The Malta Independent

Keep me signed in with social media

9 August 2026, Sunday

View E-Paper

From nail salons to TikTok: Malta's underground trade in an unapproved weight-loss jab exposed

There's a new weight-loss craze taking hold in Malta, and it makes Ozempic look slow. Retatrutide, the peptide its own online community has nicknamed the "miracle in a bottle", is faster acting,...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from J.Degabriele, 09/08/2026 10:20: As they say. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Click to rate
0
0

Updated: Missing 57-year-old man found dead in a field

Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of 57-year-old Eusebio Abela, who has been reported missing. Abela was last seen in the Bulebel area wearing shorts and a grey top with red...

Comments (0)
Share

PN cannot assume it has ‘automatic right to be believed’, Piccinino says on its proposals

Michael Piccinino, a Nationalist Party MP and the Shadow Minister for the Self-Employed, Small Enterprises and Cooperatives, has said the PN cannot simply assume that small business owners will...

Comments (0)
Share

Nearly 500 on-the-spot fines handed out in four weeks since legal notice enacted

Nearly 500 on-the-spot fines have been issued to tourists in the first four weeks since the penalties were introduced through a legal notice signed last month, The Malta Independent on Sunday has been...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Mark Debono, 09/08/2026 13:13: So locals are exempt from being find for being noisy and drunk etc because they are perfect? What evidence does the enforcers need?

Click to rate
0
0

TMIS Editorial: A thousand small frustrations, one big problem

There was a time when quality of life was measured by simple things. A peaceful night's sleep. A clean street. A short journey to work. The chance to spend an afternoon by the sea without worrying...

Comments (0)
Share

Jeffrey Cassar jailed for five months after breaching bail conditions

Jeffrey Cassar, one of the Maltese men allegedly involved in dumping around €700,000 in cash into the sea off Sicily, has been jailed for five months after breaching bail conditions, Times of...

Comments (0)
Share

Moviment Graffitti launches mailing list to keep people updated on action in Comino

The NGO Moviment Graffitti has launched a mailing list intended for keeping people updated about action that the organisation said it will take against a controversial hotel development on...

Comments (0)
Share

‘Helping save a life is a civic duty’: Malta Resuscitation Council wants CPR in school curriculum

Making cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) a compulsory part of the national curriculum, reinforcing it throughout life and improving public awareness could transform survival rates following cardiac...

Comments (0)
Share

Family Court overhaul to come into force on 1 October, Abela says

A reform of Malta's Family Court is expected to come into force from 1 October, with changes aimed at reducing delays, strengthening mediation and placing children at the centre of proceedings, Prime...

Comments (0)
Share

Man grievously injured in Bormla hit-and-run, alleged driver arrested

A 49-year-old man suffered grievous injuries after being hit by a car in Bormla on Sunday morning, with the alleged driver arrested shortly afterwards after allegedly fleeing the scene, police said in...

Comments (0)
Share

‘Even after she died, he still wanted to kill her,’ Theuma tells jury on Fenech

The trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech over the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia continued on Saturday with the testimony of pardoned middleman Melvin Theuma, as his secret recordings started...

Comments (0)
Share

recent poll

Blogs & Opinions

Alexander Mangion

Fireworks and fairness

Noel Grima

Some premature conclusions from the trial

Jerome Caruana Cilia

Artificial Intelligence in education and the future we choose

Kevin Aquilina

Manifesto for change at the Planning Authority

Ivan Bartolo

When profit silences prayer

Marilena Gauci

I want to be remembered by the work I do

Gejtu Vella

No answers, no accountability

Romilda Zarb

The institutions our democracy deserves

Mark Said

Issues with public procurement

David Spiteri Gingell

The right to work freely

Trial testimonies raise ‘extremely serious questions’ about goings on at Castille under Muscat – PN

Testimony given during the trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech on the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia raises “extremely serious questions” about what was happening at Castille under...

Comments (4)
Share

latest comment from C Xerri, 09/08/2026 10:11: So after all the Leader of the Opposition somehow was persuaded to go back on what he stated before and commented on the Yorgen Fenech's trial.

Click to rate
0
0

‘Stream of pathetic men breaking down into pseudo-tears’: Daphne’s sister seethes on trial witnesses

Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sister launched a scathing commentary on some witnesses in the trial on the journalist’s murder, describing them as a “stream of pathetic men” who...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from J.Degabriele, 08/08/2026 15:11: They're all sorry now because they have been caught!

