The decision to make the final ten days of the fasting month of Ramadan government holidays, would help to reduce the strain of early work hours, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

He said this in response to a question posed by a citizen on ‘Raeesge Javaabu’, which translates as ‘the president’s answer’, on Saturday.

The social media series was launched by the current administration, to provide a platform for the public to directly communicate their needs and concerns with the president, and get the answers they seek from the government, directly from him.

Noting that his decision to close state institutions and government offices during the last 10 days of Ramadan was to allow employees to engage more in night prayers, President Muizzu said that it also aims to reduce the heavy strain of early work hours.

Further, the president instructed authorities to provide a special allowance for essential workers who are required to work during the period.

Shedding light on his administration’s measures to ensure that the prices of groceries remain unaffected and provide Ramadan gifts to the citizens, including staple food items, the president announced discounts on electricity and water supply bills for Ramadan.

Muizzu went on to urge his people to make the best use of the final ten days, and to engage in prayers as much as possible.

For the first time in its history since embracing Islam, the government of Maldives has adjusted work hours during the last ten days of Ramadan to allow the prioritization of religious observance and the well-being of the citizens.

The final 10 days of the fasting month of Ramadan were declared government holidays in early February.

The president reached the decision following deliberations held on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs during a cabinet meeting held on 17 December 2023.

This was done with a purpose of fostering Islamic values within the community as well as to encourage the public to enhance their engagement in religious practices.

This will also allow citizens to prioritize religious observances during the holy month.

The decision comes in accordance with one of the president’s presidential pledges.

Government offices and state institutions have been instructed to ensure essential services are provided to the public, and specific information regarding the operation hours during these days are provided efficiently.

The President’s Office held a meeting with relevant authorities to discuss the logistics for delivering essential services during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Authorities have also been urged to explore the many possibilities for informing the public about the adjustments.