MP urges ministry to address mental health and public safety concerns in Malé

Galolhu Uthuru MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) has called on the Ministry of Health to establish procedures for addressing public disturbances involving mental health and community safety concerns, following complaints about a man accused of harassing residents and pedestrians in Malé.

In a letter sent to Health Minister Abdulla Nazim's successor, Minister Geela Ali, on Saturday, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lawmaker requested measures to provide mental health support, rehabilitation and protection for people affected by such incidents.

The request follows a case involving a man living in the Kashimaa Hingun and Dhoohimeri Magu area of Malé, which prompted a resident to begin a hunger strike outside the Henveiru Police Office on Saturday over alleged inaction by the authorities.

In his letter, Mohamed Ibrahim said the disturbances affecting residents, pedestrians and motorists in the neighbourhood were problems he had also experienced personally.

He noted that the National Mental Health Department operates under the Ministry of Health and said the ministry would be familiar with the challenges involved in addressing cases of this nature.

However, he expressed concern that repeated efforts to address such issues had not produced lasting solutions.

The MP said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to adequate healthcare and a clean and healthy living environment.

He argued that the government had not taken sufficient measures to ensure these rights were protected in cases involving persistent public disturbances.

Referring to practices in developed countries, Mohamed Ibrahim said such situations were generally addressed through established procedures, including rehabilitation programmes and healthcare support for individuals requiring assistance.

He called for changes to the approach currently adopted in the Maldives, saying a system was needed to protect community safety while ensuring appropriate support for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

The MP also suggested that the ongoing case involved social and mental health concerns that required attention beyond conventional law enforcement measures.

He urged the Health Ministry to intervene without delay and work towards a lasting solution, citing concerns raised by residents affected by the disturbances.

The letter was sent amid public attention surrounding complaints against a man accused of repeatedly harassing people in the Kashimaa Hingun and Dhoohimeri Magu neighbourhood.

A resident, Mohamed Saeed, began a hunger strike outside the police office on Saturday morning, alleging that complaints submitted to the authorities over the past 12 years had not resulted in action.

Saeed accused the man of verbally abusing pedestrians, obstructing roads, throwing objects and liquids at passers-by, and entering residential buildings without permission.

Police subsequently confirmed that the man accused of causing public disturbances had been arrested but did not provide further details.