Customs Estimates MVR 51 Million Needed for Container Scanner At Malé Port

Maldives Customs has informed the Parliament’s Budget Review Committee that it requires MVR 51 million to acquire a container scanner for the Malé commercial port, underscoring the need to strengthen security and improve revenue collection.

The Budget Review Committee met with senior officials from Customs and Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) on Sunday to discuss plans to install container scanners at major ports. Committee chair and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem said the Finance Ministry had previously agreed to allocate MVR 15 million to Customs this year for the purchase, but the funds had not been released as Customs had not formally requested them.

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Chief Superintendent Abdullah Ali, who oversees Customs’ budget, said the scanner was discussed with the Finance Ministry on 30 September. He estimated the total cost of the scanner and associated processes at MVR 51 million. He also noted that the Finance Ministry had indicated the scanner could not be procured with only MVR 15 million.

Saleem said Finance Minister Moosa Zameer had reaffirmed that the necessary funds would be arranged. He stated that the government was considering two financing options: channelling the funds through MPL or providing them directly via the Finance Ministry. He added that the full amount may not need to be paid upfront if the procurement follows a tender process.

An MPL official highlighted space constraints at the Malé port, saying the company was now exploring a mobile scanner that could be repositioned as needed. He said MPL plans to introduce an advanced scanning system once operations shift to the Thilafushi commercial port, but currently lacks the budget to purchase scanners. The estimated cost of the equipment stands between USD 3 million and USD 4 million.

Saleem stressed the urgency of acquiring the scanner and said he would work with the minister to secure the remaining funds once the bidding date is announced.

Audit reports have repeatedly indicated that no container scanning facilities exist at any port in the Maldives. As a result, goods are often unloaded without inspection, increasing the risk of smuggling and contributing to losses in import duty.

The renewed push to obtain a scanner follows the ongoing investigation into the theft of two containers of seized cigarettes from MPL’s Hulhumalé site. Ten individuals, including staff from Customs and MPL, have been arrested in connection with the case.