President ratifies bill regarding not to levy duty on basic food items

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has ratified the bill passed by the Parliament regarding not to impose duty from basic food items.

Following ratification, the bill has been published in the Government Gazette on Thursday.

A duty of 10 percent was to be charged on basic food items when the bill was first presented to the parliament. However, President Yameen has decided in this month not to levy any duties on basic food items.

The Amendment was passed by the Parliament with 49 votes at the 28th sitting of its third session, on 17 December 2014. Sixteen members voted against the bill.