The briefing
On September 1, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu ratified the 19th amendment to the Decentralization Act passed by the People's Majlis, which grants the Cabinet the authority to reclaim land within the jurisdiction of local councils for state development projects. This amendment, which stipulates that the Ministry of Finance must provide compensation for prior investments when the government reclaims land, has faced strong criticism from opposition MDP members and councils, who argue that it undermines the powers of the decentralization system.
In a case suspected of conducting illegal foreign currency exchange operations without an MMA permit, the police on September 1, 2026, froze the accounts of Naid Investments, searched the company's office, and arrested six foreigners exchanging dollars on the black market. With the commencement of the implementation on September 1, 2026, of the amendment to the Foreign Currency Act ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, resorts are now required to convert 40 percent of their foreign currency revenue into Maldivian Rufiyaa through banks before the 28th of the following month. Following the eighth amendment to the GST Act, the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) has notified tourism businesses to submit details of foreign travel agencies and booking platforms before September 6, 2026. Concerns have arisen regarding MTDC opening a rights issue to sell additional shares to the government in a way that alters shareholding distribution, as well as the transfer of the head lease of GDh. Maguddhuvaa. In addition, while opposition parties express concern regarding dollar limits and the country's economic hardships, Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Shiyam has disclosed details regarding the state of the fishing industry.
A recent study has shown that paper straws, used as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws, contain high amounts of toxic substances such as "forever chemicals" or PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances), which can pose major health risks such as cancer, thyroid issues, and fertility problems.
Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam stated at a press conference held at the President's Office on September 1, 2026, that the government is evaluating proposals related to developing a dedicated "Cat Island" to relocate stray cats to a safe environment and provide them with care, including a proposal submitted by an international party.
Zeeva Sinan Ahmed, aged 9, who sustained serious injuries in a dangerous accident near Vinares Tower 7 in Hulhumalé Phase 2, passed away today. In addition, a 17-year-old girl was injured in an accident involving two motorcycles near Villa College. To ensure road safety, the President today ratified amendments to the Land Transport Act, which include a demerit point deduction system, the towing of vehicles with fines exceeding 5,000 Rufiyaa, and a fine of 100 Rufiyaa for those violating road crossing regulations. A two-year-old girl died today after falling from an upper floor of the STELCO tower in Hulhumalé Phase 2. A 27-year-old Bangladeshi man was found dead in the industrial area of GDh. Thinadhoo. The Ministry of Housing revealed today that practical work on constructing 4,000 housing units in Gulhifalhu with the assistance of India's EXIM Bank is scheduled to begin this year and is targeted for completion by August 2028. The national airline, Maldivian, announced today its decision to increase the frequency of flights to Trivandrum and Cochin in India. National Grandparents Day was also celebrated in the Maldives today.
