Major motorcycle retailers in the Maldives have suspended instalment-based sales following recent Transport Ministry regulations that prevent companies from registering vehicles except for their own use.

The November 2023 rule changes have particularly affected Sheesha, a leading motorcycle dealer with over 25 years in the trade, which previously registered instalment-purchased motorcycles under its corporate 'C' registration before transferring them to individual 'P' registrations upon completion of payments.

A Sheesha spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that the company has temporarily halted instalment sales while revising its policies to comply with the new framework. 

The spokesperson indicated that instalment purchasing, a popular payment method among customers, would resume once the company finalises its legal adjustments to accommodate the new regulations.

The changes have sparked industry concerns about the practical implications of registering motorcycles directly to buyers. Companies warn that defaulted payments could now require court proceedings for vehicle recovery, potentially complicating the repossession process.