Permanent Solution Brought to MIFCO’s Export Fish Rejection Issue, Says Minister Shiyam

Minister of Fisheries Agriculture and OceanResources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that a permanent solution has been brought to the ongoing issue of fish exported by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) being rejected in foreign markets.

Speaking at the "Aha" forum held to answer public questions, Minister Shiyam highlighted that in the past, an unusually high amount of fish—between 10% to 12%—was being rejected during export without clear accounting or explanation. He noted that these occurrences were logically unacceptable and that there had always been strong suspicions regarding the practice.

However, under the direct instructions of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, MIFCO’s operations have been significantly strengthened. The Minister assured that moving forward, there will be no opportunity for exported fish to be rejected after departure.

Elaborating on the new procedure, Minister Ahmed Shiyam said:

"Today, a MIFCO shipment will not be exported like that (in a way that leads to rejection). The purchasing company will inspect the fish right here at the Maldivian port, or at the port where the carrier is loading. Therefore, if anything is to be rejected, it will be rejected at that point. That means no fish that is subject to rejection will leave on MIFCO’s vessel. That is how we are operating now."

Furthermore, Minister Shiyam pointed out that powerful networks were behind these recurring export issues. He emphasized that dismantling such networks and resolving public concerns can only be achieved through honesty and integrity in their work.

With these operational reforms, MIFCO’s export processes will become more transparent, bringing a permanent fix to the fish rejection problem.