Maldivian Parliament has held the first reading of the amendment bill on the Import Export Act, on reducing duty taken from petroleum.
The Majority Leader of Parliament and the Member of Parliament for VIlimale' constituency Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik proposed the amendment to Chapter 27 of the Import Export Act which deals with mineral fuels, mineral oils, products of distillation; bituminous substances and mineral waxes. Nihan proposed duty to be reduced from 10% to 5%.
Nihan attributed the need to enforce the change, to the need to reduce everyday expenses of citizens on basic amenities and acknowledged that this would be a reduction in the state revenue. However, he said that the aim of the current administration is to alleviate difficulties faced by citizens.
Nihan acknowledged the criticism towards the government due to hike in prices of goods and commodities this Ramadan, and said that there was little to nothing the government could do on that issue. He further called on businesses to show some loyalty and compassion towards the plight of common citizens.
The bill has been accepted to parliament for deliberation.