HHC Products Banned In Malta

Oct 7 2024

Malta has officially banned the sale and distribution of HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol), a synthetic cannabinoid marketed as a legal alternative to THC.

HHC emerged recently, exploiting legal loopholes, and posing significant risks to public health. Despite being untested on humans, it was widely sold in appealing forms like gummies, lollipops, and vape products, often targeted at children and minors through deceptive marketing tactics.

The ban, enacted under Legal Notice 238 of 2024, aims to close this loophole and protect the public, especially vulnerable groups, from harmful and unregulated substances.

HHC products were being sold without any restrictions or quality controls, unlike regulated cannabis products distributed through the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC). These licensed associations follow strict guidelines, including age verification and quality testing, ensuring consumer safety.

In contrast, HHC products were sold freely in commercial shops and online, with no age limits or safety guarantees.

The aggressive marketing of these products further exacerbated the risks, targeting minors and creating a dangerous environment. The ban ensures that such harmful substances are no longer available, safeguarding public health and reinforcing the importance of responsible regulation in the cannabis industry.

#MaltaDaily

Climate Action Authority Established

Oct 7 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the establishment of the Climate Action Authority, emphasising the importance of environmental justice and collective responsibility.

This new Authority, the first of its kind in Europe, aims to monitor and address the effects of climate change through coordinated efforts and effective action, including legislation and regulation.

Abela described this as a significant milestone and another fulfilled government promise, underscoring the need to act decisively to protect the future and improve current living conditions.

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“Doing nothing is not an option,” Abela stated, adding that environmental policies must address the realities faced by all, particularly in the Mediterranean. He stressed the government’s commitment to progress while ensuring peace and stability for all citizens.

The Authority’s goal is to transform the challenge of climate change into an opportunity by implementing the necessary changes.

Environment Minister Miriam Dalli highlighted the ambition required to lead on climate action, both locally and internationally.

She pointed out that Malta, through initiatives like the MED9, has made strides toward making the Mediterranean a hub for clean energy.

Dalli emphasised that while climate change presents challenges, it also offers opportunities if we are courageous enough to embrace the necessary reforms. The Authority will play a pivotal role in driving this vision forward.

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Maltese Parliament Re-Opens Today

Oct 7 2024

The Parliament of Malta will reconvene today, with the Speaker set to issue a series of rulings, two of which will address matters concerning parliamentary questions.

These rulings will add to the 18 already made in this legislative term, primarily dealing with the handling of such questions.

The Speaker is expected to propose improvements to the process and timing for answering parliamentary questions.

Anġlu Farrugia has also highlighted the need for the Government and Opposition to engage in discussions aimed at reviewing the standing orders of Parliament.

According to data shared with TVMnews, nine out of ten parliamentary question during this term have been answered. Furthermore, the total number of questions asked—21,303—already equaled that of the previous term, with 19,453 answered and 1,146 still pending.

Speaker Farrugia stressed the importance of further shortening speeches, which have already been reduced, and reiterated citizens’ right to seek remedies for statements made in Parliament.

On its part, the Nationalist Party (PN) emphasised that the Government must stop withholding information and start answering parliamentary questions. With Ian Borg replacing Chris Fearne as the new Leader of the House, PN Whip Robert Cutajar and Deputy Whip Paula Mifsud Bonnici called for a change in the Government’s approach, urging respect for Parliament. Robert Cutajar said that over 800 Parliamentary Questions have not yet been answered by Government Ministers.

The PN also revisited its previous proposals to enhance parliamentary work, including a Prime Minister’s Question Time similar to the UK system. They proposed extending parliamentary sessions to Thursday, alternating between Government and Opposition-led discussions, and advocated for child care facilities for MPs and parliamentary staff.

#MaltaDaily

Vessel Carrying Israel Bound Weapons Banned From Malta Entry

Oct 7 2024

The Maltese government has reportedly banned the entry of the merchant vessel MV Kathrin into its waters, after concerns were raised that the ship was carrying explosives destined for Israel.

A government spokesperson informed Times of Malta of the ban, stating that a request for the ship to stop in Malta for a crew change was denied, and it will not be allowed to refuel either.

The vessel, off the coast of Sicily, is believed to be transporting eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives, key materials used in bombs and missiles, according to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese.

Local activist group Moviment Graffitti warned that allowing the ship into Malta would make the government complicit in the ongoing “genocide” in Palestine.

The group referenced the Geneva Convention, arguing that granting access would violate international law.

Following the ban, the activist group released a statement saying:

‘We reiterate that Prime Minister Robert Abela and Minister Chris Bonett should clearly and publicly state that no military provisions destined for Israel will be allowed passage, anchoring, docking or provisioning of any services in or by Maltese ports, airports, seas and airspace.’

#MaltaDaily