Click to rate
0
0

Developer will have to plant 540 new indigenous trees on Comino as part of project, ERA says

The Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) has said that the developers behind the controversial hotel planned on Comino will have an obligation to plant 540 new indigenous trees on the...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from J.Degabriele, 08/08/2026 15:13: And after seeing what's been happening all around us, who will believe them? There is a very simple solution. LEAVE COMINO ALONE!

Click to rate
0
0

ADPD seeks in-depth consideration of impacts of fireworks industry on agriculture and food safety

ADPD has noted with satisfaction that the new Culture Minister is determined to seek a solution to the problems of the fireworks industry and has called for an in-depth consideration on its impacts on...

Comments (0)
Share

Theuma back on the witness stand as Fenech trial enters day 34

The trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech has entered its 34th day, with self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma taking the stand for the second day running In Friday's sitting, Theuma told...

Comments (0)
Share

PN wants answers on 15-year-old Italian detained in Malta

The Nationalist Party has said that the Government must provide answers and clarify the facts surrounding the case of the 15-year-old Italian boy who has reportedly been held in isolation for around...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Anne R Key, 09/08/2026 15:47: Reading this on a Maltese Daily News Paper making direct reference to happenings in our prison system is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!! Ashame on all concerned, and a hard blow for our supposed democratic status....!!! This is a 15 year old BOY, the article is referring to...! Shame on the whole lot of you!

Click to rate
0
0

Four submissions received for proposed renewable energy link between North Africa and Malta

Interconnect Malta has received four submissions following the closure of the Preliminary Market Consultation concerning the potential generation of renewable electricity in North Africa and its...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from Joezborg, 08/08/2026 10:10: Four submissions received for proposed renewable energy link between North Africa and Malta... Another Labour gimick. Who will trust security of supply from North Africa?

Click to rate
0
0

TMID Editorial: A balance must be struck on fireworks

Feasts, and especially the fireworks that come along with it, are a celebrated part of Maltese culture. However, while in the past the support for such parts of Maltese culture was universal, the...

Comments (2)
Share

latest comment from V Mercieca, 09/08/2026 09:00:

the dramatic explosion of the Ta' Lourdes fireworks factory

In a way, we thank God for that as we, residents of San Gwann, had our first quiet fiesta weekend in our lives.

Click to rate
0
0

news in pictures

events

Sports

San Ġiljan reign supreme with commanding Knock-Out final victory

Pedestrian critical, motorcyclist hospitalised after two separate accident

A pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car in an accident on Friday evening, police said. The accident happened in Triq Joe Scibberras in Ħamrun, and...

Comments (0)
Share

‘I was convinced I'd be killed or put in prison’: Melvin Theuma on why he recorded Yorgen Fenech

The trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech reached one of its most anticipated moments on Friday as self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma took the witness stand, spending hours recounting how he says Fenech...

Comments (0)
Share

Julianne Vella appointed Malta's new UN Youth Delegate

Julianne Vella has been appointed as Malta's new United Nations Youth Delegate and will represent young Maltese people at various United Nations forums over the next two years, the government said in...

Comments (0)
Share

GWU announces industrial action at Dar Emmaus and disputes with Malta MedAir

The General Workers' Union (GWU) has announced industrial action at Dar Emmaus in Gozo and registered an industrial dispute with Malta MedAir, accusing both employers of failing to engage with the...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from onDmove, 08/08/2026 08:34: Kollox bil-ħabi! Fejn huma l-Accounts tal-KM Malta Airlines? Jaqaw xi balla telf, wara is-sagrificcji li għaddew minnhom il-ħaddiema tal-Air Malta?

Click to rate
0
0

Sliema and St Julian's remain Malta's most expensive apartment markets in 2025

Sliema and St Julian's continued to command the highest apartment prices in Malta during 2025, while Gozo's Xewkija and Sannat remained the country's most affordable localities, according to new...

Comments (0)
Share

Over 10,000 hours at sea in 2025: Minister Glenn Bedingfield visits the AFM Maritime Squadron

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) Maritime Squadron accumulated more than 10,000 operational hours at sea during 2025, carrying out hundreds of patrols, inspections and boardings, law enforcement...

Comments (0)
Share

Self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma takes the witness stand in Yorgen Fenech trial

The trial by jury of businessman Yorgen Fenech has entered its 33rd day, with the cross-examination of former family doctor Adrian Vella expected to continue before Madam Justice Edwina...

Comments (0)
Share

Updated: ERA approves preliminary environmental works for Comino hotel, Momentum condemns decision

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has approved the preliminary environmental programme for the proposed Six Senses Comino development, with project developer HV Hospitality saying the...

