The government, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, officially commenced the implementation of three significant new policies Saturday, 1 November.
President Dr Muizzu emphasised that these crucial decisions were made following extensive consultation and consideration of public opinion, a cornerstone of his administration's policy-making approach.
Among the key initiatives is a landmark generational ban on tobacco. Effective Saturday, all Maldivians born on or after 1 January 2007, are prohibited from using, possessing, or selling tobacco products. It also restricts sales: vendors may not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21, nor to those born after the generational cut-off. The President's directive makes any violation of this ban a punishable offense, signaling a strong commitment to public health for future generations.
In a move impacting the nation's vital fisheries sector, the government has lifted the ban on gulper shark fishing under a newly established strict management plan. While the government had previously banned the fishing of three specific shark species, President Dr Muizzu, following consultations with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, has now granted permission for gulper shark fishing, aiming for sustainable resource management. The decision to this ban was initially announced by the President last August.
Additionally, Saturday marks the implementation of a significant salary increase for three crucial public sectors as part of the President's pay harmonisation policy. All civil service employees, including those within the judiciary and local council secretariats, will see their salaries adjusted under a new pay framework, with the revised amounts reflected in this month's paychecks.
In a social media post acknowledging these developments, President Dr Muizzu extended his gratitude to all who contributed and cooperated in bringing these three policies to fruition. He welcomed the changes, underscoring that these implementations are designed to benefit all Maldivian citizens. The announcements have been met with widespread positive reactions from various segments of the population, who are welcoming the decisions as progressive steps for the nation.