President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that MVR 442 million has been paid to fishermen in the first three months of the current government.

Speaking to the people of Maradhoo-Feydhoo this evening as part of the President's visit to Addu City, the President said that the current government would be the government that released the maximum amount of money to the fishermen in the shortest period of time.

"We have paid the overdue and have more to be paid to the fishermen. The government has paid a total of MVR 442 million in the past three months. We will need to continue paying the fishermen. Currently we have around MVR 300 million to be paid. We are looking to pay it before Ramadan," President Dr. Muizzu said.

He said efforts are being made to put in place a mechanism to ensure that the government is always able to pay fishermen their dues in the shortest possible time in a sustainable manner and that it is being done in a responsible manner as soon as possible.

"This is the economic situation we have inherited. There was an overdue of MVR 260 million to the fishermen when we took office. We have paid MVR 442 million so far," he added.

Owing to overdue payments, fishermen have closed down Kooddoo fish plant. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam is scheduled to visit Kooddoo to address the issue.