News

Over 3,000 fined for breaching lockdown orders, 180 arrested

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has revealed over 3,000 people have been fined for breaching lockdown orders in the Greater Male’ Region, while 180 people have been arrested.

The lockdown imposed on the Greater Male’ Region has been extended until May 14. During the lockdown, a special permit from MPS is required to go out for any essential purposes.

MPS revealed 201 people were fined on May 9 after being found on the streets without a permit, including 177 people from Male’, 22 people from Hulhumale’ and 2 people from Villimale’. MPS stated a total of 3,265 fines have been handed out since the beginning of the lockdown.

Furthermore, MPS revealed 9 people were arrested on May 9 for breaching the lockdown orders on multiple occasions, all of whom were arrested from Male’. The police noted a total of 180 arrests have been made during the lockdown.

MPS has warned individuals who breach lockdown orders will be handed a fine of USD 65, while multiple breaches could lead to arrest or transfer to a quarantine facility. The public has been urged to seek a permit from the online portal established by MPS before going out for essential purposes.