Samples to be sent abroad to confirm whether cat meat was used in food prep

Home Ministry, on Thursday, revealed efforts are underway to send samples taken from the residence of Bangladeshi national Arafat Hossain, 32 – who is accused of preparing and selling food with cat meat – abroad to confirm whether cat meat was used.

The Ministry disclosed the information during a joint press conference held by Ministry alongside the Health Ministry and Economic Ministry regarding the matter.

“We have not received a case pertaining to sale of food prepared with cat food to people. Nevertheless, the Police are investigating the matter as that concern is there,” Home Minister Ali Ihusan said.

The Minister said the home where Arafat resided has been handed over to the owner after taking samples from the kitchen, adding the results will be disclosed to the public at the earliest upon receipt.

Speaking further, Minister Ihusan said Arafat is currently under Immigration detention for visa violation as he is suspected or being investigated for any criminal offense. He affirmed that Arafat would not be deported before the Police completes their investigation into the case.

In this trajectory, he appealed to the public to share information if they have knowledge regarding the sale distribution of food prepared with cat meat.

Notably, the case accusing the Arafat of preparing and selling food with cat meat was submitted to the Police by the Animal Welfare Ministry following a public complaint.

The issue has gained public attention following a post on social media the previous day by local NGO, Feline Welfare Organization.

The animal rights group identified Arafat as an undocumented migrant who works at the Valhoamas Market in Male’ City. It said that he was suspected of “butchering, cooking, eating and selling cat meat.”

The public has also raised concerns about the alleged undocumented migrant, and also on the potential widespread sale of meat that is prohibited for consumption among Muslims.

The case comes amid a crackdown by Maldives Immigration on illegal migration. The authorities have raided multiple locations in the capital as part of the operation, many of them rundown houses where food items sold at stores and cafes and restaurants are prepared in unhygienic environments.