Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Services has concluded its “Operation Hiraas Faas”, an operation carried out to investigate chemical storages. The operation took place from October 1-15. MNDF revealed that it had inspected a total of 144 chemical storages for hazardous chemicals. It disclosed that it collected information on 62 shops selling chemicals and 399 residential buildings where chemical storages were present. In the Greater Male’ Region, a total of 285 storage facilities are authorised, with 77 situated in Male’ City, 36 located in Hulhumale’ and 172 in Thilafushi. MNDF reported that it conducted inspections of these facilities to verify that they are equipped with the essential equipment for extinguishing fires. Additionally, it directed facilities lacking the required fire extinguishing equipment to procure the necessary tools. The operation was conducted in collaboration with MPS, MNDF Male’ Area Command and six government institutions. It was conducted with teams of soldiers and police officers from Maldives Police Service (MPS), inspecting the Greater Male’ Region, distributed to ten zones. According to the Ministry of Defence, a database will be created with the relevant information collected through the operation. The ministry stated that the collected data will be shared with the relevant authorities and measures will also be taken against those storing or trading chemicals illegally.
STELCO to establish a 150MW power plant
State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese company, TBEA Group Company Limited to conduct preliminary studies prior to establishing a 150MW power plant. TBEA Group is a global leading enterprise in manufacturing of power transmission and distribution equipment. Following the signing of the MoU, Managing Director of STELCO Fahmy stated that the agreement is a significant step to enhance the energy infrastructure of the Maldives. He noted that the MoU will facilitate the provision of electricity more conveniently. STELCO revealed that the highlights of the partnership include conducting preliminary studies for the establishment of the 150MW dual-fuel power plant and the installation of a high-capacity transmission line. Furthermore, STELCO stated that the power plant will be established in Thilafushi, with the practical works also contracted to the TBEA Group. The organisation noted that the power plant will serve as a central facility to substantially increase power generation capabilities, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. It disclosed that the power plant will be equipped with generators which produce electricity, utilising oil and gas. Regarding the high-capacity transmission line, STELCO stated that it will be installed along with the Thila Male’ Bridge. It furtehr noted that the transmission line will play a pivotal role in creating a robust network to meet the energy demands in Male’ City,, Hulhumale’, Villimale’, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi.
Data is essential for the future of the tourism industry: Shiuree
Managing Director of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC)Ibrahim Shiuree has emphasized the critical role of data in shaping the future of the tourism industry. In his opening remarks at the Global Data Forum, Shiuree highlighted the significance of hosting such an event in the Maldives, stressing that the collection of statistical information is vital for effective policy-making. He stated, “The tourism industry is changing and expanding, and in this context, the use of data is essential.” He expressed optimism that the forum would empower industry stakeholders to leverage data for positive transformations. MMPRC Chairman Abdulla Qiyaas also noted that the corporation has prioritized research over mere statistical collection since its inception. He explained that insights gained from this research can significantly enhance tourism promotion. Qiyaas pointed out that this approach helps identify tourists’ needs and uncover future growth markets. He reaffirmed MMPRC’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions, particularly those driven by AI. The inaugural Global Data Forum, dedicated to the Maldives’ tourism sector, attracted a wide array of industry experts, including representatives from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Adara, UnionPay, and Amadeus. Organizations such as Tourism Economics and Oxford also contributed to discussions on the importance of data in the tourism landscape, with around 150 attendees participating. The event was attended by government officials, ministry representatives, and industry stakeholders, featuring the Advisor for Tourism Development at the President’s Office, Mohamed Khaleel, as the special guest.
Education Ministry opens enrolment opportunities for first grade students
Ministry of Education has announced the opening of applications for enrolment in Lower Kindergarten (LKG), Upper Kindergarten (UKG), and first grade at government schools for the 2025 academic year.r. The education ministry stated that the enrolment opportunities are available now, with a deadline set for November 15. It emphasised that students applying to schools within the Greater Male’ Region must complete their applications online through the ministry’s website. It advised all individuals to be cautious of the deadline and submit the application forms prior to the deadline, as forms submitted afterwards will not be accepted. During the current academic year, a total of 162 government schools are single session schools, and 55 schools conduct classes in two sessions. Additionally, six schools provide satellite education. Over 96,000 are currently seeking education, with approximately 26,000 students studying in schools situated in Male’ City. The second term of the ongoing academic year is scheduled to conclude on March 6, 2025, with academic holidays aligning with the Holy Month of Ramadan. The government plans to gradually shift the start date of the new academic year back to the beginning of the calendar year. The commencement date was adjusted in 2021 after the 2020 academic year experienced a delay of one year and six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the ministry’s adjustments to the academic calendar, the new academic year for 2026 is set to begin in January.
MNU to hold graduation for first batch of medical school this month
Maldives National University (MNU) announces plans to hold the graduation of its first batch of medical school students on October 31. The university’s council granted permission to establish the School of Medicine in MNU in 2017, to facilitate medical education in the Maldives. The School of Medicine was created in 2019, with the first batch of students beginning their studies that same year. The curriculum aligns with that of the national university of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Classes for the School of Medicine are held on the second floor of Dharumavantha Hospital. However, the initial batch completed two modules at the Malaysian university until the medical setup of the School of Medicine were fully operational. Studies officially commenced in the Maldives in 2020. Speaking to PSM News, Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Sheeza Ali stated that over 40 students applied to study medicine in the first batch. Of these, 22 started studies, with 21 completing the degree course in medicine, and passing with flying colours. MNU notes that the graduation of the first batch of students completing medical school in the Maldives, represents a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. After completing the five-year program, students must undertake an additional year of internship to become registered doctors with the Maldives Medical and Dental Council. The graduates are currently completing their internships at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Currently, a total of 222 students across seven batches are enrolled in the School of Medicine.
Gov’t collects biometric data of over 4,000 immigrants
Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has revealed that biometric data of over 4,000 immigrants have been collected up to date, under Operation Kurangi. Operation Kurangi is a nationwide initiative to gather biometric data to identify the illegal immigrants in the Maldives and regularise them. The first phase was conducted in Himmafushi and Maafushi in Kaafu Atoll, and the second phase has now been expanded across the country. In its latest update on the operation, the homeland security ministry reported that it has commenced operations in 45 inhabited islands. Data collection teams have successfully gathered information from all immigrants on eight of these islands, resulting in a total of 4,272 immigrants from the 45 islands having their biometric data recorded. The nationwide operation was launched to address the issue of illegal immigrants and will help determine whether foreign workers in the Maldives are employed in compliance with existing laws and regulations. The ministry has provided fingerprint machines to the councils and developed a specialised application to facilitate the identification and regularisation of foreigners. Additionally, plans are underway to create a registry for the collected immigrant data.