President Muizzu Calls for Stricter Penalties on Speeding After Fatal Hulhumale' Accident
In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed the life of 23-year-old Hassan Samah, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called for urgent amendments to laws and regulations to impose stricter punishments for speeding. The accident, which occurred in Hulhumale’, has reignited public concerns about road safety and the increasing number of speeding incidents in the area.
Tragic Accident in Hulhumale’
The accident took place in the early hours of the morning, around 3:00 a.m., near Central Park in Hulhumale’, in front of the Ooredoo head office. Samah, a Maldives Correctional Service officer and a resident of Laamu Atoll Isdhoo, was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a speeding sports car. He had been en route to participate in the TFG marathon, a popular local event.
Despite being rushed to Hulhumale’ Hospital, Samah succumbed to his injuries, which included severe trauma to his head. The Maldives Police Service has confirmed the arrest of the sports car’s driver, identified as 26-year-old Mohamed Visam Siduqee, from Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo. The driver is currently in custody as police investigate the incident.
President Muizzu Calls for Action
Following the fatal crash, President Muizzu expressed his condolences to the family of Hassan Samah and emphasized the government’s determination to crack down on traffic violations. In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the President announced that he has directed government agencies to revise traffic laws to impose tougher penalties for those caught speeding.
“Relevant government agencies have already been instructed to amend laws and regulations to impose stricter penalties on those exceeding speed limits, regardless of the location or time,” the President stated.
He also called on the public to cooperate in reducing road accidents by adhering to speed limits and traffic rules, emphasizing that road safety is a shared responsibility.
Growing Concerns Over Speeding in Hulhumale’
The tragic death of Samah is the latest in a series of accidents in Hulhumale’, where speeding, especially by sports cars, has become a major public safety issue. In recent months, there have been several traffic-related incidents around Central Park, including another fatal motorcycle collision. Last month, a similar crash occurred in Hulhumale’ Phase 2, further fueling concerns among residents.
The Maldives Police Service confirmed that they received a report about the accident at 2:48 a.m., describing the incident as a high-speed collision between the sports car and Samah’s motorcycle. The accident happened shortly after Samah had dropped off friends at the marathon venue.
Stricter Measures on the Horizon
In response to these incidents, the government is now taking steps to amend existing traffic laws to prevent future tragedies. The President’s announcement is seen as part of a broader effort to make the streets of Malé, Hulhumale’, and other islands safer for residents and visitors alike.
Public sentiment echoes the need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, with many calling for increased penalties, more frequent police patrols, and speed cameras in high-risk areas. President Muizzu's administration is committed to addressing these concerns as part of its broader road safety initiative.
As the nation mourns the loss of Hassan Samah, the government’s swift action highlights the urgent need for change to prevent similar incidents in the future.