Maldives Industrial Fishing Company (MIFCO) has announced that the government will distribute a 48-can case of canned tuna to every household for Ramadan, as per President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge.
Earlier, the President stated that the government would provide tuna cans for Ramadan this year. MIFCO is already working on the preparations to fulfill the promise.
Speaking to PSM News, MIFCO confirmed that a 48-can case of canned tuna will be distributed to each household. While MIFCO typically produces nearly 100,000 cans of tuna for Ramadan annually, the President’s decision has prompted the company to ramp up efforts to increase production to meet the new requirement.
MIFCO said the arrangements are being made in collaboration with the State Trading Organisation (STO). While production is expected to reach completion next month, distribution will commence after that. The method to distribute the cases is currently being planned and finalised.
Last year, the government distributed staple foods to 82,000 households across the Maldives, However, this year, the President decided to distribute canned fish, which is widely consumed in most households during Ramadan.
In the Maldivian market, canned tuna in oil costs MVR 16 per can. At this price, 48 cans amount to MVR 768. Based on this calculation, the government is estimated to spend over MVR 62.9 million to distribute canned tuna to 82,000 households.
In addition to food distribution, the government also provided discounts on water and electricity bills for Ramadan last year, with a collective MVR 142 million utilised for the purpose. The President has confirmed that the same discount will be provided during the upcoming Ramadan.