MVR 119.6 Million Collected in Fines by Mid-Year

The state has collected MVR 119.6 million in fines and penalties by mid-year.

Figures published by the Ministry of Finance show that the government received MVR 119.6 million in fines between January 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021. Fines collected within the same period last year amounted to MVR 69.4 million. The state predicted an income of MVR 43.9 million in fines this year, however the state collected more than double within the first half of this year.

The total amount collected last year was less than that of the previous year. According to the Finance Ministry, the government accumulated MVR 146.2 million in fines and penalties from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020. In 2019, they collected MVR 235.3 million.

One of the major reasons the rate of fines was lower in 2020 was the COVID-19 lockdown enforced in the Greater Male' Area. When restrictions were lifted, penalizing those who refused to follow COVID-19 guidelines began to contribute to the fund. The government also increased the rate of fines for those who violated the Health Protection Agency's (HPA) guidelines.

The state expects a great number of fines this year as well. Traffic violations alone would raise MVR 5,199,006, they predicted. They added they would also receive MVR 14 million for disobeying the law, MVR 10 million for violating guidelines, MVR 1.9 million for failure to honor agreements, MVR 8.7 million for staff efforts and fines, MVR 100,000 for failure to honor debts, and MVR 3 million in miscellaneous fines.