President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Government’s policy is to address drug abuse through a holistic and comprehensive approach.

The President made these remarks during the third episode of The Pulse podcast series, released today. The episode, which coincided with the recent marking of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking last Friday, focused on national efforts to combat drug abuse, with the President responding to questions from The Press newspaper.

The podcast, moderated by the Chief Government Spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, is designed to share the President's vision on issues of public interest. In today’s episode, he also answered queries submitted by members of the public.

The President emphasised that the Government’s core philosophy is to rescue youth experiencing drug abuse challenges, empowering them to lead dignified, productive, and fulfilling lives within society. Noting that the causes are multifaceted, he stressed that the issue can only be resolved by addressing its root causes rather than relying on superficial, short-term measures. He identified housing issues and past government development policies as major underlying factors behind the problem.

The President stated that, to provide a comprehensive solution, the Government is linking its anti-drug abuse strategy with broader social empowerment initiatives that address these root causes. These include resolving the housing crisis, creating viable employment and income opportunities for youth, and supporting small businesses. The strategy also encompasses expanding educational opportunities, strengthening the healthcare system, and providing women and stay-at-home individuals with opportunities to earn income from home.

The President further revealed plans for a modern, state-of-the-art facility to bolster rehabilitation and social reintegration for young offenders. Acknowledging that the project is highly capital-intensive, he announced that a dedicated area has been earmarked for reclamation in Uthuru Thila Falhu — distinct from the land reclaimed to address Malé’s housing crisis. He noted that while securing funding has taken time, the evaluation of submitted proposals is currently underway and expressed confidence that physical work will commence shortly, with tangible results anticipated within the current presidential term.