Maldives Ports Limited has stated that a regulation to oversee work of clearance workers at MPL ports had been implemented last week.

MPL made the statement at a time the People's Majlis has passed a motion to have work conclude for compiling a Regulation for the Registration of Clearance Agents by 30 April 2021.

Speaking on Raajje TV's "Fala Surukhee" programme, Managing Director of MP Shahid Ali stated that as things stand, there was risk at all business ports, especially so in the Greater Male' area. Shahid noted that while several SOPs have been adopted to improve the safety conditions for those working at MPL, no such regulations where effect for visitors to the port site or those working as clearance agents. Shahid noted that even now, there were over 30 SOPs in effect for the safety of MPL employees, only the Regulation for the Registration of Clearance Agents had been implemented to safeguard others at MPL ports.

Shahid noted difficulties in implementing the regulation as most workers at MPL ports were clearing goods based on daily wage systems, which made it difficult to oversee and regulate their work. Shahid added the that this year's two fatal accidents at the MPL port had displayed a lack of experience on behalf of workers on safety procedure at such sites.

In addition to this, Shahid noted that a work to compile regulations on clearance operators at MPL ports had begun last year. He revealed that once the regulation had been implemented, requirements had been set for the experience and qualifications for clearance workers at MPL ports, and that the MPL Security Department could now halt clearance operations at signs of perceived danger. Shahid added that a checklist had been developed for clearance workers, in addition to implementation of the health and safety precautions as described in the regulation.

Earlier this year, parliament had released a report based on information from the Transport Ministry, stating that there were no SOPs compiled for the port as of now, and that no such guidelines had been implemented for the work of clearance workers, or the operation of heavy vehicles at the site of the port.