1.6 Million People Moved Between Malta & Gozo In Late 2023

Jan 23 2024

In the fourth quarter of 2023, sea transport between Malta and Gozo witnessed notable increases in passengers, vehicles, and trips compared to the same period in 2022.

Between October and December 2023, a total of 10,185 trips were conducted, carrying 1,612,813 passengers. October emerged as the busiest month, accounting for 37.2% of total trips during the quarter.

Passenger traffic between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa saw a 9.6% increase compared to the corresponding quarter in 2022, reaching 1,440,644 passengers.

The highest passenger numbers occurred in October, constituting 37.8% of the total for the quarter. Vehicle numbers rose by 3.2%, totaling 500,723 compared to the same quarter in the previous year.

Despite a 4.2% decrease in the number of trips during the fourth quarter, October remained the peak month with 3,118 trips, representing 36.6% of the total for the quarter.

The annual overview for 2023 revealed a 2.9% increase in the total number of trips, a 4.0% rise in vehicle movements, and a 15.4% surge in passengers compared to 2022.

July recorded the highest number of trips (4,073), while August saw the highest passenger (693,492) and vehicle (200,118) numbers. The statistics demonstrate the continued significance of maritime transport between Malta and Gozo.

#MaltaDaily

Leaving Parties With No Goodbye Saves 2 Days Per Year

Jan 23 2024

A report from the UNSW’s Time Management Institute reveals that the social convention of saying goodbye at parties may have hidden costs.

The study, based on interviews with 2000 Australians attending an average of 25 parties annually, found that the act of bidding farewell takes an average of 45 minutes once the decision to leave is made.

This translates to an annual average of 18 hours and 45 minutes spent on goodbyes, with some respondents spending double that time.

Researchers suggest that those who say their farewells often find themselves repeating the same excuses to multiple people and may be coerced into staying longer, especially by hosts.

Lead researcher Dean Hoddle advises against this, recommending the “backdoor benny” or a quick exit strategy to avoid unnecessary social exhaustion.

Respondents like Wayne Canning from Sydney share their preference for a clean exit, highlighting the draining nature of prolonged goodbyes. The study sheds light on the social dynamics and time-consuming nature of parting rituals at social gatherings.

#MaltaDaily

MSPCA Dogs & Cats Need Fostering For Shelter Refurbishment

Jan 23 2024

Waggos.mt are raising awareness as MSPCA have released a public appeal to foster dogs briefly (or further!) as the Floriana premises undergoes refurbishment.

For every dog being fostered, Eukanuba Malta has promised a free bag of kibble.

The shelter itself has been around for over 100 years and it is time for some well needed refurbishment. This means that no dogs or people can be on the premises as this takes place.

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This is your time to take in one of these adorable buddies and help the shelter. If you or anyone you know would like to do so, please contact MSPCA on Facebook or via email at [email protected]

MSPCA is also currently flooded with requests, with people interested asked to be patient due to the massive waiting list.

#MaltaDaily

278 Persons Rushed To Emergency Were Intoxicated In December

Jan 23 2024

In December, almost 300 individuals brought to Mater Dei’s Emergency Department were found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to statistics presented in Parliament by Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela in response to a question from Opposition MP Claudette Buttigieg.

The highest numbers were recorded on December 3rd, 22nd, 24th, and 31st, totalling 278 cases for the month. The data shed light on the prevalence of substance influence during the festive season.

In a separate parliamentary question, Opposition MP Albert Buttigieg sought information from Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri regarding individuals caught driving under the influence between October 2023 and January 2024.

Camilleri disclosed that during this period, police apprehended 123 individuals under the influence, with 59 of them driving while impaired. Additionally, 102 individuals underwent breathalyzer tests.

These revelations follow a trend in monitoring substance use, with a notable decrease in alcohol and cigarette consumption among 15 and 16-year-olds between 1995 and 2019, as highlighted in a public consultation document from March 2023. The recent statistics underscore ongoing concerns about substance abuse and impaired driving in Malta.

#MaltaDaily