President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that regulations will be amended to prohibit safari vessels from anchoring within one kilometer of inhabited islands, in order to stop illegal entry into islands and resolve social issues.

Speaking at the ceremony held this evening to inaugurate the PNC main office, the President highlighted that unauthorized benefits are being taken from permits allowing safari vessels operating near local tourism islands to sell alcohol to tourists. Accordingly, to stop the sale of alcohol to islands and other undesirable activities, with the changes to be made to the regulations, safari vessels will henceforth be required to operate at least one kilometer away from inhabited islands.

Furthermore, the President stated that religious and moral standards that tourists must observe while on islands, as well as dress code regulations, will also be amended. The President said the purpose of bringing these changes is to find solutions to complaints made by citizens regarding undesirable behaviors observed from tourists.

The President further stated that councils have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing and monitoring these matters. In this regard, the President said that the Cabinet has decided to establish a special office on each island to oversee local tourism affairs, and that councils will maintain these matters with discipline within the decentralized system.