Updated 1300
Malta Public Transport Passenger Journeys Hit Record High in 2026: Malta Public Transport recorded an average of 234,673 passenger journeys per day during the first six months of 2026, the highest figure in the available records. The daily average rose by 3.3% from 227,245 in 2025 and is about 49% higher than 2019. Parliamentary figures tabled by Sustainable Mobility Minister Chris Bonett show a steady increase since 2020, when the average stood at 92,539 journeys per day. The figure climbed to 134,856 in 2022, 184,224 in 2023 and 207,598 in 2024. (The Malta Independent)
Malta Catering Sector Shows Resilience Despite Cost and Staffing Pressures: Malta’s catering sector remained resilient in the first half of 2026, despite ongoing pressures from rising costs, profit margins and staffing, according to an Association of Catering Establishments survey. Some 59% of operators reported stable or higher sales compared with the same period last year, while 51% recorded stable or improved profitability. The survey found that 81% of businesses maintained their number of establishments over the past three years, while 14% expanded and 5% scaled back. Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela described the sector as mature and dynamic, stressing the importance of innovation, investment and maintaining quality to ensure long-term sustainability. (The Times of Malta)
Morning Briefing
Tax officials to contact hundreds over suspected tax evasion
Tax officials are preparing to contact “hundreds” of people suspected of tax evasion over unexplained discrepancies between their declared income and spending, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has said. Letters are expected to be sent in the coming weeks to people whose reported income appears inconsistent with their financial activity. These include businesses reporting high turnover while declaring incomes close to the minimum wage, as well as low earners who have purchased expensive assets. The Finance Minister added the tax authorities were using artificial intelligence to analyse tax records across the country and identify potential cases for further investigation. Minister Caruana said those contacted would be asked to explain the apparent discrepancies and regularise their position where necessary. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to improve tax compliance and tackle undeclared income and wealth. (Times of Malta)
Malta’s first Building Codes nearing completion
Work on Malta’s first Building Codes is nearing completion, with a public consultation on the new rules expected to begin in the coming months, Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Minister Jonathan Attard has said. Attard said the initial work on the codes was being concluded while the government continued discussions with the Chamber of Architects and other stakeholders. Speaking during a visit to an exhibition organised by SACES, the student organisation representing architecture students within the Faculty for the Built Environment, he described the codes as an important development that would have a significant impact on the construction sector. The minister encouraged professionals and students to participate in upcoming consultations on reforms affecting the industry. He also highlighted measures introduced in recent years to raise construction standards, including new health and safety rules, stronger enforcement and joint inspections by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority and Building and Construction Authority. Other reforms include the licensing of builders and contractors. (The Malta Independent)
Outdoor sports policy follows earlier developer discussions
A proposed planning policy allowing temporary outdoor sports facilities on rural land was discussed with developers as early as 2023, documents show. The Planning Authority is currently consulting on a draft Planning and Design Framework for Temporary Outdoor Sports Events and Facilities, following instructions from then Planning Minister Clint Camilleri in April. The consultation runs until October 10. Such recreational activities are currently not generally permitted in outside development zone areas, where development is largely restricted to agricultural and agritourism uses. The policy follows earlier discussions surrounding a proposed 39,000-square-metre obstacle course at Ta’ Qali. During a Planning Authority hearing in July 2023, the developers’ architect requested that the application be suspended, saying discussions were taking place with government entities on policies and guidance for outdoor sports facilities. At the time, the authority said it had not been formally notified of any policy revision. (Maltatoday)
