The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, Ali Ihusaan has revealed that the government has successfully expanded prison capacity across the Maldives to accommodate 400 additional inmates over the past two years.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister highlighted the challenges inherited from the previous administration, noting that Male’ Jail—the country’s most advanced correctional facility, which once housed 350 inmates—was scrapped after building a school adjacent to the facility leading to the release of hundreds of prisoners. Additionally, the 100-inmate custodial facility was demolished, resulting in a total loss of space for 450 inmates, he said.
“The previous government dismantled critical infrastructure, spending USD 2.5 million on a cell block meant for 100 inmates that never went into service,” the Minister lamented.
He emphasised that recent efforts have reversed this setback, with new developments in Hulhumale’ Prison now providing space for 100 more inmates—completed within the last four months—at a fraction of the previous spend.
To modernise prison services, the government has launched an online portal allowing inmates' families and the public to access prison-related services remotely. Complementing these improvements, a state-of-the-art body scanner has been installed at Maafushi Prison, the largest correctional facility in the Maldives. The scanner aims to prevent contraband smuggling by screening prisoners, visitors, and staff, thereby strengthening internal security.
Minister Ihusaan also confirmed that construction of 53 new police infrastructure—including police posts and stations—is underway nationwide. Two buildings have already been completed, with 11 more set to become operational by the end of this month.