President says no list received of alleged ‘ghost employees’ at MACL

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said he has not received any list of alleged employees being paid without working at Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

Responding to a question at a press conference at the President’s Office of Maldives, the president said: “I have not received such a list.”

A document circulating on social media claims to list 85 individuals allegedly drawing high salaries from MACL without carrying out work, and suggests it was sent from the President’s Office.

MACL has not commented on the claims.

Muizzu said all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have been instructed, through the finance ministry, to review staffing and reduce employee numbers by up to one-third where possible.

“All SOEs have been asked to assess performance and streamline their workforce,” he said.

Addressing separate concerns over the government’s newly launched taxi service in Malé, the president acknowledged reported issues with the app.

He said the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and the transport ministry had been instructed to investigate and take corrective action if needed.

“The President’s Office has instructed MTCC and the Ministry of Transport to look into this carefully and take action immediately if there are any issues,” he said.

MTCC recently introduced payment options on website or via QR code for the service after offering free taxi rides during its initial two-week rollout period.