Ministry of Economic Development has issued a fine against the Male' City Council for selling plants without obtaining the required permits.
The economic ministry stated that the city council can only do business by setting up a local authority company. However, the city council opened a shop selling plants and herbs without establishing such a company. Therefore, the ministry issued a fine of USD647 for conducting business without a permit.
Speaking to PSM News, Mayor of Male' City Mohamed Muizzu said that the place is not run like an ordinary shop. He said the council was conducting business under the powers ensured by the Decentralisation Act.
The councils can do business by forming and registering a local authority company, according to the act. The company must be registered with the economic ministry. However, the councils are not allowed to enter into competitive trade with the public.
Male' City Council opened a plant shop on October 8 with 25 species of plants.