A new national emergency call service using 911 has been launched to streamline access to police, fire, Coast Guard, and ambulance services.

The launch event took place at Iskandar Building, with the ceremony attended by officials from the police, military, and health sectors. The event was presided over by the Minister of Homeland Security, Ali Ihsan. The introduction of 911 consolidates previously separate emergency numbers, allowing citizens to reach the police, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue, the Coast Guard, and Ambulance services with a single call.

In his address at the ceremony, Minister Ihsan explained that the decision to introduce a unified emergency number was made after recognizing the delays caused by having different numbers for different emergency services. The move is expected to improve the efficiency and speed of responses to urgent situations.

Minister Ihsan explained that 911 was chosen due to its global recognition, making it easier for people of all ages to remember. The service is set to expand and improve in the future, ensuring quicker and more efficient help in emergencies.