Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1504427
NEWS 5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 26 JULY 2023 Blackouts across Malta Malta Dairy Products facing supply constraints due to electricity outage MALTA'S leading provider of fresh milk, Malta Dairy Products, is facing difficulties in maintaining usual milk production levels due to power outages that have struck the islands over the past seven days. MDP has warned that the pub- lic could face a shortage certain products in the market in the coming days. But a power cut-off at MDP had now significantly hampered the ability to produce the usual milk quantities required to meet the island's rising public demand. "While back-up generators are in place and running, it is unfor- tunate that we are struggling to cope with the excessive heat in this extreme weather. This has led to a temporary reduction in production output and will be af- fecting the regular supply chain," MDP said. Rising temperatures in sum- mer lead to a natural decrease in milk production from cows when the weather turns extremely dry and hot: the natural response from the cows is to produce less milk during this period. "This is a natural phenomenon which happens every summer and is restored once the weather tem- perature gets cooler later in the year," MDP said. MDP said that despite the con- straints, the company will con- tinue to produce fresh local milk products, albeit at potentially lower quantities than usual. "MDP's primary concern re- mains the quality and safety of its products for its valued consum- ers. The company would like to emphasise that despite the sup- ply challenges, every measure is being taken to ensure that the freshness and integrity of the milk products are maintained at the highest standard," the com- pany said. "MDP does not compromise on the quality of its milk by re- sorting to alternative sources. Malta Dairy Products takes pride in providing 100% fresh Maltese milk, sourced from local dairy farms, to customers across the islands." KURT SANSONE NORMA Saliba has resigned from head of news at the nation- al TV station, citing a "deceitful character assassination cam- paign" against her as reason for the decision. Saliba was appointed head of news three years ago, taking over from Reno Bugeja. In a pointed Facebook post Sal- iba insisted that she never took advantage of her position to "benefit or destroy" anyone. "De- spite this, over the past few weeks I ended up being a victim of a deceitful character assassination campaign… silence was my reply but more effort is needed to pro- tect journalists and show more respect to women in top posts," she added cryptically. Saliba said her resignation was motivated by "personal reasons" even though she still had more to give the profession. "I've taken the decision with serenity," she said, thanking those who worked with her and showed her respect and loyalty. When contacted to elaborate, Saliba said she had nothing more to add to her Facebook post. Saliba has been at the centre of pointed criticism from the Na- tionalist Party that has accused TVM of being an offshoot of the Labour Party's One News. In her long Facebook post, Saliba said that on her watch, PBS won more cases than it lost over complaints of impartiality made with the Broadcasting Authority. But sources close to TVM have told MaltaToday, Saliba had been on long leave for the past few weeks as things came to a head between her and PBS executive chairman Mark Sammut. MaltaToday understands that Sammut did not see eye to eye with his news editor and had even removed her from registered ed- itor in January last year, appoint- ing in her stead CEO Charles Dalli, who has no journalistic ex- perience. Saliba remained head of news. "Mark Sammut made her life hell," one source who wanted to remain anonymous told Malta- Today. Other sources close to Cabinet have told MaltaToday that Sali- ba's father, veteran sports report- er Mario Saliba, recently wrote a stern letter to all ministers com- plaining over the way his daugh- ter was being treated by the com- pany management. "The letter ruffled feathers but Mark Sammut enjoys the Prime Minister's support," one Cabinet source put it to MaltaToday. Norma Saliba steps down from TVM head of news, blames 'character assassination campaign' Norma Saliba has resigned from TVM head of news • Sources speak of clash with PBS executive chair Mark Sammut Norma Saliba