The Malé City Council has penalised 11 vessels a total of MVR 5,500 over two days after officers caught them breaching maritime regulations in the Villingili lagoon.
Authorities issued each vessel an MVR 500 fine under established harbor management procedures designed to restore order to the overcrowded waterway.
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The council confirmed that the vessels had anchored without valid permits, directly obstructing legitimate boat operators who hold authorized access to the area. Many of the fined vessels had remained idle and abandoned in the harbor for extended periods, creating severe navigational hazards for regular traffic.
The ongoing enforcement drive falls under the Malé and Villingili Harbor Management Regulations, framed in accordance with the Decentralization Act. Under the council’s fourth-term harbor fee policy, authorities hold explicit powers to impose an MVR 500 fine on any vessel utilizing the lagoon illegally.
As the Villingili lagoon falls under the administration of the Malé City Council, the council is carrying out special efforts to organize the harbor area and reduce the presence of unauthorized vessels. In relation to this, the council has urged all parties to fully respect all established rules and regulations when using the lagoon.
Furthermore, the council has warned that strict action will continue to be taken against vessels using the lagoon illegally in the future.
