The Defence Ministry has given businesses importing, storing and selling hazardous chemicals one month to obtain the required permits, warning that enforcement action will be taken against those operating without authorization.

In an announcement, the Ministry said it had identified cases where hazardous chemicals were being stored and sold without the necessary approvals.

It warned that storing and selling hazardous chemicals in premises that do not meet safety standards could lead to serious incidents.

The Ministry has instructed businesses to apply for permits and register their chemical storage facilities through the Makudi portal.

Permits will only be issued after inspections confirm that storage facilities meet the required safety standards for handling and storing hazardous chemicals.

The Ministry said businesses that fail to obtain permits and register their facilities within the one-month deadline will face legal action.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of several major fires in Male' linked to hazardous chemicals.

Following a fatal fire at a chemical warehouse in Henveiru in 2019, the government decided to relocate chemical storage facilities to Thilafushi. One person was killed in the incident and nearby homes sustained extensive damage. According to the latest figures released by the Defence Ministry, there are 144 chemical storage facilities and 62 chemical retail outlets operating in Male'.

The Ministry said it has also carried out a special inspection campaign to ensure chemical storage facilities comply with safety regulations.