Draft regulation proposes fines for littering, noise and public obstruction

The Malé City Council has published a draft regulation outlining offences classified as public nuisances and the penalties that may be imposed for violations, inviting members of the public to submit comments and feedback.

The draft regulation was published in the Government Gazette on Wednesday and sets out a framework for addressing a range of activities affecting public spaces within the city.

Under the proposed rules, acts classified as public nuisances include littering, dumping waste outside designated collection points, soiling streets, obstructing public areas with objects or commercial goods, creating excessive noise, and writing or drawing on walls without permission.

The regulation also addresses safety concerns related to items placed on balconies and terraces. It proposes action against the unsafe placement of flower pots and the use of ropes to lift materials to upper floors in a manner that may pose a risk to the public.

According to the draft, enforcement measures would begin with a written warning, followed by a community order and, if necessary, financial penalties.

For illegal waste disposal, offenders would receive a notice and a fine of MVR 500.

Individuals who provide false addresses or incorrect information after receiving a warning or notice could face a fine of MVR 2,000.

Where flower pots or other items are placed on balconies or terraces in a manner that creates a risk of falling onto public areas, owners would be given three days to rectify the issue. Failure to comply would result in a fine of MVR 5,000, rising to MVR 15,000 if the matter remains unresolved.

The regulation also prohibits damaging plants and flowers in parks, public squares, mosques and other areas under the council's jurisdiction. Sleeping or bathing inside mosques is likewise listed as an offence. A fine of MVR 100 is proposed for a first offence, with repeat offences carrying a fine of MVR 500.

In relation to noise complaints, cafes, restaurants and sports venues would be required to reduce excessive noise within 15 minutes of being notified. Failure to do so could result in a fine of MVR 500.

The draft regulation further states that unpaid fines may be recovered through legal proceedings.

The council said the regulation contains a wider range of offences and corresponding enforcement measures, each of which is addressed individually within the proposed framework.

Members of the public have been invited to submit comments and suggestions on the draft regulation via the council's official email address within 10 days of its publication.