The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has opened a new ice plant and fish processing facility at Kanduoiygiri as part of the Government's efforts to strengthen fisheries infrastructure.

Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Ahmed Shiyam inaugurated the facilities on Tuesday. MIFCO Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Anas and senior officials from the ministry and the company attended the ceremony.

MIFCO said the new facilities will improve the supply of its products to the Greater Malé area by reducing logistical challenges associated with transporting processed fish from Kooddoo.

The dried fish processing facility can process up to three tonnes of fish per day, while the ice plant has the capacity to produce 25 tonnes of ice daily.

Production of dried tuna products has already begun, with traditional products such as rihaakuru (fish paste) and muguri mas (pounded dried fish) set to be introduced in the near future.

The company said the facilities are equipped with modern processing technology that meets high food safety and hygiene standards.