Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the government will fulfill its pledge to establish police services in all islands by the end of 2023. He made the remarks in his speech at the ceremony to inaugurate the new police station in Madaveli, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. During the ceremony, Minister Imran officially inaugurated the new police station and Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed raised its flag.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Imran said maintaining peace and security is crucial for national and economic progress. As such, the minister said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to establish police services in all inhabited islands by the end of 2023. He said establishing police stations and services is the beginning of the efforts of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to establish peace in the communities with the help of island councils and the relevant institutions.
Also at the ceremony, Commissioner Hameed said the government has been implementing positive changes in the past two years for MPS to uphold its mandate. As such, he said policies will soon be formulated for MPS to strengthen its services in the atolls and reduce crime with the help of the local communities, councils, and institutions. He noted that drug-related crimes are increasing year by year and said police officers need to remain vigilant, especially for gang-related crimes, the spread of extremist ideology, and violence against women and children. He said MPS will prioritise decentralising its services in the atolls through community policing, and further improving its services in accordance with democratic principles.
Members of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council and Madaveli Island Council, as well as senior police officials, were present at the ceremony.