Minister of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has denied claims circulating on social media that the Ministry instructed mosques in Malé City to lower the volume of prayer broadcasts so they cannot be heard outside mosque premises.

In a message sent to media outlets, Minister Dr Shaheem described the claims as false and stated that no such directive had been issued by the Ministry.

The clarification follows reports being shared online alleging that mosques across Malé City had been instructed to reduce loudspeaker volume during prayer times.

While rejecting the claims, Minister Dr Shaheem acknowledged that some mosques in the Greater Malé Area are located in close proximity to one another, with certain mosques using loudspeaker volumes that are excessively high during prayers.

He said this has at times created difficulties for worshippers at nearby mosques due to overlapping recitations being heard simultaneously from multiple locations.

The Minister further stated that the Ministry has advised mosques to address such issues and make adjustments where necessary to avoid disruptions to neighbouring congregations.