Ministry For Transport To Tackle Cab Driver Fatigue

Jun 17 2025

The Ministry for Transport is preparing to introduce new legislation aimed at limiting the number of hours cab drivers can work, following ongoing concerns about fatigue-related safety risks, Malta Daily is informed.

The proposed changes, expected to be presented in Parliament after the summer recess, will give the authority legal powers to enforce working time rules specifically within the cab industry.

Currently, only ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt, Uber and eCabs can monitor drivers’ hours, which has led to situations where individuals work long shifts across multiple platforms.

Some drivers reportedly work up to 16 hours a day or exceed 65 hours a week, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

The Ministry for Transport, along with Transport Malta, intends to gather data from all three major platforms to track driving hours. The planned regulations are based on existing labour laws, which require workers to rest for 11 hours after a 12-hour shift, take a break after six hours, and have one day off per week.

An escalating penalty system will be introduced for both drivers and operators who breach the new rules, with sanctions ranging from fines to the suspension of driver tags.

Earlier this year, over 1,400 cabs were taken off the road due to licence issues, particularly involving false garaging addresses. Enforcement efforts also include public reporting channels for illegally parked Y-plate vehicles.

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s President Backs Vision Malta 2050

Jun 17 2025

President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, warmly received a Government delegation that presented the consultation document on Vision Malta 2050.

During the meeting, the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, who led the delegation, provided a detailed presentation on the rationale behind this national Vision, as well as its main long-term pillars, founded on four key areas: Sustainable Economic Growth; Accessible Services that Place the Citizen at the Centre; A Resilient Country with a Modern Education System; and Intelligent Use of Land and Sea.

Minister Schembri emphasised that the Vision is not merely a document of aspirations for 2050 but also includes specific goals to be achieved by 2035. He highlighted that the measure of success will no longer be based solely on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but will also incorporate three new indices recognised by the United Nations and Eurostat, focusing on the quality of life of individuals.

The Minister also outlined the various phases of consultations already undertaken and explained that the public consultation phase on Vision Malta 2050 remains open until 9 September 2025. The public is encouraged to contribute via envision2050.gov.mt.

#MaltaDaily

Local Construction Worker Becomes A Doctor

Jun 17 2025

Taking to social media, Omar Kassab – now Dr. Omar Kassab M.D. – shared his story of going from working in construction to becoming a doctor.

‘The journey from construction sites to hospital wards wasn’t easy, it was early mornings, long days, and sleepless nights’, he wrote.

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A post shared by Omar Kassab (@omarkassab0001)

‘I’ve stood in safety shoes (not comfortable) and now I stand in scrubs. What I built with my hands back then laid the foundation for what I build now: trust, care and making a difference.’

‘I’m proud of where I come from, and even prouder of where l’m going.

Forever grateful to those who supported me and believed in me: my family, friends and the people who reminded me why I started.’

Congratulations Omar!

#MaltaDaily

Candles at the Capital: Museums by Candlelight in Valletta

Jun 17 2025

Mark your calendars for Saturday 21st June because Valletta is set to shine like never before! After lighting up Birgu with two unforgettable editions, Heritage Malta’s ‘Museums by Candlelight’ is heading to the capital and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.

From 7PM till midnight, thousands of candles will transform Valletta’s historic heart into a glowing masterpiece. For just a €5 donation, you’ll get access to five iconic sites lit entirely by candlelight:
🔸 National Museum of Archaeology
🔸 Grand Master’s Palace
🔸 MUŻA – Malta’s National Community Art Museum
🔸 St John’s Co-Cathedral
🔸 Church of St Catherine of Italy

Each location will offer its own unique vibe. Prehistoric wonders and live classical music await in the Gran Salon at the Archaeology Museum. At the Grand Master’s Palace, explore brand new halls, catch In Guardia re-enactors from 8:30PM–10PM, and chill to live jazz by the Dominic Galea Jazz Quartet.

Over at MUŻA, you’ll be surrounded by stunning art while violinist Mario Ciantar sets the mood. And yes, St John’s Co-Cathedral will be open at night, lit by candlelight, showing off its baroque glory and that famous Caravaggio like you’ve never seen it before.

Plus, don’t miss a rare chance to step inside the Church of St Catherine of Italy, a hidden gem by Girolamo Cassar and the last surviving Hospitaller church still attached to its original auberge. Soon, it’ll be part of MUŻA’s growing experience.

🎟️ Tickets are available online at heritagemalta.mt, from any Heritage Malta museum or site, or directly at the door of the Heritage Malta venues on the night.

See you there!

#MaltaDaily