President reaffirms pledge to fix fish price at MVR 20/kg

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has on Monday reiterated his campaign promise to set the purchase price of fish at MVR 20 per kilogram, despite current government policy linking fish prices to international market rates.

Fishermen have consistently voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the government's perceived failure to uphold this promise. The President has, on multiple occasions, assured the public of his commitment to fulfilling this pledge.

During his ongoing tour of Dhiggaru, an island in Meemu Atoll renowned for its fisheries and the production of Rihaakuru (traditional fish paste), President Muizzu affirmed his goal of establishing a sustainable MVR 20 per kilogram purchase price for fish. He indicated that collaborative efforts with the fisheries industry are currently underway to achieve this objective.

"This is something we will achieve, hopefully, and a lot of work is being done for it. Some things cannot be started suddenly on the first day," the President stated, emphasizing the ongoing work behind the scenes.

The President acknowledged that it took time to implement the 48-hour payment scheme for fishermen, clarifying that such delays do not signify a forfeiture of his pledges. He subsequently reaffirmed his commitment to the MVR 20 per kilogram fish price in the near future.

Furthermore, President Muizzu highlighted the government's efforts to provide additional support services to fishermen, including the provision of ice from various regions and fuel at State Trading Organization (STO) rates.

"Fisheries is something we are very confidently fulfilling as we promised. And it will continue to be so. Hopefully there are more happy days ahead," he expressed, underscoring the government's dedication to the sector.

It is noteworthy that during the second round of the presidential election campaign in September 2023, the then-Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government increased the fish purchase price from MVR 17 to MVR 25. However, in February of the following year, the price was adjusted downwards to MVR 20.

MIFCO, the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, transitioned to purchasing fish at international market prices on May 1 last year, citing financial unsustainability in buying fish without considering market fluctuations. This shift led to a sharp decline in fish prices, with 1.5 kilograms of fish reportedly fetching as low as MVR 16.