Author: Mohamed Reehaan

The Maldivian government has expanded subsidized fuel for fishermen to nine service locations nationwide, up from just four. This move comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to push global oil prices higher. Fisheries and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced the expansion at a press conference held by the President’s special committee on the Middle East conflict. The committee addresses the domestic impact of rising energy costs on key economic sectors. Previously, only four locations offered discounted fuel to the fishing industry. The government has since added five new outlets. Furthermore, authorities are finalizing arrangements to improve…

The Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) collected MVR 882 million in overdue state dues last month. MIRA revenue recovery efforts produced results across several collection channels, bringing in significant funds from businesses and taxpayers who had previously failed to settle their obligations. The breakdown tells a clear story. MIRA collected MVR 411 million through its dues clearance process and secured another MVR 397 million through enforcement actions and follow-ups. Additionally, taxpayers on structured payment plans contributed MVR 61 million. Direct outreach through phone calls and emails produced a further MVR 13 million. Beyond collections, MIRA also named 43 businesses that…

Malé City Group of Hospitals has launched a strategic push to expand backup power capacity across its facilities. CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem confirmed the move, citing the need for more reliable power during outages at the country’s busiest public hospitals. Current Systems Cover Only Critical Areas Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and Dharumavantha Hospital already operate backup power systems. However, both hospitals continue to face challenges during city-wide power interruptions. Speaking to PSM News, Haleem explained that the existing systems primarily serve critical areas during outages. As such, broader sections of each hospital remain vulnerable when the main grid…

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Dr. Abdulla Muththalib has rejected claims of political interference in the Gedhoruveriyaa housing scheme. He confirmed there is no political motive behind the delay in signing agreements with some flat recipients. Delay Aims to Protect Recipients’ Rights The minister explained that the delay aims to protect the rights of genuine applicants. Authorities flagged irregularities in the recipient list once officials began processing it. As a result, the government paused certain agreements to address those issues before moving forward. Dr. Muththalib confirmed that the government has not drawn up a new list of 4,000…

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Ali Azwar as the new Managing Director of State Electric Company Limited (STELCO). His appointment caps a near three-decade journey through the company’s ranks. A Career Built Inside STELCO Azwar joined STELCO as a trainee in 1997. Over the next 20 years, he climbed through a string of technical and administrative roles. He stepped into the Managing Director’s chair from his most recent position as Deputy Managing Director. His earlier tenure as Chief Operating Officer also stands out. During that period, he worked to strengthen the company’s management…

Japan has delivered a major boost to the Maldives’ disaster response capabilities. The Government of Japan on Sunday, April 26, donated equipment worth USD 4.3 million to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), sharpening the country’s frontline defenses against fires and floods. Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, formally handed over the donation at a ceremony held on Sunday. NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hisan Hassan accepted the equipment on behalf of the authority. The donation falls under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, a long-running channel for Tokyo’s overseas assistance. The package includes fire pumps, water pumps, and…

The Maldivian government has identified the transition to renewable energy as a top policy priority. Deputy Minister of Finance Ahmed Saaid Mustafa confirmed that the administration aims to shift 33% of the country’s total energy consumption to renewable sources. Public Demand Drives Push for Leather Government Speaking to a state media outlet, Deputy Minister Saaid noted that the public has consistently called for a more efficient government. Citizens want the state to manage its affairs without placing unnecessary financial pressure on the country. Saaid pointed out that electricity generation represents the single largest expenditure on the state’s books. Subsidies Absorb…

MindCo and the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare jointly hosted a consultative session last Thursday to mark Girls in ICT Day 2026. The session aimed to introduce women to digital economy opportunities. It also sought to boost the participation of women and girls in the ICT sector. Girls in ICT Day is an international observance. It encourages girls to pursue careers in Information and Communication Technology. Open Consultation Brings Together Key Stakeholders The open consultation took place at the Umar Zahir Building in Hulhumalé. Organizers held the session under the them “Girls Go Digital – Co-Creating P6, P7, P8.”…

Allied Insurance has rolled out a new social media campaign called ‘Share the Run’ rewarding its online followers ahead of the highly anticipated Allied hulhumalé Run 2026. The insurer designed the giveaway to thank its growing Instagram community for its consistent engagement and support. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Up for Grabs One follower will walk away with a brand-new pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3. Furthermore, participation requires nothing more than an active Instagram account and a few seconds of effort. The campaign runs from 20 April to 23 May 2026, giving entrants over a month to take part. How…

The Maldives has quietly crossed a major milestone in its most ambitious urban expansion of the decade. Dredgers at Fushi Dhiggaru Falhu have now pumped up 504 hectares of new land, more than half of the planned footprint of Rasmalé, the next-generation city rising next to Malé. A New City, Already Bigger Than Hulhumalé Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure, revealed the latest figures at a press conference today. He framed the scale in terms every Maldivian can picture instantly. “The 504 hectares reclaimed so far roughly equals the combined area of Hulhumalé Phase 1 and Phase…