3 January: Private companies are allowed to operate drug rehabilitation centres in the country.[1]
4 January: President Mohamed Muizzu launches a multimillion-dollar project to upgrade Velana International Airport (VIA) to boost the capacity to 25 million passengers,[2] resulting in the relocation of seaplane terminals to be relocated to Funadhoo for the project to continue.[3] Muizzu plans the creation of a body with the name "Maldives International Financial Services Authority" and plans Funadhoo to be an international financial hub.[4][5]
7 January:
Malé Prison is relocated due to its close proximity to other schools and colleges.[6]
10 January: Indian hackers attack the website of the Juvenile Court of the Maldives.[11][12]
12 January:
Malé and other islands experience flooding and rain.[13] Due to the flooding, Hulhumalé cemetery was flooded and bodies that were to be buried were moved to Galolhu cemetery in Malé.[14] The weather causes flight delays and damages one plane,[15][16] as well as submerging 144 houses[17] and displacing several residents.[18] It was later reported that the capital had 159 mm of rain, the heaviest ever being recorded.[19]
The trial of actor, Mohamed Yunan and his wife Fathimath Rihula ends. They were charged with multiple counts of sexually abusing children in their family from 2019 to 2020.[20]
13 January:
Voters in Malé vote for a new mayor.[21] Adam Azim wins the election.[22]
14 January:
The Maldives calls for the complete withdrawal of the Indian Armed Forces from its territory by March 15 amid a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. India currently has around 80 troops stationed on the archipelago.[23] President Muizzu has given India till March 15 to remove all troops.[24]
Government allows temporary fostering of children under state custody.[28][29]
16 January:
Air in Malé becomes unusually polluted due to the season change from Hulhangu (Southwest monsoon) to Iruvai (Northeast monsoon), with the quality index being 168.[30][31]
Urbanco reverted to calling themselves Housing Development Corporation (HDC) due to confusion among the public.[32]
The Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) mandates that individuals wishing to participate in parliamentary elections to open separate bank accounts.[34]
Government constructs temporary mosques in Phase II of Hulhumalé for Ramadan.[35]
21 January: Government establishes the Maldives International Financial Services Authority, which will function under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.[37][38]
The People's Majlis sees clashes erupt between minority ruling party MPs and majority opposition MPs over a crucial vote on President Muizzu's Cabinet. The main opposition party MDP along with The Democrats decide to withhold parliamentary approval for four members of Muizzu's cabinet ahead of the voting on the cabinet.[45] MPs from the People's National Congress obstruct the sitting as a protest began outside in defense of the ministers.[46][47][48] Several lawmakers are injured and one ruling party member is hospitalised.[49][50][51] Ruling party members submit a No-confidence trial against Speaker Mohamed Aslam and Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem.[52]
The People's Majlis approves 19 Cabinet ministers and rejects three others, namely Attorney General Ahmed Usham, Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem and Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development Ali Haidar Ahmed.[55]
Government reintroduces helicopter flight services.[56]
Nationalism Pilot Programme starts in 11 schools across the country, covering four students in Kaafu Atoll, and Seven in different atolls.[57]
Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) bans Toblerone after it was warned by the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed that a batch was contaminated with plastic.[58]
30 January:
Ministers who were rejected by parliament are re-appointed by President Muizzu.[59]
ECM opens applications for parliamentary elections.[60]
MFDA orders a Panadol recall after discovering quality issues and defects with the medicine.[61]
Due to recent row on Lakshadweep and Maldives, India drops to fifth in Maldives Tourism Rankings (as of 28 January 2024). India was ranked first in 2023 Maldives Tourism Rankings before the end of 2023.[62]
Dhiraagu signs a partnership agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore the damage caused to Rasfari reef.[63]
31 January:
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) will provide technical support to Fenaka.[64]
Protest occur over Club Valencia board transfer where it is alleged that Mohamed Tholal, the sports commissioner changed the board members without the club knowing,[65] causing Bassam Adeel Jaleel, ex-president of FAM to lose control over the club.[66]
Desalination plants are established in five islands with Chinese aid.[67]
Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem is attacked on the street with a hammer resulting in him being admitted to ADK Hospital.[68] The MNDF has since strengthened his security detail.[69] The attackers are found to have stalked him for hours beforehand and concealed their identity using helmets.[70] The police summon former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih after his statement which suggested he has credible information.[71]
