The Government has proposed amendments to the Penal Code to criminalise acts that threaten the Maldives’ economic security, with penalties varying according to the offender’s position.

The bill, submitted to Parliament by Maafannu South MP Abdullah Rifau on behalf of the Government, is scheduled for debate tomorrow.

Under the proposed amendment, intentionally obstructing critical infrastructure, disrupting essential services or halting major State revenue-generating activities could constitute an offence if the acts cause significant economic harm to the State.

The bill defines significant economic harm as damage that disrupts economic activities or weakens the country’s financial or economic position.

A person convicted of the offence could face one to four years in prison. The proposed penalty increases to six to 10 years for senior State or government officials, while an MP convicted of the offence would face a 10-year prison sentence.

The proposed amendment comes amid opposition to the allocation of land to UAE-based Eagle Hills for a USD 20 billion development project in Rasmalé, with a campaign titled ‘Dhivehinge Binn Dhivehinah’ opposing the move.