Japanese government has donated five launches to the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to enhance maritime policing operations.

At a handover ceremony held today, Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, officially presented the vessels, which were received by Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry, senior police officials, and representatives of the Japanese Government.

Commissioner Naveen thanked Japan for its continued support, noting that the launches would boost the operational capacity of the Marine Police, strengthen law enforcement at sea, improve the protection of island communities, and enable quicker responses to maritime emergencies.

Ambassador Ishigami stated that the donation was intended to support the Maldives in strengthening maritime security and law enforcement, expressing hope that it would help address sea-related challenges more effectively.

The initiative forms part of Japan’s broader cooperation with the Maldives to enhance public safety and strengthen institutional capacity within the MPS.