Shaheem denies reports linking son to vape, embassy role
The import and use of vapes have been banned in the Maldives since December.
Islamic Affairs Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed on Friday denied reports claiming his son was employed at the Maldivian Embassy in Malaysia and was involved in the import of vape equipment into the Maldives.
Some newspapers reported that Shaheem’s son, Abdulla Maahil Shaheem, was stopped by customs upon arrival in the Maldives with vape equipment. Customs authorities have not issued an official statement on the matter.
In a post on X, Shaheem said it was “very sad” to see false rumours being spread and reiterated that Maahil was not employed at the Malaysian embassy. He called on media outlets to correct the reports.
Following continued media coverage, Shaheem issued a second statement, again stressing that his son did not hold any position at the Maldivian Embassy in Malaysia.
“I am repeatedly saying that my son is not in a job at the Maldivian Embassy in Malaysia. No, no,” Shaheem wrote in a Facebook post.
The import and use of vapes have been banned in the Maldives since December. The law provides for significant fines for violations, with 22 people fined last month for vape-related offences.
