The Maldives cabinet on Tuesday, 17 March 2020, approved the state's decision to reduce salaries of all political appointees.
The decision comes in light of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic that has placed a significant dent on the Maldivian economy as well.
State's decision was confirmed by Mr Mabrouk Abdul Azeez, President's Office Under Secretary and official spokesperson on COVID-19 developments in Maldives, during the press briefing held on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. Azeez confirms the decision was approved in the presence of both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem who were accompanied by the cabinet ministers.
Though the state has decided on slicing the salaries of political appointees by 20%, President Office Under Secretary had not disclosed on the duration until the decision will remain effective.
While the viral pandemic has gravely affected the world economy, Maldives government has decided on putting steps to reduce state expenditure due to the uncertainty on when the disease will be completely contained.
It was reported Maldives government aims to save an approximate total of MVR1 billion through its decision.
Meanwhile, Maldives government has confirmed a total of 13 positive cases of the COVID-19 virus, all discovered from expatriates.
