Ministry Confirms Investigations into Alleged Cat Meat Use in Food Preparation

Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has revealed that efforts are underway to send samples taken from the residence of Arafat Hossain, a 32-year-old Bangladeshi national accused of preparing and selling food containing cat meat, to international laboratories for confirmation.

This information was disclosed during a joint press conference held last Thursday by the Home Ministry, alongside the Health Ministry and the Economic Ministry.

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“We have not received any cases regarding the sale of food prepared with cat meat to people. Nevertheless, the police are investigating the matter due to the concerns raised,” stated Home Minister Ali Ihusaan.

Minister Ihusaan further mentioned that the residence where Arafat lived has been returned to its owner after samples were collected from the kitchen. He assured that the results of the analysis would be made public as soon as they are available.

The Minister also confirmed that Arafat is currently under Immigration detention for visa violations. He emphasised that Arafat would not be deported until the police investigation into the case is concluded.

In a broader appeal, Minister Ihusan urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the distribution or sale of food prepared with cat meat.

The case against Arafat was initially reported to the police by the Animal Welfare Ministry following a public complaint. The issue gained significant attention after a social media post by a local NGO, the Feline Welfare Organization, which identified Arafat as an undocumented migrant working at the Valhoamas Market in Malé City. The NGO accused him of “butchering, cooking, eating, and selling cat meat.”

Public concerns have been heightened by the allegations, particularly regarding the potential sale of prohibited meat to Muslims. The case has also sparked wider discussions about the presence of undocumented migrants and the sale of unhygienic food products in the capital.

This investigation comes amid a broader crackdown by Maldives Immigration on illegal migration. The authorities have conducted multiple raids across the capital, targeting rundown properties where food items sold in stores, cafés, and restaurants are prepared in unsanitary conditions.