Former President and Central Machangolhi Constituency MP Mohamed Nasheed temporarily relocates to Ghana during his hiatus from politics without informing the People's Majlis on how to proceed regarding his responsibilities towards the constituency and the public.[72][73]
Foreign military boards vessels in Maldives Ocean Territory, which is believed to be Indian Coast Guard or Navy by the Yellowfin Tuna Fisherman's Union (Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union).[74]
MP Eva Abdulla submits motion to review the reappointment of ministers that were dismissed in parliament.[79]
India assigns US$93 million to be used as free aid to the Maldives.[80]
2 February:
State owned enterprise, Public Service Media (PSM) hosts parliamentary debates featuring candidates running for all 93 constituencies which is being planned to be hosted in the auditorium of the Maldives National University.[81]
The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) concludes its probe into the complaints of regarding the allocation of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation (FDC) built flats.[82]
The two people connected to the attack on PG Hussain Shameem are arrested.[83]
India hosts the second round of deliberations to remove foreign military presence[87] and has agreed to remove all military by May 10.[88]
The Ministry of Defence identifies foreign military that boarded local vessels to be Indian Coastguard Ship 246 and 253.[89] Maldives has also requested India to write a response to explain the jurisdiction behind Indian Coastguards boarding and operating in Maldives EEZ.[90]
A case is filed in the Civil Court regarding the results of the Henveiru Central constituency in ruling PPM/PNC primaries.[92]
3 February:
The Maldives and India agree to replace military personnel with civil personnel.[93]
4 February:
President Muizzu announces that Eid al-Fitr holiday (Starting 20 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal) is an Annual Holiday starting this year.[94]
5 February:
Opposition parties including MDP and The Democrats boycott this year's presidential address due to Muizzu's failure on security in parliamentarians during the 28 January brawl.[95]
7 February:
Government submits the re-appointed ministers to parliament.[96]
8 February:
Dhivehi and Islam to resume being taught abroad to Maldivians.[97]
The Civil court advises the state against to dismiss the case against the death of Saadha Saudulla who died in Fuvahmulah Hospital due to alleged medical negligence.[98]
9 February:
New policy to carry out medical checkups for immigrant workers.[99]
Rf. 13,000,000 is paid in compensation and pension to eight employees for Aviation Command employees who were dismissed unfairly.[101]
10 February:
The Animal Welfare Ministry hands over plot required to make a cat facility to Male' City Council.[102]
500 athletes from 31 schools across the Maldives attend the Inter-School Athletics Meet in Addu City hosted by the Athletics Association of Maldives.[103]
Videos circulates where State Ministers supporting non-PPM/PNC candidates and complaints emerge.[104]
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) chairman Mohamed Umar Manik (MU Manik) resigns.[110]
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem proposes an amendment to summon President Muizzu and Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef to parliament for questioning.[111]
Applications for the taxi driver register opens.[112]
Two people are arrested for the assault on women's football team member Mayan.[113]
Rent will be taken for MPL flats after all employees moving.[114]
T Rex Basketball Club wins the National Basketball League.[121]
Installation of additional elevators in Hulhumale' Hiya Flats is contracted to a Chinese company.[122]
Younger children enrolled to higher preschool grades to be repeated.[123]
Holhudhoo Constituency MP Yoonus Ali proposes a motion to Parliament to summon members of the former Flat Committee that were active alongside the ACC members to Parliament for questioning.[124]
The no confidence motion against Speaker Aslam and Deputy Speaker Saleem is withdrawn.[125]
Health Ministry plans to build Cancer Hospital behind Dharumavantha Hospital.[128]
Maldives High Court stops Gulhifalhu reclamation due to a court case being filed that it was being conducted in an unfriendly way to the environment. The state appeals to the Supreme Court.[129]
Department of National Registry (DNR) changes policy to allow issuance of ID cards to other individuals if they come with a letter by the owner permitting access.[134]
21 February:
Maldives donation of two million tuna cans to the Gaza Strip is delayed.[135]
National Mental Helpline is established, its helpline number being 1677.[136]
The Indian High Commission in Maldives confirms that onion exports will proceed under a separate bilateral agreement.[137]
New amendments to the Maldives Customs employee regulations that only individuals holding the rank above Chief Superintendent can be eligible for the Deputy Commissioner of Customs post.[176]
Two accidents in Fuvahmulah, leaving one with serious injuries.[177]
The Settlement committee was planned to give land, money, and lagoons as compensation but was halted and the committee was dissolved.[178]
30 April: Foakaidhoo experiences flooding after 2 hours of heavy rainfall.[179]
A 61-year-old man was arrested in connection with a sexual abuse case of a 12-year-old girl.[186]
Homeland Security Minister, Ali Ihusaan, announces photograph and fingerprint collection of expatriate workers.[187]
