Hundreds of people lined up across Male’ City last night to receive canned tuna as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government’s Ramadan gift initiative. The distribution, which began at 8:30 PM, saw a tremendous turnout, prompting the government to announce additional distribution points to accommodate the overwhelming demand.
The canned tuna, a staple in Maldivian households, is seen as an ideal gift for the people during the holy month of Ramadan, with many expressing gratitude for the thoughtful gesture. The initiative aims to support the local community, ensuring that people have access to essential food supplies during this sacred time.
Current distribution points across Male’ City include:
- MIFCO Office Compound
- Henveiru MTCC Sawmill
- Vilimale’ WAMCO Site
- Hulhumale’ Umar Zahir Building
- Hiyaa Tower 10, Youth Center
The distribution schedule has been set as follows:
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday to Thursday: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
To ensure equitable access, President Muizzu’s administration has also allocated one case of 48 cans per household, with distribution based on electricity meter numbers. This initiative aims to reach over 80,000 households across the nation, providing them with a much-needed food supply during Ramadan.
The government’s State Trading Organisation (STO), which is responsible for the distribution, has already indicated that additional distribution points will be added as necessary, with further announcements expected in the coming days.
This canned tuna distribution is just one part of a broader strategy to stabilize food prices during Ramadan. Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, emphasized the government’s collaboration with STO to keep the prices of over 140 essential items stable. This includes 93 basic household goods, 38 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and 10 categories of fish and seafood, with measures set to begin on March 1.
In an effort to ensure affordability, STO has also imported essential goods, including coconuts, which are now priced at just MVR 5 each—a significant drop from the previous market range of MVR 10 to MVR 25.
These initiatives reflect President Muizzu’s commitment to ensuring food security and supporting the welfare of the people during the Ramadan period, highlighting his administration’s dedication to the needs of Maldivian citizens.
