Honoring fishermen is a national duty, says President

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday that acknowledging and honoring the hard work of Maldivian fishermen is a national duty.

He made the remark in a post on X on occasion of Fishermen’s Day.

“It is a national duty to recognize with respect the courage shown by Maldivian fishermen working tirelessly at the vast seas – rain or shine, day or night,” he said.

On Monday, President Muizzu announced that fishermen will now receive payments within 48 hours of the sale of their catch – a key pledge he made during his 2023 presidential campaign.

However, this is currently available only to fishing boats that have accounts at the Bank of Maldives (BML).

The government is working on making a similar arrangement with the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB).

Fishermen can also now purchase fuel at State Trading Organization (STO) rates from outlets operated by STO’s subsidiary, Fuel Supplies Maldives (FSM), in four new locations; K. Himmafushi, GA. Kooddoo, Lh. Felivaru, and S. Hulhumeedhoo.

STO is also ensuring that Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO)’s ships in Kooddoo and Felivaru also has fuel available at the same rates.

President Muizzu said said that he is dedicated to improving the fisheries sector by engaging with fishermen to understand their needs.