Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has said the installation of the body scanner at Maafushi Prison is expected to help reduce scam calls originating from the facility.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Ihusaan said one of the key challenges faced by the Government when it assumed office was the prevalence of phone scams carried out by inmates using mobile phones inside prisons.

The minister said authorities are implementing several measures to address the issue, including efforts to strengthen prison security systems and prevent prohibited items from being smuggled into correctional facilities.

As part of these efforts, a body scanner was recently installed at Maafushi Prison, which will be used to screen inmates, visitors and prison staff entering or leaving the facility.

The Minister said that the scanner is capable of detecting items concealed anywhere on the body, allowing prison authorities to identify prohibited items that may otherwise be smuggled into the prison.

He added that the Government is also working towards establishing a central prison complex designed to meet international standards, while steps are being taken to strengthen existing prison infrastructure until the new facility is completed.

The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has previously stated that the body scanner is the first of its kind installed at Maafushi Prison and forms part of efforts to strengthen security and prevent illegal activities within the prison system.