Strengthening Maritime Safety: Japan Supports Maldives

The Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Her Excellency Takeuchi Midori, has officially handed over pier surveillance equipment to enhance maritime security in outer islands. This donation, valued at approximately ¥347 million (about USD 2.5 million or MVR 38.5 million), is part of the “Project for Enhancement of Ability in Maritime Safety and Security in Maldives,” in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The equipment includes CCTV cameras, computer systems, smart TVs, and other essential items designed to set up a comprehensive harbour surveillance system. This initiative aims to assist the Maldivian government in effectively preventing and addressing drug trafficking, as well as crimes in the fisheries sector and other maritime-related offenses.

The surveillance tools will be deployed in inhabited islands beyond the Greater Male' area, including AA. Rasdhoo, HA. Uligan, V. Felidhoo, N. Fohdhoo, GA. Villingili, GN. Fuvahmulah, and L. Fonadhoo. Japan hopes that this project will bolster the capacity of the Maldives Police Service, enhancing its ability to combat terrorism and violent extremism while strengthening community resilience across the archipelago.