Spreading lies and false news is rooted in Maldivian society and has caused damage to the Maldivian state on some occasions, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Saturday.

He made the remarks during a ceremony held at Dharubaaruge convention centre to commemorate the 898th anniversary of the Day the Maldives Embraced Islam.

President Muizzu said spreading lies and false news is a "great destruction" to Maldivian society and those who spread lies were doing it for worldly gain and a small sum of money.

"If you look at these types of atrocities, lying and spreading false news is rooted in the current Maldivian society. Many people are busy spreading lies, slandering and gossiping. For temporary, worldly gain. For a small sum of money," he said.

Muizzu said the entire state has suffered “immensely” due to the spread of false news on some occasions.

"Sometimes, the spread of false news has caused immense damage to the entire Maldivian state," he said.

He also urged not to spend the wealth given by God to spread lies and false news.

Muizzu further said that the Maldives converted to Islam at a time when a regional power was attacking the Maldives.

At today's ceremony, President Muizzu conferred a special medal, memento, and prize for committing the Nobel Quran to memory to 28 recipients.