Malé port container scanner to cost MVR 51 million: Customs

The Maldives Customs Service has stated that purchasing a container scanner for the Malé Commercial Port will cost MVR 51 million. The issue was discussed at a meeting of Parliament’s Budget Review Committee on Sunday, held to review the progress of the scanner’s procurement.

Illegal smuggling of goods through the commercial port has been reported on several occasions. Customs has repeatedly raised concerns about the absence of a container scanner, including after two containers of cigarettes seized at the MPL Hulhumalé port were later reported stolen.

Committee Chair and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem said the Finance Ministry had allocated MVR 15 million for the scanner in this year’s budget.

Chief Superintendent Abdulla Ali, who oversees Customs’ budget, said the agency exchanged letters with the Finance Ministry in March and May specifying the funds required. He said the MVR 15 million allocation was mentioned again at a meeting in September.

“However, the total cost of the entire process is estimated at MVR 51 million. That is the cost of the X-ray machine,” Abdulla said. He added that Customs had informed the ministry it could not proceed unless full funding was secured.

MP Saleem reiterated that the Finance Ministry had assured the committee that the full funding would be arranged, even if not disbursed at once.

The committee also noted issues related to space at the Malé port. Customs said installation would require:

MPL representatives told the committee that the Malé port lacked adequate space for a fixed scanner and that the highest-grade equipment could not be accommodated there. MPL is now exploring mobile or portable scanners and said an advanced system would be installed when operations move to Thilafushi.

MPL said it does not have the funds to purchase the scanner but would begin procurement immediately if the Finance Ministry provides the necessary allocation.

Customs said the scanner would help detect smuggling and generate revenue. The authority clears 60,000–70,000 containers annually, and the scanner could conduct up to three scans per minute, either via a conveyor system or by driving vehicles through the scanner.

Annual maintenance costs are expected to reach MVR 100,000–200,000. Customs estimates that charging MVR 1,000 per scan could generate around MVR 60 million per year, which would be sufficient to cover maintenance.

Committee Chair Saleem said installation of the scanner must proceed without delay. He instructed Customs and MPL to continue work on the procurement, noting the Finance Ministry’s assurance of funding. He added that if difficulties arise, the matter should be referred to the Security Services Committee.