Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that the introduction of a unified emergency hotline number for all agencies involved in emergency response will address current challenges and ensure more efficient service delivery. The remarks were made by the minister during the ceremony held to launch the emergency service hotline; 911, which will connect all relevant agencies through a single number.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusaan underscored the government's commitment to enhancing emergency response efficiency. He described the launch of the 911 hotline as a significant step forward in this effort. Highlighting that the police services, ambulance services, and services from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue and Coast Guard, the minister revealed that the services will be managed by Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Furthermore, Minister Ihusaan stated that information on the cases reported through the hotline number will be immediately sent to the relevant agencies. On this stance, he disclosed that the introduction of the 911 hotline number connecting all emergency service providers will greatly assist residents, acknowledging that some residents are unsure of which numbers to contact in a certain emergency situation.
During the inauguration, Minister Ihusaan revealed that the number, "911" was designated as the hotline number as it was a number which is commonly recognised by the public, and hence being easier to promote. He further announced plans to expand the services nationwide in the near future, ensuring timely and effective emergency response across all islands.
In his address, Minister Ihusaan urged individuals to refrain from taking advantage of the service as it is directly linked with livelihoods of all residents. He noted that the misuse of the service could have serious consequences, preventing the provision of efficient services to the vulnerable.