Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed there are 42 islands without any residents who are registered as poor.
A person is registered as poor if their daily income is below a minimum threshold allocated by the Islamic ministry. The ministry revealed there are currently 42 islands without anybody classified as poor. The list of these islands was publicised by the ministry on May 15.
As per the list, Shaviyani Atoll has the most islands without anybody registered as poor. As such, 6 of the 14 inhabited islands of Shaviyani Atoll have nobody registered as poor. This includes Bileiyfahi, Feevah, Komandoo, Noomara, Narudhoo and Maroshi.
Meanwhile, 5 of the 8 inhabited islands of Meemu Atoll have no residents registered as poor. This includes Dhiggaru, Naalaafushi, Raiymandhoo, Veyvah and Maduvvari.
In addition, 4 islands each from Baa Atoll, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll and Vaavu Atoll have no residents registered as poor. Other atolls with island that have no registered poor are Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Noonu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, Faafu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll and Dhaalu Atoll.
Every year, the Islamic ministry opens the opportunity for the poor to register under the ministry. The registry allows the ministry to distribute Zakat, and extend other forms of assistance.
The Islamic ministry revealed there are 8,984 people registered as poor this year. The registry was last updated just before the start of Ramadan.