The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has officially opened a new ice plant and fish processing facility at Kandu Oiy Giri as part of the Government's fisheries infrastructure development programme pledged by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The facilities were inaugurated on Tuesday by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam. MIFCO Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Anas, alongside senior officials from the ministry and the company, attended the ceremony.

MIFCO said the new facilities mark a significant step in expanding its range of locally produced fish products while strengthening the company's supply chain for the Greater Malé area. The development is also expected to improve the availability of MIFCO products in retail outlets by reducing the logistical challenges associated with transporting processed products from Kooddoo to Malé.

The company noted that transporting processed fish products from Kooddoo has frequently disrupted supplies to its retail outlets. Processing products at Kanduoiygiri is expected to ease these logistical constraints and ensure a more consistent supply of MIFCO products to consumers in the Malé area.

The dried fish processing facility has the capacity to process three tonnes of fish per day, while the adjoining ice plant can produce up to 25 tonnes of ice daily.

Production of dried tuna products has already begun at the facility. MIFCO said it will soon expand operations to include traditional fish products such as rihaakuru and muguri mas.

The company added that the facility has been equipped with modern processing technology and infrastructure designed to meet high food safety and hygiene standards.