News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is strengthening its direct engagement with the public through the Ahaa Forum, a platform designed to foster dialogue between citizens and government officials. The fourth edition of the series, jointly organized by the President’s Office and public broadcaster PSM, provided a space for ministers to address pressing national issues and outline key policies.
Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed assured the public that the government is committed to controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, a period when demand surges.
Citing last year’s successful intervention, he credited President Muizzu’s leadership in establishing a special committee to oversee price stability. “If anything goes up during Ramadan, the government will take action,” Saeed said, emphasizing the administration’s proactive approach.
He referenced a World Bank report that had forecast inflation in Maldives to cross 7 percent, but immediate government measures kept it below 3 percent. The Maldives is taking decisive actions, he noted.
The government has formulated a special policy on price controls, which includes monitoring a list of 183 essential items, with 54 identified as critical.
Additionally, Saeed highlighted measures to ensure the affordability of staple goods such as onions, with the State Trading Organization (STO) prepared to ship supplies from multiple sources, including air freight if necessary, to prevent shortages.
On the environmental front, Tourism and Environment Minister Tariq Ibrahim outlined the ambitious “5 Million Trees” program, aimed at planting two million trees this year alone.
“This initiative is about more than just numbers—it’s about sustainability and enhancing the natural beauty of our islands,” he noted.
The program, launched by President Muizzu on Environment Day 2024, had already resulted in the planting of 450,000 trees by the end of last year.
A special app is also being developed to track tree-planting efforts, ensuring transparency and community involvement. The program allows for the import and planting of 90 different tree species, further diversifying the country’s green landscape.
Islamic Affairs Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed discussed reforms to the Maldives’ Hajj system, acknowledging challenges but affirming that solutions will be introduced during President Muizzu’s term.
With 9,000 people currently in the Hajj Corporation’s queue, the government is working to make the pilgrimage more affordable.
“The Maldives Hajj Corporation has a vision to reduce the cost of Hajj. While it’s difficult to achieve immediately, a strong solution will emerge during President Muizzu’s term,” he said. He also announced planned changes to the Hajj queue system starting next year.
He further noted that last year saw the highest number of Zakat contributions in the country’s history. Zakat, an obligatory act in Islam, is a form of charitable giving that helps the needy. The increasing public confidence in the system allows the government to fund assistance programs and enhance Islamic brotherhood.
Social and Family Development Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham announced that accessibility improvements for people with disabilities will begin soon, following direct instructions from President Muizzu.
Plans include modifying existing public buildings and ensuring all new infrastructure is inclusive. “The President has taken important decisions to address these difficulties. He has now asked the authorities to make necessary changes to make new and existing buildings more accessible to people with disabilities,” she stated.
She highlighted that some public spaces, such as parks and squares, still lack adequate accessibility, but that this will change. The government has compiled the “National Register of Persons with Disabilities,” listing over 13,000 individuals, to better cater to their needs.
The project includes the construction of ramps, the installation of elevators, and other modifications to enable easier access. This work will be carried out in collaboration with relevant government agencies and private associations. “We will work closely with island councils to ensure accessibility across both urban and rural areas,” she stated.
The Ahaa Forum is one of several platforms through which the Muizzu administration seeks to maintain transparency and foster public trust. By engaging directly with citizens, the government continues to shape policies that address economic stability, environmental sustainability, religious affairs, and social welfare, ensuring that public concerns are met with tangible solutions.
