‘Only lawbreakers are recognised’: President's MVR 100k flat allowance and fine waiver ignite public backlash

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to waive fines for non‑payment of flats and to grant MVR 100,000 to owners of the Sinamale’ and Male' Hiyaa flats has sparked widespread public criticism.

The Sinamale’ and Male' Hiyaa flats, built in the 1990s, were considered spacious and high‑quality at the time. More than 35 years later, residents say the buildings have deteriorated severely, with recurring issues such as malfunctioning elevators and water leaks during rain.

Both MDP‑led councils and the council under President Muizzu’s mayoralty had previously pledged to resolve the long‑standing problems, but each blamed the constraints of the government in power at the time.

President Muizzu, who served as Housing Minister for seven years, told Galolhu residents last December that he did not want the Sinamale’ and Hiyaa issues to remain unresolved. On Monday, after meeting with flat owners, he announced two major decisions:

• All fines imposed for non‑payment of flats will be waived  

• Each flat owner will receive MVR 100,000 as an allowance, citing the prolonged delay in resolving ownership and division issues

The announcement, made by the President’s Office on Monday afternoon, quickly drew criticism online.

President Dr @MMuizzu meets with residents of Malé Hiyaa and Sinamalé flats to hear their concerns and engage in meaningful discussions on the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance living conditions and community wellbeing. pic.twitter.com/1kyXq5y04v

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) February 16, 2026

Many questioned how the payout would be financed, noting that such spending was not included in the approved state budget. Commenters argued that taxpayers deserved transparency on how the funds would be sourced.

Some accused the President of acting unilaterally. One commenter wrote that the decision “makes it seem like the President is distributing money as he pleases,” while others described it as “politically motivated handouts.”

Another widely shared comment said:  

“The ACC and the Election Commission are turning a blind eye to this. This is political bribery.”

Several Facebook users also highlighted what they saw as unfairness. One woman referenced Muizzu’s campaign pledge regarding Hiyaa flats:  

“He promised MVR 200,000 during the presidential election. Later they reduced the flat price instead. Now it’s MVR 100,000 for Sinamale’ flats right before council elections. How are we supposed to believe this?”

Others questioned whether the allowance would address the actual structural issues.  

“Will this money stop the water leaking into our flats?” one person asked.

Some pointed out that residents enter social housing under legally binding rent agreements.  

“How can a President change a signed agreement whenever he wants?” a commenter wrote.

There were also concerns about a recurring pattern of fine waivers during election periods. One Facebook user said:  

“If you pay rent on time, you don’t get penalties. People who don’t pay still have the latest phones and eat out every day. Waiving fines for those who intentionally avoid paying is unfair to those who follow the rules.”

Another described the move as a political culture that “encourages people to do whatever they want,” arguing that action should instead be taken against chronic non‑payers.

It remains unclear how much the government will spend on the allowances. The Ministry of Finance has not yet responded to requests for comment.