President Muizzu announces that April's electricity bills to include discount.[188]
3 May:
60-year-old man that was arrested for doing sorcery against PNC candidate Mamdhooh was remanded in custody for 15 days, while residents of the island protested against him and calling for just punishment against him.[189]
President Muizzu assures local media that he will provide special allowance or incentives to address the concern of media outlets receiving low income.[190]
MDP accuses government of trying to mislead the public about obstructing freedom of press.[191]
Old faces have made a comeback on the news channel, PSM News's special coverage held yesterday on occasion of their anniversary.[193]
4 May:
Yaya Nabeel, A TikToker whose famous on cross-dressing was arrested, he was also arrested in 2021 after he posted a video on TikTok showing his nude body, then later released with a warning.[194][195]
Parliament passes motion to notify government to allocate flats to applicants according to the list published during the Solih administration, which the government announces that it would violate the rights of many.[204][205]
The Criminal Court verdict of that acquitted all the suspects of the murder of Mohamed Anas has been appealed at the High Court.[206][207]
Male' to hold by-election for three vacant seats at the city council.[242]
2 June:
The Cabinet decides to change laws to prevent Israeli passport holders from entering the country and to establish a subcommittee to oversee the process.[243]
Attorney General Ahmed Usham announced that the Maldives would review its ban on Israeli passport holders due to the fact that it would ban Israeli-Arabs who identify as Palestinian.[249]
25 June:
Maldivian Midfielder Mohamed Arif Passes Away while receiving treatment.[250] President Muizzu conveyed heartfelt condolences to his family In a message posted on the social media platform X.[251] He was laid to rest at the Galolhu Cemetery after Funeral Prayer at the Islamic Center early morning of 26 June. due to his death, HPA revealed that following the detection of a case of Meningococcal Disease, relevant information has been collected, contact tracing has been done, contacts have been informed and contacts have been provided prophylactic drugs for disease prevention. HPA stressed the importance of visiting a doctor without delay, if those who travelled to Saudi Arabia to perform this year's pilgrimage during extreme heat who did not receive the meningitis vaccine for any reason or those who did not complete 14 days between the date of vaccination and their departure for the Hajj pilgrimage, develop symptoms.[252]
Maldives cancels Independence Day Activities over an Economic crisis spaking the country.[254] Maldives has planned to raise GST and TGST in 2025[255] which sparked anger and criticism by Opposition supporters that President Muizzu has failed economically.
Parliament has dismissed an emergency motion filed regarding the non-disclosure of the number of people appointed to political posts and the salaries paid by state owned companies. The motion was filed by opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. A majority of 56 members voted against accepting and debating the motion, while 11 MPs voted in favor.[258]
Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, MP of Central Hithadhoo who had strongly advocated for right to information has voted against accepting the emergency motion submitted by opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) calling to reveal the number of political appointees yesterday.[259]
MNDF has said that there were no signs of an explosion despite having responded to reports of an explosion inside a van parked at 'Galolhu Kanmathi' in Malé.[264]
Maldivian Democratic Party (has directed the parliament with criticism over the stalled work of the bill submitted by MDP to amend the Immigration act to ban entry of Israeli national into Maldives.[266]
12 July:
55-year-old Thai woman drowned and passed away while diving in Hulhumalé.[267]
Bank of Maldives rejected Ex-President Yameen's lawsuit claiming it cannot be used over the agreement between Yameen and the Anti-Corruption Commission.[273]
A Maldivan who works at 'Hidhmaiy' charity organization has met with an accident during an eight-hour car ride to Chittagong from Dhaka, Bangladesh when the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.[274]
16 July:
World's most popular fast food chain KFC's outlet in Malé City has been vandalized, with the vandals having broken the glass shopfront and damaging property. They were vandalized after putting up posters calling for the boycott of these business in relation to the ongoing genocide in Palestine.[275]
Maldives announced the shortage of Fish Supplies in stores.[276]
Foregin Ministry has released a statement advising caution to Maldivians travelling to and living in Bangladesh in light of the ongoing student protests in the country.[283]
20 July:
World's most popular fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken / KFC's outlet in Malé City has been vandalized in the Second time in a row.,[284] A 48-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly shattering the glass shopfront of the KFC outlet on Ameenee Magu on Tuesday night, a police media official said. The man was arrested under a court order and has been remanded in custody for 30 days.[285][286]
