Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan has said that four companies expressed interest in funding the Hope Island project to rehabilitate school children and young people involved in gangs and other crimes.

He told Adhadhu that the four companies were given a deadline until this week to submit detailed proposals.

"A company from the United States, China, Malaysia and the Maldives expressed interest in building the jail. Information has been given. Then there is the proposal submission window. The deadline is June 25," he said.

In an interview with state broadcaster Public Service Media (PSM), Ihusaan said the government aims to complete the project by the end of 2027.

“Our target is to develop this island by the end of 2027 and start providing special treatment to children,” he said.

Ihusaan said a special prison is being established to bring minors involved and exposed to a criminal environment under the custody of the state and give them hope for a better future.

The government previously planned to build the facility in Dhaalu Vaanee island. But the government later decided to transfer Hope Island to the Uthuru Thila Falhu to cut costs.