President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 1st Amendment to the Waste Management Act.

The amendment, passed by the People’s Majlis on 17 August, establishes guidelines for waste management systems and centres, safe waste management policies and resource allocation. It also clarifies the responsibilities of the Utility Regulatory Authority and the Environmental Regulatory Authority.

The amendment authorises the Environmental Regulatory Authority to formulate regulations imposing fines for waste management violations that adversely affect the environment or public health.

It also requires proper waste management systems on islands and areas leased for economic or industrial purposes, with the Utility Regulatory Authority responsible for monitoring compliance.

The amendment removes the MVR 2 plastic bag fee from certain transactions, ending double taxation on plastic bags sold or provided to customers at points of sale.

Importing waste into the Maldives is now a criminal offence, while the sale, use and distribution of hazardous waste without an Environmental Regulatory Authority permit are also punishable offences.

The amendment came into effect upon ratification and publication in the Government Gazette. Regulations under the amendment must be published within 30 days.