President Muizzu Plans to Introduce Asset Recovery Bill, Concludes Tour

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledges to empower government agencies to go after individuals involved in major crimes of theft and corruption once the parliament passes an Asset Recovery Bill.

He said this on the last stop of his eight-day tour of Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, and Thaa Atoll, in Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll, yesterday.

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He said when the parliament goes into session again next month, the government plans to send in an Asset Recovery Bill. Once it is in effect, government agencies will begin actively pursuing all individuals involved in major cases of theft and corruption. 

He explained that under the current system, authorities have no legal means to pursue individuals who commit fraud or corruption and to recover stolen assets. Citing the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations (MMPRC) corruption case, he said the bill aims to address this by creating a legal framework to reclaim assets from those involved in corruption and theft.

“Therefore, I am putting forward a bill to establish an Asset Recovery Act, a bill, which will be ratified on the day the parliament approves of the bill and sends it for ratification.  Once this is ratified, we will go after people who have committed such crimes with haste,” President Muizzu said.

He said the legislation aims to tackle long-standing challenges in reclaiming funds from large-scale corruption cases, while reiterating his Administration’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the judiciary and oversight bodies. Referring to the Auditor General’s report on the MVR 2.2 billion misappropriated through Fenaka Corporation, he confirmed that investigations are underway.

President Muizzu also pledged to strengthen healthcare in Thimarafushi by upgrading the health centre to a level-four facility within three months and completing the delayed hospital project. He outlined plans to expand the harbour, improve roads, and connect utilities to completed housing units in time for next Ramadan, alongside a reduction in down payments to MVR 10,000, from the current MVR 20,000, and rent for government housing.

Additional commitments included developing youth and sports facilities, introducing ID card and passport services in November, and handing over waste management to WAMCO. Meeting with the Island Council, WDC, and community leaders, the President heard calls for expedited health, harbour, and housing projects, as well as new facilities for youth and women. He assured that these concerns would be taken into account, stressing his determination to deliver on citizens’ priorities. 

The tour, which began on Friday, 22 September, covered 31 islands. Speaking to residents of Thimarafushi, he thanked citizens across all islands for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. 

He concluded his trip, in which he visited 31 inhabited islands and returned to Male’ yesterday. His most recent stops in Thaa Atoll included Dhiyamigili, Gaadhiffushi, Guraidhoo, and Thimarafushi.

Major Development Projects for Gaadhiffushi

In Gaadhiffushi, President Muizzu met with leaders and residents to discuss the island’s development priorities. The meeting, held at Gaadhiffushi Preschool, included the signing of a land reclamation project, which he said would also address erosion concerns.

He pledged to resume the stalled school project and advance the health centre, harbour works, and a fitness and recreation centre. The President added that the 2026 Budget includes plans to upgrade the futsal pitch and build an outdoor gym, while the Council Secretariat project will proceed with Chinese assistance. He also noted that BML ATM services are now available on all inhabited islands of Kolhumadulu Atoll, following yesterday’s inauguration in Gaadhiffushi.

Council representatives raised concerns over the harbour channel, powerhouse issues, and the need for housing. President Muizzu assured residents that these matters would be addressed and reaffirmed his commitment to completing development projects in line with the community’s aspirations.

Guraidhoo Airport to Open on Independence Day 2027

On Thursday evening, while addressing the residents of Guraidhoo, President Muizzu announced the Government’s plan to inaugurate Guraidhoo Airport on the Independence Day of 2027. He described the airport as a vital gateway for the island and the region, confirming that all development works will be completed within 22 months, starting on Friday.

He also confirmed that ID card and passport services will begin in Guraidhoo this November, while 100 additional housing units are planned for next year under a scheme allowing construction on individual plots. The Bank of Maldives home loan scheme of up to MVR 30 million without collateral will be expanded nationwide. Other projects include reclaiming seven hectares of land, harbour expansion under the 2026 budget, resuming the stalled school project ahead of the new academic year, and constructing a modern children’s park this year.

In healthcare, the President announced that the Senahiya Hyperbaric Centre will open in Guraidhoo on Friday, alongside plans to establish decompression chambers in multiple atolls within four months. He said MRI services will be available in all tertiary hospitals within six months, while CT imaging and advanced dental care facilities will also be expanded across the country in the same timeframe.

Later, in a meeting with the Island Council, the Women’s Development Committee, and local institutions, council members highlighted priorities including sports facilities for women, harbour improvements, shore protection, hospital completion, and vocational training. The President assured residents that their concerns would be addressed, reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to decentralisation and reducing reliance on Malé City for essential services.

Causeway and Road Development Projects Formalised in Dhiyamigili

President Muizzu has assured residents of Dhiyamigili of the timely completion of key infrastructure projects and the benefits they will bring to the community. Speaking on Thursday during his tour of four atolls, he highlighted three major initiatives, including the Dhiyamigili–Madifushi–Ufuriyaa Causeway and road development projects, both formalised through agreements during the meeting.

The President confirmed the causeway is expected to be completed within 18 months, while road works will begin after the water network project is finished within six months. He also pledged to resume the stalled school extension project in time for the 2026 academic year and to commence construction of a multipurpose hall before year-end. Plans to address coastal erosion, upgrade the Health Centre into a 24-hour facility by 2026, enhance sports grounds, develop a Fitness and Recreation Centre, and build a volleyball court were also outlined.

President Dr @MMuizzu arrives in Th. Dhiyamigili, welcomed warmly by residents as he engages with the community on their aspirations and needs. #RayyithunGaathah #ThaaAtollVisit pic.twitter.com/Sf8mPTOQLy— The President's Office (@presidencymv) September 25, 2025

President Muizzu announced the establishment of a dedicated police building, a Fire Station under the Maldives National Defence Force, and an Island Council Secretariat, alongside confirmation that police services now operate on all inhabited islands of Kolhumadulu.

Meeting with the Island Council, Women’s Development Committee, and local leaders, the President heard concerns on shore protection, landfill management, additional housing, school space, health centre expansion, and power supply. He assured residents that the Government would address these issues, while cabinet ministers and State-Owned Enterprise officials provided updates on ongoing projects.