After MDP Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa referred President Muizzu's claim about being unaware of any American request to use Maldivian airspace to attack Iran to parliament's security services committee, the defence ministry clarified the distinction between sovereign airspace and international airspace. Under UNCLOS and the Chicago Convention, Maldivian sovereignty extends only over the airspace above its land, internal waters, archipelagic waters, and territorial sea, the ministry explained. The broader Flight Information Region managed by the Maldives falls within international airspace, where aircraft do not require the country's permission to transit, though air traffic control coordinates and monitors such flights. The government previously assured that the government had denied all parties use of Maldivian airspace for military purposes.
Cement prices surged over 150 percent to MVR 254 (US$ 16) per bag – up from MVR 90 to MVR 100 before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran – as major suppliers STO and Apollo run out of stock, leaving Villa as the only available source, Adhadhu reported. Construction material prices have broadly risen around 30 percent, while petrol and diesel costs have more than doubled.
The first 60 of 150 Chinese-made electric vehicles for the government's new app-based taxi service arrived in Malé, with 90 more expected on Sunday. MTCC is planning to launch the ride-hailing service on April 2 using Changan brand EVs, operating 24 hours through a dedicated app in an Uber-style model. The service includes smaller vehicles designed for Malé's narrow lanes. Drivers have been trained and 1655 has been designated as the hotline number, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said. Fares have not been announced. The service was first promised in July last year. The existing fleet of 1,500 registered taxis operates unreliably, with drivers choosing when and where to work, the government said.
American officials met with the Maldivian foreign minister and defence minister in Malé to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor said after reportedly cancelling a scheduled meeting with President Muizzu. The defence ministry told Adhadhu that disclosing the details of Minister Ghassan's meeting with Gor could harm national security.
"Feels like" temperature is currently at 34 to 36 degrees celsius, Health Protection Agency shared, advising the public to avoid direct sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, stay well-hydrated, wear light clothing and seek shade whenever possible. Infants, children, older adults, pregnant women, and outdoor workers should take extra precautions while remaining alert to signs of heat-related illness, the HPA said.
President Muizzu highlighted the Maldives' status as a low TB burden country while calling for stronger early detection, better access to diagnostics, and greater community involvement. He urged collective action with health workers and communities to advance toward a tuberculosis-free future.
President Muizzu expressed his condolences on the passing of retired deputy police commissioner Abdul Shakoor Abdulla, a veteran who served the Maldives National Defence Force and Police for over 43 years. Muizzu praised the late officer's role in defending the nation during the November 3rd attack, improving prison conditions, and combating drug abuse, describing him as a dedicated and patriotic servant who put his country first throughout his life.
The Maldives spent MVR 10 billion (US$ 648 million) on fuel imports last year — equivalent to 10 percent of GDP — with inhabited islands consuming nearly 8,000 barrels of diesel daily for electricity, Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim revealed. He called for a shift away from fuel dependency, saying the government is actively investing in renewable energy projects to tap into locally available clean energy sources.
Local Governance Minister Adam Shareef announced that LGA offices will replace atoll councils after their dissolution following the upcoming local council elections, ensuring uninterrupted services and job security for existing staff. He added that additional block grant funds will be redistributed among remaining councils, including WDCs. Separately, the minister dismissed growing opposition to relocating Hirimaradhoo residents to Hanimaadhoo as a politically driven reaction tied to the election season, expressing confidence that the issue will resolve once the relocation process begins. He said the ministry has submitted a US$ 9.1 million proposal to establish permanent public works units across 19 strategically located islands, eliminating the costly practice of transporting heavy machinery and personnel from Malé for island maintenance work. Each unit will be equipped with nine types of machinery, while four additional mobile units will enhance coverage across the country. The project will create 516 technical jobs once fully operational, with the Finance Ministry already approving recruitment of the first 141 employees and equipment expected to arrive within two months.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed assured that the US-Israeli war on Iran has not disrupted food supplies to the Maldives, citing increased imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Oman, along with reliable supply links with China. He added that the government is exploring new markets in Africa, negotiating additional import benefits, and pressing ahead with economic diversification, including a US$ 790 million sustainable township development in Noonu atoll.
The government gazetted and enacted regulations allowing civil servants to continue working until the age of 75 through a re-employment scheme, following legislation passed by Parliament in January. Under the rules, employees wishing to remain beyond the standard retirement age of 65 must notify their institution six months in advance, with re-employment contracts renewable annually. The scheme excludes military, police, judges, and constitutionally appointed positions, and aims to retain skilled and experienced workers in public service.
