internal matters of sovereign states" as China mobilised forces for live-fire drills near Taiwan in response to the US announcing an arms sale to the self-governed island.
Some 110 children under state care have been placed in foster care, Family and Social Development Minister Dr Aishath Shiham told the press, referring to a programme called "A family for every child" where children are placed in temporary foster care for a specified period such as two years while the ministry works towards reuniting the children with their birth parents. If reunification is not possible, foster families may apply to provide permanent care or seek legal custody. The minister also announced plans to build three temporary shelters for victims of domestic violence in Addu City, Hulhumalé and Raa Ungoofaaru. The government also plans to build centres for the elderly and 77 councils have expressed interest.
A "major" study done on the use of Dhivehi poetry to treat mental health illnesses by the Dhivehi language ministry violated regulations requiring approval from the Health Research Council, Mihaaru reported. Sources confirmed the study proceeded without obtaining mandatory permission through the 2019 health research regulation established under the Health Services Act.
