The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has made Malé City Council the custodian of mosques in the capital city.

A memorandum of understanding between the government and the council was signed on Monday.

Signatories on the agreement are Deputy Minister Ahmedulla Jameel and Deputy Mayor Shamaau Shareef.

The agreement also makes the city council responsible for cementries and mortuaries attached to the mosques.

Deputy Mayor Shamaau said that the transfer of mosques from the central to local government will allow them to better serve the residents of Malé and those who use the mosques.

The Islamic Ministry has said that mosques in Addu City and Fuvahmulah will also be transferred to the respective city councils.