Fisheries minister twists president's pledge

Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has twisted President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to pay no less than MVR 20 per kilogram of fish, claiming that the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO) can currently pay even more than what the president promised.

Minister Shiyam was summoned to the People's Majlis sitting held on Tuesday. During the opportunity to question the minister, MP for Addu Meedhoo constituency Ahmed Didi inquired about the president's promise to fishermen.

Responding to Member Didi's question, Fisheries Minister Shiyam said that they are working in line with the promise, and that there is a part of the president's promise regarding skipjack tuna, and that the price of fish has been floated. He also stated that they are not deviating from the president's promise and that the fish price remains within the promise.

The minister added that he hopes that companies will have the opportunity to offer a better price than what the president set or promised. He added that this opportunity would also be available to MIFCO.

Regarding the Addu Fisheries Complex, Minister Shiyam said that there was a lot of discussion about increasing its capacity in the previous administration. He added that there were also many discussions in the government before that, but that the current administration will secure the necessary funds and begin the work within the year. The minister stated that within a year and a half, they plan to complete the project to increase the capacity of the Addu Fisheries Complex and begin providing services.