The Government of Japan has donated vehicles valued at over USD 4 million to Maldives Police Service (MPS).
A total of 54 cars and four vans valued at USD 4 million (MVR 61 million) were handed over to MPS during a ceremony held at Iskandar Koshi on Sunday morning.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau, citing an increase in the number of criminal offenders in the Maldives, emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of police officers concerning the operations they carry out to ensure stability and security nationwide.
He added that the much-required donation of vehicles will, not only ease the efforts to ensure stability and security, but also aid in producing positive results in this trajectory.
Shujau described the donation as an affirmation of the strong ties between Maldives and Japan, and therefore, thanked the Japanese Government on behalf of MPS.
Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori who also spoke at the ceremony said the donation – aimed at facilitating adequate resources to MPS for their operations – is evidence of the Japanese government’s continued assistance to Maldivian law enforcement agencies.
She also revealed plans to make additional donations in the future which will include metal detectors, lasers, passenger crafts, and rubber boats.
At Sunday’s handover ceremony, MPS presented a commemorative plaque to the Japanese Government, recognizing their assistance in the development of MPS and donation of various resources.