MTCC cites investigation in refusal to release taxi data
The company said it could not provide details requested under the Right to Information Act because the matter is under review by a government authority.
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Maldives Transport and Contracting Company has declined to release information relating to the “Malé Taxi” service, citing an ongoing investigation.
The company said it could not provide details requested under the Right to Information Act because the matter is under review by a government authority and disclosure could affect the investigation.
The “Malé Taxi” application was launched three days before the recent local council elections and has since been the subject of allegations concerning procurement and expenditure.
According to local outlet Adhadhu, a request was submitted seeking information on launch expenses, operating costs and the development of the application.
In its response, MTCC said the requested information falls under exemptions in the Right to Information Act. The company cited Section 26(a), which allows state institutions to withhold information considered legally privileged in relation to an investigation or legal proceedings.
The requested details included the number of vehicles acquired for the service, planned fleet size, supplier identity, contract date, agreement value, vehicle brand and model, staff recruitment, source of funding, projected monthly costs and expected revenue.
The request also sought details of the company contracted to develop the application, the value of that contract and the expected launch date.
Allegations raised publicly include claims that the application development contract, reportedly valued at MVR 13 million, was awarded without open bidding.
Further claims include that the tender process was limited to invited suppliers and that the selected contractor, Fixed Maldives, lacked prior experience in application or web development.
No formal findings have been announced regarding the allegations.
