Legendary musician Mohamed Majid, known as Mezzo Mode, passed away at the age of 59. The singer-songwriter was renowned for his original and iconic Dhivehi songs.
Privatisation and Corporatisation Board President Hamdhee Ageel was sacked for undisclosed reasons. Media reports suggested he was the latest victim in the purge of Speaker Abdul Raheem’s allies and family members in government.
New tobacco control rules authorised police to confiscate vapes to enforce a ban that came into effect on December 15. Persons caught smoking e-cigarettes could be fined MVR 2,000 (US$ 130). An MVR 50,000 fine could be slapped on those who refuse to hand over vaping devices. The new regulations require cafés and restaurants to pay an MVR 10,000 fee for a health ministry permit to set up a designated smoking area.
A new gang crimes bill was accepted for consideration and sent to a committee for review. The government-sponsored legislation proposes replacing current laws with stricter provisions for tackling organised crime, including powers to designate persons as gang leaders or members.
The criminal court concluded 137 drug cases last year, imposed fines worth more than MVR 10 million, and sentenced 20 people to life imprisonment. The accused were acquitted in seven cases of alleged trafficking.
A 35-year-old Nigerian man died at Maafushi prison. Emmanual Jean-Paul Okonachi – who was in custody for trial on drug trafficking charge – collapsed in the yard while playing with other prisoners. He was taken to the hospital in four minutes, but passed away while undergoing treatment, according to the Maldives Correctional Service..
The Bank of Maldives announced “positive changes” to real estate, guesthouse and working capital loans, reducing the minimum equity and extending repayment periods.