Spot checks for driving under the influence being considered / Malta News Briefing – Thursday 22nd December 2022

Updated 1200

Metro project still on cards – Minister

The metro system project has not been shelved and is still on the cards, Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia insisted. The project had been launched with much fanfare during the previous electoral campaign. “The metro project is far from shelved but before spending millions on geological studies which will have to be conducted, we are in discussions with our foreign consultants to determine its long-term feasibility,” Farrugia said when asked for the latest developments on the project. (Times of Malta)

Study shows rise in inequality

In 2020, the median net wealth for the lowest fifth of the population stood at €14,800, while that of the wealthiest 10% of households stood at just under €1.2 million: 80 times richer than those living just above the bottom 20% but below the top 60% earners. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of net wealth increased across all quintiles of income, with that of the top 20% increasing from just over €1 million in 2017 to nearly €1.2 million in 2020. But the study suggests that wealth increased at a higher rate for the lower income brackets. Maltatoday has the details.

92% of Maltese feel technologically dependent – survey

92% of Maltese people consider themselves dependent on technology for daily tasks, as dependency increased following the pandemic, a Misco survey showed. A study published by Misco, titled, ‘Technology at the Workplace Report,’ was conducted between September and October 2022, involving 291 individuals employed in Malta who make use of different technologies at their workplace. 42% of the employees find that the technology at their workplace increases their stress and burnout levels, while 41% believe it makes it harder for them to achieve a work-life balance. The Independent shares further details on this story.

Morning Briefing

Spot checks for driving under the influence being considered

The government is considering the introduction of spot checks for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia has revealed. In comments to The Times of Malta, Farrugia said that discussions over the matter will continue into the next year. Current laws do not allow for spot checks and drivers can only be stopped on “reasonable suspicion”. Law enforcement agencies currently have no equipment to test for driving under the influence of drugs.

Police detain 28 persons living irregularly in Malta
28 persons, mostly from African and Asian countries, were found to be living in Malta irregularly after police carried out inspections on Wednesday morning, Police, assisted by detention services officials, carried out immigration inspections in bus stops around Marsa and Ħamrun. The persons, who originate mainly from Ghana, Gambia, Afghanistan, and Indonesia were taken to a Detention Centre for the commencement of a repatriation process. (Maltatoday)

New benefit for atypical hour workers announced

Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced the issuing of some €4 million in new benefits to those who work atypical hours. These are hours which fall on the weekend, shifts outside of normal hours and work after 6pm. Other workers who fall within the catering sector (hotels and restaurants), manufacturing, transport, wholesale and retail, administrative and support services also fall under those who work atypical hours. 25,000 persons will receive 150 euro each. (TVM)