Male’, Maldives – Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has responded to criticism over allowing RaajjeTV the use of helicopters and vessels in their fleet to shoot an upcoming reality TV show on Wednesday, stating that they allowed the use of the resources as a social responsibility service.
Responding to the criticism from the public, MNDF spokesperson Major Ibrahim Azim said that the military has a long history of supporting activities organized by ordinary citizens, civic groups, medias, companies, local councils and schools. Azim added that MNDF loans its resources as long as it does not compromise any of their official operations when met with such requests.
This is a social service we have been providing for ages with the noble intention of reinforcing the strong bond and trust between the Maldivian military and the people.
MNDF spokesperson Major Ibrahim Azim
The reality TV show ‘Celebrity Race’ for which MNDF’s resources were used is scheduled to be aired during Ramadan. Shooting took place between January 9-17, in uninhabited islands in Dh. Atoll. In addition to loaning helicopters and vessels, MNDF also sent a number of officers to the islands for the shooting.
According to local news outlet “Avas”, six MNDF vessels were being used for the shootings for nine days. This includes a Coastguard boat, large landing raft, radar vessels, a fire launch as well as one of the helicopters donated to the Maldivian millitary from India.
