Fisheries Ministry advises against investing in Council-leased uninhabited islands

Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has advised people not to invest in uninhabited islands leased by Councils.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Ali Solih explained that uninhabited are temporarily being supervised by Councils following the abolishment of National Offices.

“It’s a temporary arrangement, which means that the Ministry or State can reclaim the islands whenever necessary. Councils can lease uninhabited islands to people temporarily,” he said.

He stressed that no investments should be made on these islands, and said that the Ministry will not be responsible for any investments in the event that the islands is required to be reclaimed.

Ali Solih said that Councils must obtain permission from the Ministry, and announce a bidding process prior to leasing islands to people.

He noted that some Councils violate the existing rules when dealing with uninhabited islands.

“Most Councils abide by the rules. But there are a few that don’t. One Council recently announced lease of 61 uninhabited islands in one go. We don’t believe that the Council is even equipped to evaluate those islands at the same time,” he said.

Fisheries Ministry has earlier also said that under the regulation on uninhabited islands, it is part of the Ministry’s mandate to lease and reclaim uninhabited islands, and stressed that islands should only be leased with the Ministry’s permission.