Maldives launches 911 as new national emergency number
President Muizzu had committed to the introduction of a single, easily accessible emergency number, emphasising its importance for public safety.
Maldives on Thursday officially launched 911 as the national emergency number.
The service aims to simplify and unify the emergency response process for citizens in critical situations.
President Mohamed Muizzu had earlier committed to the introduction of a single, easily accessible emergency number, emphasising its importance for public safety. This decision reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that individuals can quickly reach assistance without the confusion of multiple contact numbers.
Homeland minister Ali Ihsan announced the launch of the service on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the collaborative efforts between the homeland ministry, police, army and the health ministry. According to Ihsan, these entities have worked diligently to establish the National Emergency Call Centre and bring the vision of a unified emergency response system to fruition.
Prior to the introduction of 911, residents had to navigate separate numbers for police, fire, and maritime emergencies, with no dedicated line for health-related incidents. This fragmentation often led to delays and confusion during critical moments. The new system streamlines this process, allowing the public to use a single number for all types of emergencies, ensuring faster response times and coordinated assistance.
The government has assured citizens that the 911 service will effectively connect them to the appropriate emergency services, whether it involves police, fire, medical, or other urgent needs.
