President Muizzu pledges solutions after wheelchair user reports being denied entry to two mosques

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said he will resolve the concerns raised by a wheelchair user who was denied entry into two mosques in Male' due to his disability.

A man identified as Faiz told the President, during the “Rayyithunge Adu” programme for individual citizen consultations, that some mosques had refused to let him enter in his wheelchair, claiming the wheelchair was dirty and would soil the mosque floors.

“When I went to enter the mosque, they closed the door and told me not to enter. Then I told them I would sit near the door, and that they could clean just that spot after I left, but they still denied me access,” he said.

Faiz said he was treated this way at the Salahuddin Mosque in Male' and Masjid‑ul Rasheed in Hulhumale'. As a result, he now prays entirely at home.

He asked the President to arrange a designated space for wheelchair users inside mosques so that people with disabilities can join congregational prayers. Faiz also shared a video with the President showing how he was treated at the two mosques.

In addition, Faiz highlighted difficulties in boarding MTCC buses operating in the Male' area. He also noted that the wheelchairs provided by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) are of poor quality, especially given his condition and weight.

The President assured him that the issues would be addressed.

“I want to bring good solutions for such problems, better access to mosques, buses, and all other public services,” he said.