"Malé Taxi App" launched despite allegations of MVR 13 million embezzlement
While the government’s "Malé Taxi App" has officially launched on the Apple App Store, the project is currently mired in serious corruption allegations involving an estimated 13 million MVR. President Muizzu has assured the public that these claims of embezzlement will be investigated, even as commuters continue to voice frustrations over significant technical difficulties and service disruptions when attempting to use the new platform.
MTCC Taxi Line to launch operations on April 3, 2026. | MTCC
The "Malé Taxi App," which is at the center of a MVR 13 million embezzlement scandal, has been officially launched.
MTCC announced on Tuesday that its taxi application is now available on the Apple App Store and can also be downloaded by scanning a QR code. The company further noted that the Android version of the app will be launched on the Google Play Store very soon.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially inaugurated the government’s taxi service during a special ceremony held at Central Park on April 2, 2026. A dedicated mobile application was also launched alongside the introduction of the service.
However, the application was taken offline after significant security vulnerabilities were discovered. The project was also marred by serious allegations of corruption.
MTCC has been accused of significant corruption after awarding a 13-million-rupee contract to an inexperienced company to develop the "Malé Taxi App." According to a reliable source, the full payment of 13 million Rufiyaa was released for an application that was non-functional at the time the taxi service was launched.
During a press conference held at the President's Office on April 20, 2026, regarding the embezzlement case, President Muizzu stated that he had only become aware of the development of the "Malé Taxi App" through informal channels.
Addressing the allegations of corruption, the President assured that the Ministry of Transport would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure all procedures are followed correctly. The President further emphasized that he would not allow any party the opportunity to engage in unlawful activities or exert undue influence to facilitate any wrongdoing.
Furthermore, the Malé Taxi Line website was launched on April 18, 2026, marking the commencement of fare collection. Although MTCC stated that 150 electric vehicles would be utilized to provide 24-hour service to the public, there have been significant complaints regarding the unavailability of the service.
