Authorities are investigating an incident of a man breaking-and-entering into a home of a sleeping couple and sexually assaulting the woman.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that the incident of a stranger breaking-and-entering into a sleeping couple's home and sexually assaulting the women in an island of the North Central Province was reported at 06:20 am of Sunday morning.

In addition to this case, authorities are also investigating the sexual assault of a 38-year-old woman by a 52-year-old man.

While reports of sexual assault have increased, many members of the public have criticised authorities over the lack of action taken against sex offenders, especially child sex offenders. As such, a recent parliamentary inquiry into child sex abuse cases found long delays in bringing justice for child sex abuse survivors.