Canned tuna distribution to resume as questions linger over millions spent last year

The government is preparing to begin the distribution of canned tuna to households this year, even as details surrounding the expenditure of the same initiative last year remain undisclosed.

Information contained in the 2025 State Budget shows that the government spent more than MVR 111 million to subsidize canned tuna supplied by MIFCO under the staple food subsidy scheme. This amount is MVR 30 million higher than the figure previously disclosed by the government.

According to the budget documents, the cost per case of canned tuna stands at MVR 1,005, which is 34 percent higher than the prevailing market price. The significant gap between the current figures and the government’s earlier statements has raised questions. Despite the MVR 30 million discrepancy, the government has yet to provide a detailed explanation. As a result, some members of the public have voiced concerns, alleging possible corruption linked to the canned tuna distribution project.

Despite these concerns, the government has announced that distribution of canned tuna cases for the upcoming fasting month of Ramadan will commence this Saturday in the Greater Malé Region.

The government stated that citizens are required to obtain a token prior to collecting their tuna cases, with registration for these tokens now open. Applications for the “Ramadan Gift” tokens can be submitted through the portal roadhahadhiya.mv.

In Malé City, distribution centers have been set up at the MIFCO Center, Social Centre, MTCC Sawmill, Henveiru Football Ground, and Galolhu Stadium. In Hulhumalé Phase I, distribution will take place at the Umar Zahir Building below the POLCO Towers and at Mohamed Qasim Preschool. In Phase II, distribution points include Kaamil Didi School, Hiyaa Tower 10, and the Vinares Flats. In Villimalé, distribution will be carried out at the WAMCO site.

The canned tuna cases will be distributed daily, except on Fridays, from 8:30pm to 11pm.

Muizzu announced the “Ramadan Gift” initiative during a ceremony held at the Social Centre on 17 November 2024, to mark the first anniversary of the administration. Following the announcement, public scrutiny centered on several aspects of the initiative, including the branding of the tuna cans to promote the president, the total cost of the program, and the logistics of distribution.

To date, the government has not addressed the inconsistencies between the actual spending and the amounts allocated in the budget.