Ruling party, People's National Congress (PNC), secured five out of the six local council seats in the by-elections held on Saturday. PNC won all seats except for Rasmaadhoo.[287]
21 July:
Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a White Alert from Kaafu Atoll to Addu City predicting swell wave surges as well.[288]
Two persons arrested on charges of entering a house and causing a commotion following an argument on a TikTok live have been released from custody.[289]
Yoosuf Maniu has been dismissed from the position of Commissioner General of Customs, and has been replaced with the country's first female Fathimath Dhiyana to assume the post.[291]
High Court has commenced the appeal hearings today two years after appeal cases were submitted against the two suspects who were convicted of the murder and sentenced to life in prison, and the two suspects who were acquitted in the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed.[292]
Official bilateral discussions between Maldives and China has been held yesterday during the visit to China by Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, accompanied by two other cabinet ministers.[294]
MTCC has said that the reconstruction of the Izzuddeen Jetty is facing delays due to difficulties in bringing in necessary material from abroad.[296]
Aasandha has said today that the bulk purchasing of European quality medication will lead to MVR 300 million (US$19 million) being saved annually from the total expense on medicine.[297]
Minister of EducationDr. Ismail Shafeeu has announced that A'level classes will be introduced in 23 additional schools. In addition to this, students who receive even a single pass in their O'level examinations will now be eligible to join A'level studies.[298]
Maldivian Democratic Party has approved the appointment of former Thulhaadhoo MP Hisaan Hussain as the party's vice president.[300]
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated a special program titled 'Malé Fehi' which aims to address the issue of congestion and traffic woes in the Malé City.[301] which includes charging a toll fee on the Sinamalé bridge connecting Male', Hulhumale' and Hulhule. due to Criticism, President Muizzu has posted on X saying that it is not his policy to charge tolls from the bridge.[302][303]
Olympics: Fathimath Dheema Ali, the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympics through the South Asian Qualifiers, faced defeat in today's preliminary round match against Katarzyna Wegrzyn from Poland.[307]
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef visits Iran for the presidential inauguration of Masoud Pezeshkian. this is the first time in recent history that a Vice president of the Maldives Visits Iran.[310]
29 July:
"I've replaced my wife with someone from abroad to handle the cooking. She now enjoys her time at home, watching 'Kasauti Zindagi Ki' while I find myself constantly searching for something different." saids Parliament'sNorth Hulhumalé MP Hussain Shareef reffreing to migrant problem.[311]
A sports car speeding through Hulhumalé Phase 2 collided with an individual, propelling them into the air upon impact. The victim sustained serious injuries from the accident.[313] In connection with this dangerous incident, Hulhumalé Police have arrested three individuals, who are facing charges of attempted murder.[314]
Amidst significant public pressure, the government of the Maldives issued a formal message of condolence to Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, following recent events.[316][317]
Bank of Maldivesinternet banking app went down due to an issue involving the discovery that some employees of Lily Beach Resort had been credited with $77 million.[318]
In response to a recent incident on July 31, where a speeding sports car struck a bystander in Hulhumalé Phase 2, authorities have taken action by towing 10 sports cars from the Hulhumalé Central Park area. These vehicles were removed from locations where parking is prohibited, as part of a broader effort to address traffic violations and enhance public safety in the area.[319]
2 August:
Amid public anger from pro-Palestine supporters, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that absentee funeral prayer for Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas, would be held in mosques across the country after the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer.[320] While some mosques complied with this directive, others did not. For instance, at the Grand Mosque in Malé, the absentee funeral prayer was conducted for a staff member of the President's office who was buried abroad, rather than for Ismail Haniyeh. In contrast, the King Salman Mosque in Malé did not hold the absentee prayer for him at all. According to state media outlet PSM News, absentee funeral prayers for Ismail Haniyeh were conducted in mosques across the country.[321] The prayers were held following a directive from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs amidst public pressure from pro-Palestine supporters.
The High Commission of the Maldives in the United Kingdom requests that all Maldivian nationals residing in the UK register with the High Commission. This request comes in response to ongoing anti-Muslim riots by the English Defence League.[329]
22 August: The Maldives report their first two cases of mpox. But do not specify the clade the cases are from.[330]
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