Comments (1)
Share

latest comment from RF, 07/08/2026 12:41: If it's not PA it's ERA that is destroying the environment and uglifying every town and village and now the island of Comino. As long as the members of both these government agencies rather than autonomous authorities are not named and shamed they will keep hiding their shame. Who believes no money is passed under the table? None of them have a conflict of interest?

Click to rate
0
0

Aġenzija Sapport reports record investment in disability services during 2025

Aġenzija Sapport increased its budget to a record €40.3 million in 2025 as it expanded personalised services for persons with disabilities, introduced new support programmes and prepared for...

Comments (0)
Share

Alex Borg says Gozo needs conditions for young people to build careers and families

Opposition Leader Alex Borg said Gozo has the potential to become a place where young people can build careers, businesses and families, arguing that the island needs policies tailored to its unique...

Comments (0)
Share

Business

The million-dollar tuna ranching sector

BOV equips business customers to spot and stop fraud

Melita Business and Pitre Bathrooms renew decades long partnership

CrediaBank posts record first-half profit as loan growth accelerates

APS Bank and Nexi S.p.A. announce ATM network collaboration

Brain & Bites Series aims to turn innovation conversations into action

MFSA sets new direction for Financial Crime Compliance with Strategy 2026

MaltaPost celebrates iconic landmarks with SEPAC stamp issue

The responsibility of building for tomorrow

MFSA publishes administrative penalties methodology for credit institutions

From nail salons to TikTok: Malta's underground trade in an unapproved weight-loss jab exposed

Updated: Missing 57-year-old man found dead in a field

PN cannot assume it has ‘automatic right to be believed’, Piccinino says on its proposals

Nearly 500 on-the-spot fines handed out in four weeks since legal notice enacted

TMIS Editorial: A thousand small frustrations, one big problem

Jeffrey Cassar jailed for five months after breaching bail conditions

Moviment Graffitti launches mailing list to keep people updated on action in Comino

‘Helping save a life is a civic duty’: Malta Resuscitation Council wants CPR in school curriculum

Family Court overhaul to come into force on 1 October, Abela says

Man grievously injured in Bormla hit-and-run, alleged driver arrested

‘Even after she died, he still wanted to kill her,’ Theuma tells jury on Fenech

Trial testimonies raise ‘extremely serious questions’ about goings on at Castille under Muscat – PN

‘Stream of pathetic men breaking down into pseudo-tears’: Daphne’s sister seethes on trial witnesses

Developer will have to plant 540 new indigenous trees on Comino as part of project, ERA says

ADPD seeks in-depth consideration of impacts of fireworks industry on agriculture and food safety

Theuma back on the witness stand as Fenech trial enters day 34

PN wants answers on 15-year-old Italian detained in Malta

Four submissions received for proposed renewable energy link between North Africa and Malta

TMID Editorial: A balance must be struck on fireworks

Final preparations underway for SummerDaze as festival aims to boost Malta’s global events profile

Doctor tells court Fenech said: ‘If I go down, everyone will go down with me’

Person injured in fall rescued during joint operation at Blata l-Bajda

Institute of Maltese Journalists elects new council

TMID Editorial: Can we really deny overtourism?

How to choose online casino software by integration and retention?

CrediaBank posts record first-half profit as loan growth accelerates

‘PL copies yet another PN proposal it had opposed’, PN says as government mulls northern health hub

South Korean satellite captures before and after views of SpaceX rocket's moon crash

Pedestrian critical, motorcyclist hospitalised after two separate accident

‘I was convinced I'd be killed or put in prison’: Melvin Theuma on why he recorded Yorgen Fenech

Julianne Vella appointed Malta's new UN Youth Delegate

GWU announces industrial action at Dar Emmaus and disputes with Malta MedAir

Sliema and St Julian's remain Malta's most expensive apartment markets in 2025

Over 10,000 hours at sea in 2025: Minister Glenn Bedingfield visits the AFM Maritime Squadron

Self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma takes the witness stand in Yorgen Fenech trial

Updated: ERA approves preliminary environmental works for Comino hotel, Momentum condemns decision

Aġenzija Sapport reports record investment in disability services during 2025

Alex Borg says Gozo needs conditions for young people to build careers and families

‘He only had minutes to live’: Doctors recount desperate fight to save Johann Vella

Student kills 6 and wounds others in a shooting at a high school in Thailand, authorities say

Airport closes in Okinawa as Typhoon Dolphin hits parts of southern Japan

Inspector details negotiations leading up to arrest in Ta' Ġiorni police shooting

Planning Board approves redevelopment of former Buskett Forest Aparthotel into elderly care home

Dr Adrian Vella testifies in day 32 of Yorgen Fenech trial