President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the purchasing price of Yellowfin Tuna fell due to MIFCO straying from the business, and that the government will work with fishermen to set an ideal price for the fish.

While answering a question from Mihaaru News on the second podcast episode of the President's Office "The Pulse" on Thursday, President Muizzu said that MIFCO had stopped purchasing Yellowfin Tuna by the time the current government took office, and that the government is working to bring MIFCO back into the Yellowfin Tuna business. The President also said that work is being done to increase what MIFCO can achieve in the business.

"The result of MIFCO stopping the purchase of Yellowfin Tuna is that the business has moved more towards the private sector. I believe that fishermen will only get a competitive edge if MIFCO becomes more active, with the best purchasing price will be offered when MIFCO gets to that point."

"We will move forward with those efforts with the participation of Yellowfin Tuna fishermen."

According to President Muizzu, if MIFCO becomes active in the Yellowfin Tuna business, the previous purchasing price Yellowfin Tuna was at is achievable.

As MIFCO stopped operations at the Kan'du Oiy Giri factory for the export of Yellowfin Tuna, the company has only recently begun buying Yellowfin Tuna. The purchase of the fin from the Felivaru Cannery and other MIFCO centers started on Fisherman's Day 2025 when fishermen had called for it during their marine protest.

After the protest was organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU / Trade Union of Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Maldives), Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam met with senior leaders of the union and listened to the fishermen's concerns.

Even though MIFCO began purchasing Yellowfin Tuna afterward, the highest price the fish can be bought for from the company per kilogram is MVR 25.