COLOMBO - The Maldives Police Service (MPS) will construct police buildings on 75 islands as part of a project to strengthen national security by expanding policing services across the country, state media reported on Friday.

Contracts for the construction have been awarded to three companies, PSM News said.

This initiative is a key component of President Mohamed Muizzu's commitment to extending police services to all inhabited islands by the end of the year, said the report.

The MPS said these buildings will enhance law enforcement at both the atoll and island levels, particularly in areas that previously lacked such infrastructure.

With the new facilities, the MPS expects a significant expansion of police services, covering half of the islands that previously lacked such services.

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PSM News reported that at the start of President Muizzu's administration in November 2023, police services were available nationwide through only 17 police stations.