Ministry of Home Affairs has disclosed a list of 27 types of dangerous weapons and sharp objects to the public.
The home ministry has formulated a list as per the requirements of Article 4 of the Regulations on the Importation and Manufacture of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects in the Maldives, which operates under the Prohibition of Intimidation and Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act. The ministry has officially published the list in accordance with the stipulations of the Act through the Government Gazette.
The list of items includes a variety of dangerous weapons, such as swords, hammers, diving knives, fishing guns, arrows, lances, spears, razor blades, cutters, scythes, knives, forks, and chords. In addition, the list features 12 distinct types of knives. The ministry has clarified that any other sharp objects capable of causing harm that are not included in the list will also be treated as dangerous weapons and sharp objects.
The Prohibition of Intimidation, Possession of Dangerous Weapons and Sharp Objects Act, enacted on September 5, 2010, and currently in force, serves to restrict the possession of sharp objects and weapons. Its primary objective is to deter individuals from engaging in intimidating and threatening behavior that may result in harm to life, body, or property.
Under the Act, individuals are required to obtain a permit for the importation or manufacture of anything classified by the government as dangerous weapons and sharp objects in the Maldives. Moreover, the sale of knives to individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited under the Act.