Alifu Alifu Thoddoo Council has decided to close all sports facilities on the island during prayer times.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, the council said sports venues will be closed for 30 minutes during each prayer time. Facilities will also remain closed between 6pm and 8pm, (between Maghrib and Isha prayers), and from 10.30am to 2pm on Fridays.

The notice states that sports activities will not be permitted during the designated closure periods.

To enforce the measure, the council has assigned two officials; the Youth Associate and the Sports Councilor to monitor sports facilities and ensure compliance.

The decision comes shortly after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to facilitate prayer arrangements at sports venues during his weekly press conference on Monday.

The President said it had become common for people to continue playing at sports grounds even after prayer times had begun. He added that, as the Maldives is a 100 percent Muslim country, public facilities should be managed in a way that reflects that reality.

President Muizzu also said the government is currently working to establish prayer rooms in sports complexes and other sports-related facilities across the country.

At present, major sports venues in Male', including Maafannu Stadium and Kulhivaru Ekuveni, do not have dedicated prayer facilities.

The Thoddoo Council, which has a majority of members affiliated with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), is among the first local councils to implement restrictions on sports activities during prayer times following the President's remarks.