Preparations for the construction of new endowment buildings in the city have begun. Mohammed Muizzu said.

Speaking at the closing of the 36th National Quran Competition held at the Islamic Centre's meeting hall last night, the President stated that the government is taking significant measures to promote the art and knowledge of reciting the Holy Quran. To fund these activities, the administration is developing two additional waqf facilities, 'Daarul Salaam' and 'Daarul Arqam'.

"There is currently only one waqf building in the city. This building receives MVR 6 million annually. The government intends to find more ways to increase the financial resources for religious activities. The development of a new Waqf building under the name Daarul Salaam is ongoing while land registrations for another under the name Daarul Arqam is ongoing with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs," the President highlighted.

The President said he would increase the number of free Holy Quran classes and expand the service to the whole country.

He further noted that the number of people who have memorised the Quran is increasing. As such, the Government will focus on continued increase in the number of Hafiz' in the Maldives, President Dr. Muizzu said.

"For that, resources can be augmented. The compensation for Hafizs can be doubled," he said.

President Dr. Muizzu added that it is important to build a national centre for the Holy Quran, and as pledged in his manifesto, the administration will allot land for the construction of a centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President announced that for the first time a permanent centre for the Holy Quran will be established in the Maldives.