The briefing
On September 30, 2026, amid intensifying political debates regarding the Rasmale project, the President's Office revealed issues in a press conference concerning a port development company created secretly and penthouses sold at cheap prices to former executives of the Hajj Corporation. With the votes of 52 out of 63 members of the National Council presided over by MDP Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed, it was passed to hold the National Congress on September 19 to amend the party's basic regulations. Issues regarding financial statements of Members of Parliament and discussions related to Saudha's loan issue were also addressed in the political sphere. Looking at the judiciary, the Criminal Court concluded hearings in the trial against Ismail Haisham Rasheed, Ahmed Zihan Ismail, Ismail Rasheed, and Mohamed Difran regarding the death of blogger Yameen Rasheed. Furthermore, on September 23, 2026, the Criminal Court ruled that charges were not proven against Irfan Rushdy, who was accused in the murder of 14-year-old Fathir Mohamed Ali. Matters related to the court hearings of Isha's case also proceeded within the court stage.
Fenaka Corporation officially handed over Addu City's electricity services to STELCO on 30 September 2026, following a flag-hoisting ceremony held in Hithadhoo. STELCO announced on that day that parties causing negligent damage to cables during road excavation works would have to bear all repair expenses. World-renowned shipping company Maersk has decided to reduce the emergency surcharge by an amount between $300 and $600 starting from next October 7 for containers sent to Europe from the Indian subcontinent, including the Maldives. Products from STO's General Trading, People's Choice, and Energy divisions were showcased at the 20th Hotel Asia Exhibition, which was held at the Hulhumalé Synthetic Track from September 28 to 30. The Maldivian Ambassador to Japan, Ahmed Mahloof, stated on September 30 that the price of the dollar in the black market had dropped significantly due to strong measures taken by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government, and that black-market traders had previously paid media outlets to portray the dollar rate as having risen to 25 Rufiyaa.
Under amendments brought to the employment regulations of the Maldives Police Service, the Executive Management Board has been granted the discretion to provide lifelong medical treatment through the police medical scheme and hold official funeral honors for families of police officers who die in the line of duty. Following diplomatic discussions, Maldivian authorities decided to unconditionally release and deport 38-year-old Egyptian doctor Peter Saman Marzoug, who was arrested for joking that there was a bomb at Velana International Airport. Around 6:34 pm on September 30, 2026, a foreign fishing boat operating illegally in the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone was intercepted 46 nautical miles northwest of Ha. Thuraakunu by MNDF Coast Guard's "CGS Imaduddin", and efforts began to escort it to Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi. Additionally, police announced that they are searching for an individual in connection with a sexual abuse case. Police also conducted special operations taking action against traffic violators to ensure road safety and security.
Health Minister Jeela Ali revealed that since 1991, the total number of people diagnosed with HIV in the Maldives has exceeded 70, with approximately 52 individuals currently living with the disease. While smoking cessation services have been expanded to all islands of the Maldives, more than 2,000 people have sought this service, and hundreds of them have quit smoking completely. On September 30, 2026, the government doubled the monthly allowance for more than 500 thalassemia children from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000, and arranged financial assistance through the Zakat Fund for 28 children to undergo bone marrow transplants abroad. In addition, IGMH announced that practical work on the newly established post-mortem unit in the Maldives is preparing to commence near the Hulhumalé cemetery within two months.
A total of 1,237 students graduated in the convocation ceremonies that commenced at Villa College on September 30, 2026. Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed, who attended as the guest of honor at the morning session of that day, called for maintaining intellectual and ethical standards to build the nation, rather than focusing solely on employment. Furthermore, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam and Minister of Health Dr. Jila Ali attended the afternoon session of that day, during which Minister Shiyam highlighted the importance of producing Maldivian professionals and paying attention to environmental sustainability in order to advance national development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and at an Asia Society event, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned in late September 2026 that the world could face a "4F crisis" linked to food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance, as well as a major food crisis. Noting that this risk has arisen due to disruptions in Black Sea grain trade, conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf region, as well as a Super El Niño, he called on nations to work together without selfishness to protect developing countries. In these meetings, Jaishankar also affirmed India's readiness to assist in maintaining global food and energy security.
Under Article 83 of the Magistrate Court Regulations, it has been decided to make the submission of a thalassemia screening card mandatory alongside marriage application forms starting October 1. For road expansion and development work, the Housing Ministry has directed that land vehicles parked and sea vessels placed along Boduthakurufaanu Magu from the Tsunami Monument area to MPL be removed before the upcoming Saturday. Additionally, the newly asphalted section of Ameenee Magu is set to open to the public on the coming Sunday. Arrangements have now been made via the Hiyaavehi Portal for recipients of land from Gulhifalhu under the Binveriya Scheme to receive their documentation. Furthermore, the government's "Ahaa" forum, where cabinet ministers attend and answer questions from the public, was held on September 27 via PSM featuring Ministers Ali Ihusaan, Ahmed Shiyam, and Abdulla Rafiu.
