Customs yet to request MVR 15M pledged for scanner, as full cost at MVR 51M

Customs on Sunday said it would need MVR 51 million to purchase a container scanner for the Male' commercial port.

The Budget Review Committee met with Customs and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) officials on Sunday to discuss plans to install container scanners to strengthen port security.

Committee chair and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem (Red Wave Saleem) said the Finance Ministry had agreed to allocate MVR 15 million to Customs this year for the scanner. However, the funds have not yet been disbursed, as Customs has not formally requested them from the ministry, he noted.

Chief Superintendent Abdullah Ali, who oversees the Customs budget, said the scanner was discussed during a meeting with the Finance Ministry on September 30. He estimated the total cost of the scanner and related processes at MVR 51 million.

“The total cost of the whole process is about MVR 51 million. That’s about the total cost of this machine,” Abdullah said, adding that the Finance Ministry had indicated the scanner could not be acquired with just MVR 15 million.

Saleem said Finance Minister Moosa Zameer had reaffirmed on Sunday that the necessary funds would be arranged. He explained that the government was considering two options: funding through MPL or directly via the Finance Ministry. Saleem added that even if the purchase goes through a tender process, the full amount may not need to be paid upfront.

An MPL official said space constraints at the Male' port were a challenge, and the company was now exploring a mobile scanner solution that could be relocated as needed. He added that MPL plans to implement a state-of-the-art system once operations shift to the Thilafushi commercial port, but currently lacks the budget to purchase scanners. The estimated cost of the scanner is USD 3 to 4 million.

Saleem stressed the urgency of acquiring the scanner and said he would work with the minister to secure the remaining funds once the bidding date is announced.

“I certainly know that the installation of container scanners will double the revenue of state Customs. I know very well what I am talking about,” Saleem said.

Audit reports have revealed that no container scanning facilities exist at any port in the Maldives. As a result, many goods are unloaded without inspection, facilitating the smuggling of drugs and prohibited items, and causing losses in import duty due to undeclared goods.

The push to acquire a scanner comes amid an ongoing investigation into the theft of two containers of seized cigarettes from MPL’s Hulhumalé site. Ten individuals, including Customs and MPL staff, have been arrested in connection with the case.