Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has revealed that 402 imams have been trained so far under the Imams Training Program.

The Islamic Ministry aims to train 1,000 imams by this year. They are sending imams to Egypt, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia under the training program.

Speaking during a press conference at the President's Office, Shaheem revealed that a total of 402 imams have been trained, including 75 imams from Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alif Atoll, 40 imams from Vaavu Atoll, 15 imams from Fuvahmulah City and 272 imams from Noonu, Raa, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu Atoll.

"The Zuvaan Hatheeb's project is also a national-level project. The islanders, councils and even parents have very much accepted it. During my travels to certain islands with the President, it was a common complaint that imams had to be brought from neighbouring islands due to the imams in those islands being too old," he explained.

Minister Shaheem further stated that it is difficult to get imams because they do not have the certificate or permission to do so and a younger generation has not been educated for it. The solution will be the training of young hatheebs, he said.