Former Fisheries Minister Hassan Sobir passes away

Former Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture and recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, Hassan Sobir, has passed away. Sobir passed away at the age of 73 while receiving treatment for an illness at Tree Top Hospital this morning.

The late Hassan Sobir served as the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture from 11 November 1993 to 11 November 1998.

Following the passing of Hassan Sobir, the Ministry of Fisheries released a message of condolence, praying for eternal paradise for the deceased and patience for his family. The Ministry described his passing as a profound loss for the entire Maldivian nation, and particularly for the Maldives' fisheries industry. They also highlighted his capable leadership during his tenure as the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

"During his tenure as Minister, he prioritised the management of reef fisheries in the Maldives. In this regard, he published the 'Fishes of the Maldives' book, held national symposiums on reef fisheries, the then-practised shark fisheries, and live bait fisheries, and took measures to manage these fisheries," the Ministry's condolence message read.

The Fisheries Ministry noted that even after assuming the position of Ambassador to Japan, the late Hassan Sobir made extensive efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in the fisheries sector.

In addition to the fisheries sector, the late Sobir served the state for a long period in tourism, agriculture, and foreign affairs. He also rendered invaluable services in planning and executing development projects in the Maldives. He passed away while serving as the Maldivian Ambassador to Japan.

In recognition of his long-standing service to the state, the Maldivian government conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin upon the late Sobir at the official Independence Day ceremony held yesterday. Due to his health condition, the honour was accepted on behalf of the family by his daughter, Aishath Raniya Sobir.

The funeral prayer for the late Hassan Sobir will be held at the Islamic Centre after today's Asr prayer, and he will be laid to rest with state honours at the Galolhu Cemetery.