Defence Ministry to launch special operation to inspect chemical storage

The Ministry of Defence has announced the launch of a special operation to inspect chemical storage facilities, named “Operation Hiraas Faas,” which will commence on October 1.

In line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s initiatives to foster a healthy society, various ministries and state institutions are actively identifying measures to enhance community health, safety, and security. Ministry of Defence is particularly focused on ensuring the full implementation of laws and regulations designed to protect individuals and their property.

The ministry oversees the authorisation of hazardous chemical imports for various purposes, as well as the storage of these chemicals. It has the authority to inspect hazardous chemical storage facilities to ensure compliance with the law. While the ministry acknowledges that the storage of hazardous chemicals is permissible within legal parameters, there have been reports of regulatory violations by some individuals. The ministry has expressed concerns that failure to comply with regulations could lead to irreparable harm. It noted that a significant quantity of hazardous chemicals has been stored in residential areas of Male’ City, although such storage has been prohibited since a tragic fire, some years ago. As a result, chemical warehouses in Male’ have since been relocated to Thilafushi, Kaafu Atoll.