Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration has prioritised the safety and security of fishermen from its first day in office.

The Minister made the remarks on X following the inauguration of the Senahiya Hyperbaric Centre in Thaa Guraidhoo by President Dr Muizzu during his recent four-atoll tour. The facility, the first of its kind established by the Government, will provide critical care for diving accidents and other medical conditions.

Minister Shiyam said the President has placed high priority on expanding access to such facilities, with plans to open more hyperbaric centres in the future. The Minister added that the Government has introduced and implemented special policies aimed at protecting the welfare of fishermen.

He noted that under the Administration’s programme to ensure at least one rescue diver on every fishing boat in the Maldives, 56 divers were trained last year alone, with further training ongoing this year.

The Minister said the Government is undertaking initiatives for fishermen that no other administration has achieved. Recent measures include the establishment of a National Fishermen’s Register to improve access to financing, loans for Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems, and faster payments to ensure fishermen are paid within 48 hours.

Minister Shiyam added that President Dr Muizzu is driving positive changes across every sector in the Maldives, with significant progress being made in strengthening safety and security for fishermen.