Updated 1100
Parliament Approves Random Drug Testing and Tougher Road Penalties
Parliament has unanimously approved legal amendments allowing police to carry out random roadside drug tests for the first time, without reasonable suspicion or a court order. The measures, piloted by the new Road Policing Unit, align drug checks with existing alcohol testing procedures. The law removes the possibility of suspended sentences for those convicted of causing death while driving under the influence, meaning effective prison terms will apply. Penalties have also been strengthened for grievous injury, hit-and-run offences, excessive speeding and driving without insurance, with courts empowered to suspend licences during proceedings. A new offence criminalises the promotion of dangerous driving online. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said the reforms send a clear message on accountability and road safety. (Times of Malta)
Malta Supply Routes Unaffected by Strait of Hormuz Closure
Malta’s supply chains have not been disrupted by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, government sources said, although costs could rise if regional instability persists. The strategic waterway was shut following US and Israeli strikes, raising global concerns over oil and gas shipments. However, Malta has in recent years routed imports around the Cape of Good Hope rather than via the Gulf. The Suez Canal route has also been suspended since early 2024 due to security threats. Officials said there should be no immediate shock to the economy. Petrol prices are hedged until the end of the year and oil fixed until summer, though diesel imports remain exposed to market fluctuations. (Times of Malta)
Explosion Damages Sanctioned Russian LNG Tanker Off Malta
A Russian liquefied natural gas tanker under US and UK sanctions was severely damaged by an explosion in the Mediterranean early Tuesday, around 150 nautical miles southeast of Malta. The vessel, Arctic Metagaz, was reportedly transporting gas linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project when it was rocked by a blast that left significant structural damage. All 30 crew members evacuated safely and were located in Libya’s search and rescue region. The Armed Forces of Malta confirmed coordination with international authorities, noting the incident occurred outside Malta’s SAR zone. Moscow described the explosion as an act of international terrorism allegedly carried out by Ukrainian sea drones, an accusation Kyiv has not commented on. (Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Magisterial Inquiry Opened After Infant Found Dead in St Julian’s
An 11-month-old baby girl was found dead at her family home in St Julian’s late on Monday evening. Police said officers were called to a residence on Triq Andre Maurois at around 11.30pm, where the child was certified dead on site. Reports indicate that the infant was discovered by her father when he returned home from work, with initial accounts suggesting she may have choked. A magisterial inquiry has been opened to establish the circumstances surrounding her death, with Franco Agius appointed to lead the investigation as police continue their inquiries. (Times of Malta)
Parties Decry Reopening of Finch Trapping Licence Applications
Two political parties have criticised the government’s decision to reopen applications for new general trapping licences, describing the move as environmentally harmful and legally questionable. ADPD – The Green Party said the call represents a setback for biodiversity protection and argued that trapping remains incompatible with Malta’s obligations as an EU member state, also warning that enforcement mechanisms are already weak. Momentum voiced similar concerns, noting that the announcement coincided with the week in which World Wildlife Day was being marked internationally, and referred to previous rulings by the European Court of Justice which found Malta’s finch trapping frameworks unlawful. Both parties said expanding licences risks undermining environmental safeguards and Malta’s legal commitments. (The Malta Independent)
Judge Grazio Mercieca Appointed First Head of Media Office Under EMFA
Judge Emeritus Grazio Mercieca has been appointed as the first head of the Office for Advertising and the Media (OAM), the Ministry for Culture, Lands and Local Government announced. The appointment was made in accordance with the European Media Freedom Act, as implemented locally through Legal Notice 175 of 2025. The Office will operate independently and is tasked with safeguarding editorial independence, pluralism and the proper functioning of the media services market. Judge Mercieca graduated in law in 1982, was appointed Magistrate in 2016 and went on to serve as Judge in the Superior Courts in 2018. (TVM News)
