MALE, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ratified the Heritage Act which ensures the documentation, preservation and protection of cultural heritage in the island country, local media reports said here Friday.
The Heritage Bill was passed by the Parliament on Aug. 28.
The Heritage Act will also ascertain the procedures and jurisdictions of the state and individuals, as well as stipulate that acts resulting in the loss of items or sites of historical significance as criminal acts.
The purpose of the Heritage Act is to safeguard the perpetuation of items and sites of historical significance for future generations.
The government said introducing this legislation is one of the government's first 100-day pledges.
In 2012, several historical artifacts exhibited at the Maldives National Museum were destroyed by a group of men that stormed into the premises.
They had targeted and destroyed dozens of statues and items said to be of historical value.
