The state-owned Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has said that it does not have the funds to pay MVR 9 million owed to fishermen for the catch weighed since September 26.

The company told the media today that it is difficult to give a specific date to clear the pending payments due to the decline in fisheries and the company's financial situation.

"We are working with the government to get the money for the fish weighed during that period. We hope to pay the money as soon as possible. We will share timely updates on this matter," MIFCO said.

MIFCO also shared the details of the payment owed to fishermen since September 26. These include MVR 3.5 million for fish weighed in Felivaru, MVR 5.45 million for fish weighed in Kooddoo and MVR 100,000 for fish weighed in Addu. The total amount is MVR 9,155,491.

Earlier, fishermen protested across the country as MVR 17.35 million had not been paid for the fish weighed from August 24 to September 25. MIFCO cleared the payments after angry fishermen kicked out Fisheries Ministry teams from their islands.

Adhadhu understands that former Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq was ordered to resign due to the fishermen's protest.