Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has announced that MVR 881 million has been disbursed to fishermen since President Muizzu took office.
Shiyam said at a press conference today that from November 17, 2023, to April 22 this year, a total of MVR 881 million was distributed to fishermen. However, he noted that MVR 61 million is still pending payment to the fishermen.
“The government has certainly released MVR 881 million to the fishermen. By the end of the month, MIFCO will face difficulties. We hope to pay this outstanding amount to the fishermen as soon as possible,” Shiyam stated.
The minister indicated that clearing the dues would be challenging unless MIFCO reduced its expenditures. Consequently, he added, MIFCO and related entities are exploring methods to cut costs.
When the current government assumed office, there was a backlog of MVR 250 million owed to the fishermen.
On March 3, 2013, President Muizzu met with the people of Dhawafar and assured them that the government is working to ensure fishermen are paid within 48 hours after clearing all outstanding payments.
Additionally, on the 11th of last month, the government reduced the purchase price of fish for MIFCO to MVR 20 per kg.
