Home Minister Ali Ihusan has said the installation of a body scanning machine at Maafushi Prison will help curb scam calls by preventing illegal items from being smuggled into the facility.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister Ihusan said one of the biggest problems faced by the government when it took office was the prevalence of phone scams carried out by prisoners using mobile phones inside jails.
He said several measures are being implemented to address the issue.
The minister noted that the government is working towards establishing a central prison complex with stronger security systems that meet international standards. Until such a facility is completed, authorities are focusing on improving existing prison infrastructure and tightening security.
As part of these efforts, a body scanner was installed at Maafushi Prison this month.
According to Minister Ihusan, the scanner will be used to screen prisoners, visitors and prison guards.
“The body scanning machine installed this month can detect items hidden anywhere on the body,” he said.
“Family members and prison guards entering and leaving Maafushi Prison are now being scanned 100 percent.”
He said the measure would significantly help reduce scam calls originating from the prison.
Millions are lost each year to phone scams in the Maldives, with many calls believed to originate from inmates. In December, the Home Ministry introduced a reporting mechanism after identifying cases in which prisoners contacted members of the public to carry out illegal activities.
Minister Ihusan also said religious programmes have been introduced during Ramadan, with Huffaz brought to the prison to lead Tarawih prayers.
Both inmates and prison officers have been participating in the prayers, which the minister said form part of efforts to support rehabilitation and help prisoners reintegrate into society after completing their sentences.
