Parliament has approved Thoriq Ibrahim as Minister of Tourism and Environment after merging two ministries earlier this month.

The approval came with 69 votes in favour, following the Government Oversight Committee's recommendation.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu nominated Thoriq on February 10 after merging the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy with the Ministry of Tourism on February 1.

Thoriq had already taken charge of the new ministry at the start of the month.