President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that strengthening the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is a national responsibility.

Speaking at the ceremony to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, the President said the Government would continue supporting efforts to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies through legislative reforms, capacity building and increased resources. He said the Government would also address legal gaps that hinder service delivery and provide the support needed to strengthen policing.

The President assured that sufficient funding would continue to be allocated through the State budget to enhance the Maldives Police Service.

Highlighting infrastructure projects, President Dr Muizzu said the Government is committed to developing the Dhaalu Vaanee Police Training Centre into a state-of-the-art training facility. He also announced financial support to improve infrastructure at the Police Training Centre in Addu, where maintenance work has been neglected for years.

The President further assured Government support for the construction of a second building at Iskandharu Koshi and announced plans to establish a purpose-built police facility in Hulhumalé Phase II under next year's State budget. He added that work is also continuing to complete police stations and police posts across the atolls that have faced delays.

President Dr Muizzu said expanding the police presence across the country remains a Government priority. He noted that permanent police services have already been introduced to islands that previously lacked a permanent presence and said the next phase would focus on increasing human resources. He added that, in addition to youth completing the National Service programme joining the police service, funding would be allocated in next year's State budget to recruit more police officers for the new facilities.

Addressing policing challenges in the Greater Malé Area, the President said traffic management remains a priority and assured that modern solutions would be introduced to improve traffic policing.

The President also said future Government housing schemes in the Greater Malé Area would continue to provide opportunities for law enforcement personnel to become homeowners, in addition to the allocations already made under existing housing programmes.

President Dr Muizzu expressed his gratitude to police officers for their service and sacrifice, describing the Maldives Police Service as the Government institution that works most closely with the public. He said maintaining public trust through professionalism, integrity and sincerity is essential to effective policing.

In addition, he highlighted the police service's role in tackling drug-related crime, gangs, rehabilitation efforts and the issue of undocumented expatriates. The President also stated that these efforts are essential to building a safer and more peaceful society and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting the police service in carrying out its responsibilities.