MTCC on unaccounted deductions for RTL services: Notifications for previous trips

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has clarified that recent notifications regarding deductions for Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services are the result of server maintenance carried out by the Bank of Maldives (BML), adding that the notifications relate to payments for ferry trips completed on earlier dates.

The clarification follows growing public concern after numerous customers reported receiving SMS notifications for MVR 3.25 deductions from their bank accounts at times when they were not using RTL services. Many users shared their experiences on social media, stating that they had received the notifications despite not having travelled on RTL ferries recently, or in some cases, on the day the messages were received.

Social media users claimed the issue had persisted for several days, with some expressing concern over what they believed to be unexplained deductions.

One Facebook user wrote, "I just received an SMS from my bank saying my card was charged MVR 3.25 for an RTL ferry service today. The strange part is that I haven't used an MTCC ferry service today—or even for quite some time.."

Others voiced similar concerns and called for the matter to be investigated to ensure transparency.

Responding to the concerns, an MTCC media official told the press that the notifications were linked to server maintenance carried out by BML on the RTL payment processing system. The official explained that the maintenance could result in delayed SMS notifications being issued for transactions relating to previous journeys.

MTCC had also issued a statement on July 16 advising customers that BML's server maintenance could cause delayed SMS notifications for past RTL trips. The company apologised for any inconvenience caused and advised customers seeking further clarification to contact its hotline on 1650.

Raajje Transport Link (RTL) is a high-speed ferry network operated by MTCC to provide inter-island transport services across the Maldives. The service is currently operational in 12 atolls.