No Rala or Ooruma Fish, No Casino in Rasmale: President Muizzu Reveals Key Restrictions

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that certain items and activities will be prohibited in the Rasmale development area, offering new details about the project during a "Nation Chat" programme broadcast by state media PSM. The President stated that rala and ooruma fish will not be sold in the Rasmale area, and that there will be no casino. He explained that things in the Rasmale area would be more restricted than in resorts. He also said that generally during Ramadan, eating and drinking on the streets would not be allowed. Highlighting that this is where Maldivian police are stationed and where the Constitution of the Maldives, laws, and all state powers operate, the President said a mosque will be present with five daily prayers called. He also stated that no school or educational institution controlled by any foreign entity or otherwise would exist in that place. Regarding property sales, President Muizzu said that when the law is sent, property will not be sold to more than 25 percent of any country's citizens in that place. However, there would be no limit for Maldivians. Through passport checks, CVC (Central Virtual Card) and other means, no Israeli citizen would be allowed to purchase or rent property there, nor even stay for a single day. The President said that this investment in Rasmale is not something citizens should worry about and that it benefits citizens entirely. He added that although opposition political parties have attempted to mislead this project without sincere intentions, since this will be a place built within a residential zone, all dangerous roads will be closed. President Muizzu revealed that the government would send a special bill related to real estate tourism to the People's Majlis, and that before this bill becomes an act, the Majlis would generally open it for public opinion and consultation for approximately two to three weeks. He also stated that once the agreement for this project is drafted, the complete agreement would be sent to the Majlis for review by a standing committee. Plots in Rasmale would be secured for everyone meeting the conditions from all categories who faced challenges, including residents of Malé, those registered in the registry, and people who lived in Malé for 15 years. Furthermore, using $500 million invested by investors from the 10 percent share obtained in the first sale of this project, the government would build 5,000 housing units in Hulhumalé along with all basic services, which the government would not need to repay.