The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has said that the work of the fish factory promised by President Mohammed Muizzu for Dhaalu Atoll will not start this year.

During a session of the People's Majlis, the Minister responded to questions raised by MP Ahmed Aamir of the Kudahuvadhoo constituency.

Aamir asked the Minister about the progress made on the President's campaign pledge to establish a fish processing factory in Dhaalu Atoll and sought information on the number of private sector entities currently operating in the fisheries industry.

The Minister clarified that the fish processing factory in Dhaalu Atoll is not included in the current year's budget and therefore will not be launched this year.

Regarding the private sector in fisheries, the Minister stated that currently, only one company, Maandhoo, is operating, and another company, ENSIS, has halted its operations due to a price increase to MVR 25 per kilogram.