President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has revoked permits for racing and drifting issued by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and announced stricter traffic regulations following a fatal road accident in Hulhumalé.

The president’s directive came after the death of a 23-year-old motorcyclist in the early hours of Friday. The incident has prompted calls for tougher measures on speeding and reckless driving.

The HDC had granted permission for a designated area in Hulhumalé to be used for racing and drifting in October last year. However, in light of the recent accident, President Muizzu ordered the immediate revocation of the permit and outlined several new measures aimed at improving road safety.

Key measures include the immediate seizure of vehicles and driving licences of those exceeding the speed limit, as well as amendments to laws prohibiting vehicles above a certain horsepower from public roads. Regulations will also be introduced to ban modifications that create excessive noise.

Additionally, plans for the installation of speed breakers and detection cameras in 150 locations across Hulhumalé will be expedited. A points-based licence system will also be introduced, with penalties for traffic violations.

The president’s measures were announced late on Friday via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, amid growing public concern over road safety in the Greater Malé Region.