OK Zahir, who served the fisheries sector, passes away

Prominent businessman Mohamed Zahir, widely known as OK Zahir, who served the Maldives' fisheries industry, has passed away.

He passed away while receiving treatment for an illness at Asiri Hospital in Sri Lanka early this morning. He was 75 years old at the time of his passing.

The funeral prayer for the deceased was held tonight after Isha prayers at Jawatta Jumma Mosque in Sri Lanka.

The late Zahir, who resided in Sri Lanka, was an individual who did immense work to advance the Maldivian economy, particularly by operating factories in the Maldives and making significant efforts to introduce local products to the market. The late Zahir's tireless efforts in exporting fisheries products and sea cucumber varieties to foreign countries are notable.

In recognition of his work in the economic sector and to encourage productive work, the government awarded Zahir the National Award in 1993.

The late Mohamed Zahir, who was actively involved at the forefront of the reform movement in the Maldives, was also among the senior founders of the MDP. Following his passing, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, as well as former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, MDP leaders, political figures, long-serving state officials, and individuals active in the economic sector and fisheries industry have been recalling his services and sending condolences to his family.

The "Keyolha" news team sends condolences to the family of the late Mohamed Zahir. We share in this grief and pray that he is granted the highest blessings of Paradise.