President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated criminals cannot tolerate the Maldives strengthening the security of its ocean region. He made the remarks in his address at the official function held in Gaafaru, Kaafu Atoll, to mark the 41st National Fishermen's Day.
Speaking at the function, President Solih noted the country's vast ocean region in the Indian Ocean, which consist of major drug networks as well as terrorism-related activities such as weapons smuggling. The president said criminals who profit from illegal activities conducted in the Indian Ocean cannot tolerate the Maldives increasing its cooperation between regional countries and increasing security in the region.
Furthermore, President Solih detailed the government's efforts to develop the fisheries sector and said fishermen would be able to reap the benefits early next year and see positive changes to pricing. The president assured the government's foremost priority is ensuring timely payments for fishermen. He also said Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) owed over USD 2.6 million to fishermen when his administration took office, adding the debt was cleared followed by the implementation of new policies to issue weekly payments to fishermen.
Additionally, President Solih said maintaining quality is one of the areas the government is focusing on improving, which includes establishing a nationwide mechanism to provide ice to fishing vessels. The president said ice plants have been built in Maduvvari in Raa Atoll, Hoarafushi in Haa Alifu Atoll, and noted that he has inaugurated the newly developed ice plant in Gaafaru. He detailed that an additional 50-tonne ice plant was also established in Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, while another 18 ice plants are being developed in 12 atolls.
The president added the completion of the projects would see production increase to 15,000 tonnes per month, which is a significant boost to the sector.