Fenaka Corporation has formed Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) in 151 islands where it provides services. According to a statement released by Fenaka, in response to the Maldives Meteorological Service’s forecast of bad weather and rain in various parts of the Maldives for the coming week, the emergency response teams established in Fenaka’s branches are prepared to work in coordination with local institutions to prepare for potential issues.
The statement mentions that a total of 2,311 members will be active in these formed teams. Therefore, the statement assures that they will remain committed to providing assistance to the public closely in any such situation.
STELCO has formed a special task force to ensure uninterrupted service to the public during the five days of expected rainy weather across the Maldives. In a post on X, STELCO stated that in response to the statement issued by the Meteorological Service forecasting rainy weather for most of the Maldives from today until January 18, 2025, the company’s management has decided to take preemptive measures to control flooding and has formed a special task force.
The company said that in this situation, priority will be given to securing STELCO’s critical infrastructure in the islands where STELCO provides services and ensuring uninterrupted utility services to the public. Additionally, as with previous occasions, STELCO stated that employees in all service-providing islands will be ready to provide necessary assistance to minimize damage caused by the rainy weather.
The National Meteorological Service has forecasted heavy rain with thunder in various parts of the Maldives over the next five days. They also predict rough seas and strong winds. The Met Office has warned that some islands may experience tidal waves.
The People’s Majlis has scheduled an out-of-session meeting for next Thursday. According to the agenda published by the Majlis, the special out-of-session meeting will be held on the 16th of this month at 9:00 AM. The agenda includes sending to the permanent committee for review and decision the matter sent by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu regarding the appointment of the Vice President of the Human Rights Commission.
Also on the agenda is the committee’s submission of four names appointed by the President as members of the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. Additionally, there will be a submission from the committee to review and decide on the matter sent by the President to appoint two members to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the Majlis agenda, there will be a vote on that day to approve the names sent by the President to appoint two members to the Broadcom. There will also be a vote to appoint two members to the Elections Commission (EC).
Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov has arrived in the Maldives. Hala Hameed has welcomed Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov on his official visit to the Maldives. A special delegation led by officials from the government and private sector will be actively involved in this visit.
The first bilateral consultation between Azerbaijan and the Maldives has been decided to be held today.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has made public the status of diseases that are spreading as epidemics. HPA stated that compared to November of this year, the number of reported dengue cases in December has decreased. However, they have requested to pay attention to reducing mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and to protect against these illnesses.
While 254 cases were reported in November 2023, 193 cases were reported in December of that year. In November 2024, 140 cases were reported, while in December, that number has decreased to 96. HPA has stated that compared to November of this year, the number of reported measles cases in December has decreased. Also, compared to November of this year, the number of people tested for influenza symptoms in December has also decreased.
HPA said that out of 2414 samples tested so far this year, 484 samples have been positive. While 37,028 measles cases were reported in November 2023, 32,565 cases were reported in December of the same year. In November 2024, 40,573 cases were reported, while in December, 30,590 cases were reported. HPA has stated that compared to November of this year, the number of reported diarrhea cases in December has decreased.
In November 2023, 6,698 cases of diarrhea were reported. In December of the same year, 3,919 cases were reported. In November 2024, 3,640 cases were reported, while in December, 2,590 cases were reported. HPA has requested to pay special attention to such diseases and to protect oneself.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has departed tonight for a historic visit to Estonia. This is the first official visit by a Maldivian President to Estonia. As the President begins this trip tonight, the main objectives of this visit are to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and to hold discussions on digital, cyber, and e-governance areas, as well as on climate and environmental-related issues.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is visiting Estonia at the invitation of Estonian President Dr. Alar Karis. He will stay in the country until the 16th of this month. Estonia is one of the most technologically advanced countries in Europe, having made significant progress in digital rankings. Speaking about the President’s trip, Dr. Mohamed Kinaan, State Minister for Home Affairs and Technology, said that if good discussions are held and agreements are established with that country during this visit, it would bring a major revolution to the Maldives’ technology sector.
