The Maldives government has arranged for care packages for Maldivians residing in Malaysia to be delivered.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Maldivians residing in Malaysia are facing challenges in acquiring essential items and necessities due to the fast-spreading Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

As such, families of Maldivians residing in Malaysia will have the opportunity to send care packages to their loved ones via the cargo flight charted by the government for Tuesday; this flight will return with 200 Maldivians, the national airline on Monday announced that a repatriation flight from the southeastern nation is to arrive on Wednesday.

Those who wish to send packages may submit forms via the ministry website. The ministry will be giving the opportunity to the first 500 applicants the first-time round.

The packages will be accepted at the counters near the departure hall in Velana International Airport (VIA) from 8am to 04:30pm.

The ministry set out a list of rules in sending the care packages. As such, individuals will be allowed to send prescribed medications that are not available in Malaysia, cans of tuna, cases of instant noodles, Rihaakuru or fish paste as well as fish packets.

Perishable items will not be allowed inside these packages, including raw fish, cash, short eats, fruits, vegetables, cigarette cartons as well as staple foods.

Each family may send items weighing 15 kilograms.

Care packages will also be inspected by the Maldives Customs Services and Aviation Security.