Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has denied reports that the application used by Malé Taxi Line was hacked, describing the circulating information as false.

MTCC said an internal investigation found that an employee had altered data in the application’s backend database and leaked screenshots without authorisation, allegedly for personal and political purposes.

The company’s ICT network security team detected the changes and immediately shut down the system and placed it under a security lockdown.

MTCC said the Malé Taxi Line backend system and company servers were securely restored at 11:30pm last night and that customers would not face any disruption to the taxi service.

The employee involved has been removed from their duties, with MTCC saying disciplinary action will be taken in line with company regulations.

The company said it would take all necessary measures to protect the rights of its customers and stakeholders and safeguard its reputation.