President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to listening to and addressing the needs of fishermen. He delivered this assurance during a meeting with fishermen at the President's Office this morning – the third such meeting between the President and the fishing community.
During the discussion, fishermen raised several concerns, foremost among them the need for a clear timeline on increasing the fish purchase price to MVR 20 per kilogramme. They also highlighted a decline in the baitfish population, though Vaavu Atoll was noted as offering the best conditions for baitfishing. Additional concerns included difficulties in securing loans from the Bank of Maldives (BML) and obstacles to obtaining fishing licences. Fishermen also requested that the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company's (MIFCO) weighing scales be upgraded to digital models. They further highlighted broader challenges relating to fishing and fish weighing across different regions of the Maldives.
While raising these issues, the fishermen acknowledged the Government’s initiatives to support the industry and address previous concerns, but stressed the importance of further improvements.
In response, President Dr Muizzu assured them that the fish purchase price would be increased once the 48-hour payment system is fully stabilised. He further committed to working closely with fishermen to address their concerns.
Regarding the loan difficulties raised, he said that, in line with the Government's policies, instructions would be given to BML to simplify the loan application process, including reducing documentation requirements. He noted that ongoing land reclamation projects in Vaavu Atoll would continue in consultation with fishermen to ensure their views were incorporated.
The President also provided updates on other key initiatives, including efforts to standardise fuel prices across all atolls to match the State Trading Organisation’s (STO) rate, with completion expected by March next year. He further outlined MIFCO’s preparations to commence fuel sales.
President Dr Muizzu reiterated his Administration’s commitment to resolving the challenges faced by fishermen and supporting the continued growth of the fishing industry.
