President Meets Customs Agents and Cargo Drivers, Pledges Action on Malé Commercial Harbour Issues

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met separately with customs clearance service providers and cargo vehicle drivers operating at Malé Commercial Harbour, as concerns mount over cargo handling, clearance procedures and operational challenges at the country’s main commercial port.

According to press releases issued by the President’s Office today, the meetings were held at the President’s Office and brought together senior representatives from the customs clearance sector as well as drivers providing cargo transport services at the harbour.

During the meeting with customs clearance service providers, participants raised concerns over offloading and cargo clearance procedures. They highlighted issues related to operating hours, the equipment used for cargo handling and a range of administrative matters, the President’s Office said.

In a separate meeting with cargo vehicle drivers, the President heard about difficulties faced in day-to-day operations, including the lack of designated parking areas for cargo vehicles near the port. Drivers also raised challenges related to the transfer of vehicle ownership, delays in sourcing spare parts stored in bonded warehouses, and congestion caused by lorry queues, according to the press release.

Discussions with the drivers also focused on accelerating the development of a goods clearance application, which is being designed as part of the Government’s wider digitalisation efforts. The President’s Office said the meeting further covered the Government’s decision to decommission old vehicles and fast-track the registration of imported vehicles intended to replace them.

The drivers also called for formal recognition of their work, requesting a Government-backed document to acknowledge their role and designation within the logistics sector.

In both meetings, President Muizzu assured participants that the Government would work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address the concerns raised and identify effective solutions to improve operations at Malé Commercial Harbour, the President’s Office said.