Ahmed Rasheed, an opposition MDP activist known as ‘Donkolhu’, has joined the ruling PNC party. Ahmed Rasheed handed over his membership form directly to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The President just posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he has received Ahmed Rasheed’s membership form and welcomes him, extending his congratulations.
Ahmed Rasheed was an employee at RDC during the MDP government. He is a person who is very politically active on social media.
The first flight of the chartered scheduled cargo service, launched in collaboration between Velana International Airport (VIA) and AFCOM Cargo, has arrived in the Maldives. According to a statement released by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), under this new service, the first AFCOM Cargo flight from Chennai, India, has brought in 20 tons of cargo to VIA. MACL noted that this cargo was exported via an Etihad Airways flight.
AFCOM Cargo is scheduled to operate 3 flights per week. MACL plans to further expand these operations in the future. Additionally, the statement mentioned that AFCOM Airlines is working on establishing interline agreements with major airlines to strengthen cargo movement through VIA. MACL highlighted that with this new service, the cargo services provided by VIA have further expanded. The company believes that VIA’s share in the global cargo connectivity logistics chain will further strengthen MACL’s contribution to the Maldivian economy.
MACL further stated that they always strive to provide complete services to customers while ensuring safety and security in accordance with international standards. The new cargo terminal, developed as part of the Velana International Airport development project, was opened earlier last year. With this terminal, there will be the capacity to handle a total of 120,000 tons of cargo annually.
An agreement has been signed between the Maldives and Saudi Arabia regarding Hajj services. During his ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, the agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldives by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed. On behalf of Saudi Arabia, it was signed by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
This agreement outlines the procedures for conducting affairs during the Hajj season. It includes details on how to make payments for Hajj services, how Maldivian companies providing Hajj services should operate, establishing a Maldivian Hajj mission during the Hajj season to oversee Maldivian pilgrims’ affairs, and other important matters. This is an agreement that is renewed every year. Minister Shaheem noted that the annual Hajj exhibition held by Saudi Arabia has been an initiative that brought modern thinking to Hajj management, and highlighted that the Maldives has also started holding a special conference for Hajj and Umrah since last year. In his speech, the Saudi Minister of Hajj emphasized the importance that the Maldives places on Hajj affairs.
The official visit of the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, to Saudi Arabia is being conducted at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that during his official visit to Estonia, discussions are scheduled to take place regarding potential collaborations between the two countries in the fields of digital and cyber e-governance, as well as other areas. This marks the first official visit by a Maldivian President to Estonia, with President Muizzu’s trip set to take place from the 13th to the 16th of this month.
According to the Estonian government, this visit will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. It will also pave the way for collaboration in areas such as politics, digital technology, cybersecurity, e-governance, climate change, environment, science, and education. Furthermore, the Estonian government has disclosed that upon the President’s arrival in Estonia on the 13th, following the welcome ceremonies, the first item on the agenda will be an official meeting between President Muizzu and President Alar Karis. During this meeting, the two presidents are expected to discuss important international issues, cooperation in international organizations, and ways to further enhance bilateral relations.
Afterwards, the President is scheduled to visit a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Communist era in Estonia. Following this, the President will meet with Estonia’s Minister of Education, Kristina Kallas, and Minister of Climate, Kristen Michal, for detailed discussions on strengthening ties between the two countries. Additionally, on the 14th, a roundtable meeting organized by President Karis’s digital advisors is planned, bringing together delegations from both countries to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations.
Moreover, on the same day, President Muizzu and the Maldivian delegation are set to be shown Estonia’s innovative products and digital achievements, with a visit scheduled to the “e-Estonia” building. Also on that day, meetings are arranged with the Speaker of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) Lauri Hussar, Minister of Health Riina Sikkut, Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Kalle Laanet, and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jonatan Vseviov. Furthermore, discussions are planned with representatives from the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications to explore potential collaborations in advancing the digital sector.
The Maldivian delegation for this trip is set to include Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Home Affairs and Technology Ali Ihsaan. Additionally, representatives from the private sector in technology, including Women in Tech and Javaabu Private Limited, are also scheduled to participate in the visit.
