Baa Atoll’s Fehendhoo has become the newest island to gain an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) service, officially inaugurated today by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu under the Government’s initiative to extend banking access to every inhabited island.

The new Bank of Maldives (BML) ATM is the 42nd installation this year under the nationwide project to establish ATM services in 100 islands during 2025. The initiative, a key pledge of President Dr Muizzu, aims to ensure that residents in all communities have access to essential banking services without the need to travel to larger population centres.

During his visit to the island, President Dr Muizzu formally launched the service by making the first transaction. A commemorative bank card was presented to the Fehendhoo Island Council to mark the occasion, with Council President accepting it on behalf of the community.

According to BML, the self-service ATM will operate 24 hours a day, enabling individuals and businesses to withdraw and deposit cash, make payments, transfer funds, and repay loans and credit card bills.

The Fehendhoo installation forms part of a joint initiative between the Government and BML, which has already brought ATM services to all inhabited islands in six atolls, with more than 250 ATMs now in operation nationwide.