President Muizzu has directed authorities to amend laws and regulations to impose stricter punishments for speeding.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has implemented and announced stringent measures, including the revocation of permits previously granted by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for racing and drifting in Hulhumale'.
This decision follows a fatal accident involving a speeding sports car.
HDC granted permission for the use of a designated area in Hulhumale' for racing and drifting on October 19 last year, during the final days of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration.
In response to the incident, President Muizzu has directed authorities to amend laws and regulations to impose stricter punishments for speeding. The measures announced include:
1. Immediate stop vehicles driving over the speed limit, with both the driver's license and the vehicle to be confiscated by police
2. Amending laws to prevent vehicles above certain horsepower (CC) from being driven on public roads
3. Prohibiting the modification of silencers to make vehicles louder
4. Expediting the implementation of the plans submitted to HDC by the police for road safety in Hulhumale', including the installation of speed breakers and speed detection cameras in 150 locations
5. Introducing a graduating licensing system and implementing point deductions for traffic violations
6. Strengthening police efforts to enforce traffic laws and regulations
7. Amending laws and regulations to enhance road safety and impose strict actions against driving over the speed limit
The measures were announced in a post on X following the death of a young man in a fatal accident early Friday morning. Public concerns and complaints about road safety and security, particularly regarding sports cars losing control and causing accidents, have surged in Hulhumale'.
Hassan Samah, 23, a resident of Laamu atoll Isdhoo, sustained fatal head injuries in the collision and passed away shortly after being taken to Hulhumale' Hospital for treatment. Mohamed Visam Siduqee, 26, from Seenu atoll Hithadhoo, was arrested in connection with the accident, which occurred in front of the Ooredoo head office near Central Park in Hulhumale'. Police reported that Visam, the driver of the sports car, did not have a valid driver's license.
Police have not yet released detailed information about the incident. However, a statement sent to the press yesterday morning said that the accident occurred when the sports car collided with a motorcycle.
Samah, a Prison Lance Corporal at Maldives Correctional Service, had come to Male' to participate in the TFG Marathon, which was held yesterday in Hulhumale'. The accident occurred after he had driven some friends to the marathon venue.
Samah was also preparing for his wedding next month when he passed away, according to close relatives.
Samah joined the Maldives Correctional Service in January 2021 and was serving at Maafushi Prison.
On July 31, a man was seriously injured when a sports car veered out of control in Hulhumale' Phase 2 and crashed into a stationary motorist. Ibrahim Ikram, the driver of the speeding car, whose three-day remand had recently expired, has had his detention extended by an additional 30 days.
Sign In
