The amount owed to fishermen by the Maldives Industrial and Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has risen to MVR 32 million.
Adhadhu understands that the latest payment from MIFCO for fish purchase was made on October 31 with around MVR 16.2 million disbursed to fishermen.
MIFCO said they were working to pay MVR 32 million owed to fishermen within the next week. Adhadhu understands that this amount is due for fish purchased after October 31.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu pledged to pay fishermen for their catch within 48 hours. But the pledge has been unfulfilled leading to numerous protests by fishermen over the last year.
"Our aim is to establish the mechanism for fishermen receiving [payments] in 48 hours. I am someone who acts as I pledge. We're doing the work of reaching the target. We will reach that target," he said in February.
He also pledged to ensure that the fish price does not fall below MVR 20 per kilo. However, the government has set rates of between MVR 5 and MVR 16 per kilo.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam said the government reduced the price of fish in good faith.
"[The reduction in fish prices] is not an excuse, it is a very good decision taken by the President with good intentions and for the benefit of fishing families and the fishing industry as a whole," he told Parliament on October 30.
