President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured fishermen that he will listen to their concerns and fulfill their needs during a meeting with boat captains. This marks the third time he has met with boat captains. During this meeting, the captains shared numerous issues they want addressed to improve the fishing industry. The most significant concern was clarifying the date when the price of a kilogram of fish would be increased to 20 rufiyaa. Additionally, they highlighted the decline in bait fishing in the Maldives, difficulties in applying for loans through the Bank of Maldives (BML), and challenges in obtaining fishing licenses. The captains also requested to change the scales used for weighing fish at MIFCO to digital scales.
Responding to these concerns, the President stated that the fish buying price could be increased once the system for paying fishermen within 48 hours of fish delivery is consistently established. However, he assured that the fish price would be increased. The President also said he would instruct BML to simplify the loan application process for fishermen and reduce the required documentation. Furthermore, he mentioned that land reclamation projects in V. Atoll would be carried out in consultation with fishermen. The President informed that efforts are underway to standardize fuel prices across all atolls in the Maldives by March next year through STO, and that MIFCO would also start selling fuel.
President Muizzu emphasized that the government is closely monitoring the issues of fishermen and boat captains, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed as quickly as possible.
