Thoriq says alcohol and pork should never be allowed in inhabited islands

Environment and Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim has rejected former president Mohamed Nasheed’s suggestion that the “commodities” sold in resorts should also be available in major tourist hotels in the islands, saying the sale of alcohol and pork in the atolls is not government policy and “must not be done”.

“It is not the government’s policy to allow the sale of alcohol and pork in rural guesthouses and tourist hotels to promote local tourism,” Thoriq said.

“I also believe that selling alcohol and pork in the atolls should not be done at all,” he added.

Thoriq noted that some safari vessels already sell alcohol while anchored near inhabited islands, and said the government is working to address the issue. He stressed that alcohol and pork should not be allowed in residential areas under any circumstances.

The minister made the remarks while responding to Nasheed’s comments at the official launch of Maafushi’s new tourism brand, Heart of Maldives, held on Friday night. Nasheed had argued that the “goods” and services available to tourists in resorts should also be accessible in major hotels on inhabited islands to strengthen local tourism. He did not specify which goods he was referring to, though some interpreted his remarks as a call to allow alcohol and pork sales.

Speaking at the event, Nasheed said there was a time when education was restricted and tourists were not allowed to stay in the Maldives, and argued that the country should now consider equalising the services offered across different types of tourist establishments.

Just back from magical Maafushi! Huge thanks to the Maafushi Island Council President, the council, the amazing people of Maafushi, and the local Tourisam captains — your warmth made the island unforgettable! ???? #Maafushi #Maldives pic.twitter.com/kl6pVfvPf0

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 20, 2025

“It is unfair that the services and goods provided to tourists in resorts are not provided by the big hotels in the islands. We should think about bringing about that equality,” he said.

Nasheed also noted that the Maldives receives an average of two million tourists annually, with around 20 percent arriving and departing through Maafushi.

Alcohol and pork remain prohibited in inhabited islands, though cases of liquor being smuggled into the atolls and the capital continue to be reported, with arrests made from time to time.