President urges police to remain steadfast in their duties, pledges to devote more resources and assistance

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged law enforcement officers to remain steadfast in their duties, and pledged to devote more resources and assistance to the police service. He made this statement on Saturday, during a meeting with senior officers of Maldives Police Service (MPS), held at the Upper North Police Station, this morning.

Speaking during the meeting, President Solih said that the decentralisation of policing under the new Maldives Police Service Act will ease difficulties in policing and that the government will provide the resources needed for these changes to materialise. He further noted that the government plans to initiate the construction of 61 police stations in different islands within the upcoming year. He added that the plan also includes the establishment of an extension building for the Kulhudhuffushi Regional Police Headquarters.

Addressing the importance of law enforcement for sustaining communities, the President highlighted that the most prominent role in law enforcement rests upon the police. He said that the various meaningful changes implemented over the past two years to improve policing in the country had successfully garnered public trust.

Speaking at the meeting, officers noted difficulties faced in policing and expressed their concerns. Officers also noted the resources and infrastructure needed to improve police capabilities and services. Officers also discussed ways to ensure arrangements for better communication between relevant authorities and agencies. They also shared information about the changes being implemented to policing under the Police Service Act and efforts underway to develop human resources and improve overall policing.

Following the discussions, the President toured the Upper North Police Station premises. He later also toured the waste management site in Kulhudhuffushi Island.

The first couple’s current visit to Kulhudhuffushi City is the first leg of a 03-island trip to the north of the country. From Kulhudhuffushi City, the President and First Lady will visit Kumundhoo Island and then Hanimaadhoo Island of Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials are accompanying the President and First Lady on this trip.