Civil Protection Malta recently revealed their brand new state-of-the-art uniform, designed to improve the safety and professionalism of the dedicated firefighters.
‘The new uniform features enhanced materials for greater durability, comfort, and visibility, ensuring that our team is prepared for any situation, whether in the field, during emergencies, or while engaging with the community.’
What do you think of the uniform?
#MaltaDaily
NewJeans, one of South Korea’s top K-pop acts, recently faced workplace harassment claims brought forth by 20-year-old member Hanni.
However, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor dismissed the allegations, ruling that K-pop idols are not classified as workers under labour laws. This decision highlights the entertainment industry’s lack of formal protections for performers despite its demanding nature.
The controversy began during a September livestream, where Hanni and her bandmates alleged mistreatment by their label, Ador, including internal criticism, exclusion by senior staff, and attempts to downplay their achievements.
Fans rallied behind the group, filing petitions for government intervention. Hanni testified at a hearing, detailing harsh treatment and accusing the agency of fostering a toxic work environment. Ador denied the allegations, but its CEO pledged to improve communication with the group.
The labor ministry cited idols’ contracts, income structure, and independent contractor status as reasons they do not qualify for worker protections.
Critics argue this ruling exposes systemic exploitation, as idols face gruelling schedules without clear legal safeguards. Experts and fans have called for reforms, suggesting measures like Hollywood’s Talent Agency Act to address unfair contracts and working conditions.
The hashtag #IdolsAreWorkers trended online as calls for industry change intensified. Hanni has not commented on the ruling.
#MaltaDaily
Budapest has unveiled the world’s first full-scale LEGO tramway, now displayed at Deák Ferenc Square. Crafted from 1.8 million LEGO bricks, this six-ton, 11.5-meter-long masterpiece took 90 builders over 6,800 hours to complete.
Designed by LEGO master builder Balázs Dóczi, the tram highlights extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship.
While non-operational, it was transported by shunting engines to its exhibition site, where visitors can marvel at the structure and add LEGO bricks to the base plates beneath it.
At the launch, Mayor Gergely Karácsony emphasised the iconic status of Budapest’s yellow trams and their importance to sustainable transport.
Tibor Bolla, CEO of Budapest Transit Company (BKV Zrt.), celebrated the collaboration with LEGO Hungária Ltd., noting the tram honours 137 years of Budapest’s tram heritage, dating back to 1887.
Katalin Walter, CEO of the Center for Budapest Transport (BKK), described trams as vital to city life, promoting eco-friendly and safe travel while highlighting ongoing modernisation efforts.
Judit Váraljai-Sipos, Managing Director of LEGO Hungária Ltd., shared that this is LEGO’s first life-size vehicle on a fixed track. She encouraged families to embrace the joy and learning opportunities that LEGO provides. The tram will remain on display for a month.
#MaltaDaily
The Parliamentary Standards Committee has unanimously endorsed a report by the Standards Commissioner, which found Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri guilty of abusing public funds.
The story revolves around the appointment of Amanda Muscat—Bartolo’s then-girlfriend and now wife—to a consultancy role with inflated salaries despite her continuing to work as Bartolo’s private secretary.
The report, which has now been officially adopted by the committee, highlights breaches of the Code of Ethics for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. Reacting to the new the Partit Nazzjonalista issued a statement demanding accountability.
The PN called for the immediate resignation of Bartolo and Camilleri, accusing them of engaging in “fraud involving public funds” through the “phantom employment” of Muscat. The PN stated that if the two ministers do not resign voluntarily, Prime Minister Robert Abela has no option but to dismiss them.
The statement also criticized Prime Minister Abela’s handling of the case, accusing him of applying a double standard. The PN pointed out that former Minister Justyne Caruana was swiftly removed following a similar ethics breach, while Bartolo and Camilleri have been shielded from consequences.
According to the report, Muscat was promoted in 2020 to a consultancy role, receiving a €62,000 annual salary, which later increased to €68,000. Although her official employment was shifted to Camilleri’s ministry, Muscat continued her role as Bartolo’s private secretary.
Prime Minister Abela claimed that he personally terminated Muscat’s contract, while Camilleri’s Head of Secretariat testified under oath that he dismissed her because her work was completed.
As the Parliamentary Standards Committee moves toward deciding potential sanctions, the Standards Law provides three options:
Requiring a public apology from the ministers.
Recommending measures to be taken by the House of Representatives.
Demanding repayment of funds improperly used.
The Prime Minister has faced mounting criticism for his continued support of Bartolo and Camilleri. While Abela downplayed the financial discrepancies, citing a net overpayment of €16,000 (later clarified to be €23,026 gross by the Time of Malta).
Labour Party Response
In response to the statement by the Nationalist Party, the Labour Party said that despite the PN preaching on ethical values, ‘it has come out lying at first chance.’
‘There’s no Parliamentary Committee that has found any Ministers guilty of any fraud, as the Nationalist Party is falsely trying to imply with its usual fixation towards fake news. The word “fraud”, just like the word “phantom job”, are only invented by Bernard Grech and cannot be found in any sentence written in the Standards Commissioner’s report.’
‘The PN pretends that it can use the Standards Commissioner, as it wants and as it pleases, now even by attributing to it declarations that were never said by the Chief Justice Emeritus. In light of this deception, Minister Jonathan Attard and Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul, as Government members on the Standards Committee, have written a formal complaint to the Speaker of the House to investigate and order the appropriate provisions on the way the PN is trying to mislead.’
‘Instead of continuing to invent fake news, Bernard Grech should turn around and see which of his MPs are absent from work and paid from public funds. That will be the only case of two weights, two measures.’
#MaltaDaily
