President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated today that "Hope Island", being built to rehabilitate children in criminal environments, is one modern solution in reducing children who commit crimes in this society.

In the third episode of The Pulse presented by the President's Office, the President said that the main policy of the current government in solving the issue of drugs is to save the children that are in such an environment, and to turn them into children who are useful to society, who are reputable and constructive.

The third episode focused on the issue of drugs, with the President stating that there are many reasons people fall to drugs, and it is mostly connected to various societal issues. And so, the President said that the issue on drugs can only be solved by finding the real cause of the problem and by reforming it.

President Muizzu also said that the housing issue and government policies for achieving development are also reasons behind it.

"Let's take the housing issue as an example. There are issues with the policies from previous governments until now regarding achieving development in Maldives. For example, the area around the Hiyaa Flats. There are children who commit crimes or are vulnerable in beginning such a life," said the President.

"As it is the government's job to go to the root causes, solving the housing issue is one of the major ones. Another is increasing adequate job opportunities. Facilitating opportunities where the youth can tap into a variety of income streams is another," as was said by the President.

Along with that, President Muizzu also stated that facilitating educational and training opportunities, and establishing a quality medical system are steps that need to be taken to find a comprehensive solution to the drug problem.

"All of these are connected to children going into a life of crime or drugs. That is why I am talking about addressing the root causes," as per the President.

According to the President, a proper rehabilitation system for children who commit crimes needs to be established as well, and that the construction of "Hope Island" by the current government is just one modern solution to the problem.

The President went on to say that work regarding "Hope Island" is moving forward in various stages. He also stated that even though a lot of time has passed where they have been trying to gather funds for the project, the evaluation stage for the project proposals are underway.

The Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology announced the search for a company in developing "Hope Island" in April 2025.

"Hope Island" is being developed for rehabilitating children who are involved in crime, and by the police, military and relevant agencies coming together to conduct programs for the children in order to bring them back into society.