President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revoked the racing and drifting permits granted by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) in Hulhumale' and announced a series of stricter measures to combat speeding, following a fatal accident involving a sports car. The decision comes after a 23-year-old man tragically lost his life in a high-speed collision early Friday morning.
HDC had previously designated an area in Hulhumale' for racing and drifting, with permits granted on October 19, 2023, during the final days of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration. However, following the fatal accident, President Muizzu has moved swiftly to revoke these permits and has directed the implementation of enhanced traffic regulations.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Muizzu outlined new measures aimed at curbing dangerous driving, including:
- Immediate confiscation of vehicles and driver’s licenses for individuals caught exceeding speed limits.
- Amendments to traffic laws to prevent high-horsepower vehicles from being driven on public roads.
- Prohibition of modified silencers to reduce noise pollution from loud vehicles.
- Accelerating road safety plans submitted to HDC, including the installation of speed detection cameras and speed breakers at 150 locations in Hulhumale'.
- Introduction of a graduated licensing system with point deductions for traffic violations.
- Strengthened police enforcement of traffic regulations.
- Amendments to existing laws to enhance road safety and enforce strict penalties for speeding.
These changes follow the tragic death of Hassan Samah, a 23-year-old from Laamu Atoll Isdhoo, who was killed in a collision with a speeding sports car. The accident occurred near Central Park in Hulhumale', in front of the Ooredoo head office. Samah, a Prison Lance Corporal with the Maldives Correctional Service, sustained fatal head injuries and passed away shortly after being taken to Hulhumale' Hospital.
Police have arrested the driver of the sports car, identified as 26-year-old Mohamed Visam Siduqee from Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo. It was reported that Visam did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the accident. The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to be released by police.
Samah had come to Male' to participate in the TFG Marathon, which took place on Friday. The accident occurred after he had driven some friends to the marathon venue. Close relatives revealed that Samah had been preparing for his upcoming wedding, which was scheduled for next month.
The issue of speeding, particularly involving sports cars in Hulhumale', has been a growing concern among residents. A similar incident occurred on July 31, when a man was seriously injured after a sports car veered out of control in Hulhumale' Phase 2. The driver, Ibrahim Ikram, has since had his detention extended for 30 more days.
With these new measures in place, President Muizzu aims to make the roads safer for everyone and prevent further tragedies caused by reckless driving.
