Applicants Prefer FSM Crew Roles Over Political Posts, Says MP Saleem

Ahmed Saleem, MP for Eydhafushi constituency, stated yesterday that some individuals have requested to become crew members of Fuel Supply Maldives (FSM) instead of accepting state minister-level jobs. 

During a meeting with the Public Accounts Committee, FSM Vice Chair Saleem stated that many individuals who aspire to join the FSM crew prefer to be a part of the crew even when offered roles ranging from Senior Political Director (SPD) to State Minister.

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“People approach us members [MPs] the most to see if they can get on an FSM boat [to work]. Many people are requesting it. Then we say we can offer [other jobs], that is a very difficult place to get a job,” he said.

He added that many prefer working at FSM even when offered senior political roles, citing the high weekly earnings of MVR 150,000 for crew members. Saleem recalled asking one young applicant why he wanted to join FSM over other high-ranking positions. The response, he said, was simple: the pay and experience on the boats.

He noted that this highlights certain questionable business practices and stressed that resolving the issue is crucial, even if implementing the necessary changes may be costly.

At the same committee meeting, FSM Managing Director Fathimath Ashan highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to curb fuel theft, including rotating crews every three months and installing CCTV cameras on 21 barges by the end of next year.

Ashan also urged MPs to refrain from intervening in FSM’s internal affairs, particularly regarding employee discipline. She stressed that political interference remained a major challenge to the company’s financial and operational efficiency and called for MPs’ support in allowing the SOE to operate effectively and independently.