Expanding the scout movement across the Maldives will help tackle numerous social issues, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The president said this while speaking at the National Scout Day gala event held in Kurumba Maldives on Monday, to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the introduction of scouting in the Maldives.

Speaking as the chief scout of the Maldives, the president noted that some of the main issues facing the society can be alleviated by expanding the scout movement.

Such issues include the spread of drug abuse, gang related crimes, domestic violence as well as sexual abuse.

He said that the movement currently focuses on students alone , as a result of which some youths are driven towards criminal activities after they complete secondary and higher secondary schooling.

Adding that providing opportunities for the youth to continue in the movement even after their graduation, will shape them into productive members of the society, the president said that the scout movement seeks to contribute to the development of youth communities to achieve their full potential as individuals, citizens and members of society alike.

The ceremony also saw the president assuring council members of the Scout Association of Maldives, that the incumbent administration remains committed to assist in developing the scout movement across the country.

The president also announced his decision to designate a separate island for scouting activities under the Ministry of Education.

Badges and certificates were presented by the president to four recipients of the "Silver Tuna"—the highest honor in national scouting—and two recipients of the Scout Awards at the gala event.