Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545920
5 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 JULY 2026 NEWS Fire at illegal Marsa dumping site erupts into large blaze, MRU says WHAT began as a small fire at an illegal dumping site in Mar- sa developed into a large blaze within minutes on Tuesday, the Malta Ranger Unit said. The MRU drew attention to the incident in a Facebook post that included images showing how quickly the fire spread. While noting that Civil Pro- tection Department officers arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control, the MRU said the incident high- lighted Malta's illegal dumping problem and the weak penal- ties imposed on offenders. It argued that offenders often weigh the cost of a fine against the likelihood of being caught and conclude that dumping waste illegally is a risk worth taking. The MRU called on the au- thorities to increase fines for il- legal dumping and make use of their legal powers to confiscate vehicles used to transport and dump waste. It also urged government to consider introducing fire bans during periods of extreme heat, as is done in other European countries. Such measures, it said, would help ease pressure on the CPD by preventing avoidable fires and ensuring that its resources are not unnecessarily depleted. The MRU urged anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to re- port it immediately through its WhatsApp number, 79378118, or contact the Environment and Resources Authority on 22923500. It concluded by thanking CPD personnel, noting that officers have faced an increase in fires over recent days. EVA BRANNON ebrannon@mediatoday.com.mt The MRU shared images which showed how quickly the fire spread (Photo: Facebook/MRU) Opposition supports principles behind new Equality Bill but wants more time for scrutiny THE Opposition has expressed support for the principles on which the proposed National Commission for Human Rights and Equality is based, but has stopped short of backing the legislation, arguing parliament has not been given sufficient time to scrutinise the bill. The Opposition said it agreed with the establishment of the National Commission for Hu- man Rights and Equality but would reserve its position and vote on each clause of the bill during the committee stage. It said the decision was driv- en by concerns the legislative process had not allowed for ad- equate consultation or detailed parliamentary scrutiny. The bill, which is current- ly before Parliament, forms part of a wider package of re- forms that also includes a new Equality Act. The government has presented the measures as a significant overhaul of Mal- ta's human rights and equality framework. The Opposition said its con- cerns were shared by several non-governmental organisa- tions and civil society groups, which have also called for more time to examine the proposed legislation before it is approved. It argued that the pace of the legislative process risks un- dermining meaningful con- sultation on reforms with far-reaching legal and social implications. "The Opposition agrees with the principles of the bill es- tablishing the National Com- mission for Human Rights and Equality. However, because insufficient time has been al- lowed for adequate consulta- tion and parliamentary scruti- ny, the Opposition will reserve its position and its vote on each article of the National Com- mission for Human Rights and Equality Bill during the com- mittee stage," the statement said. The Opposition said its ap- proach reflects its commitment to a transparent parliamentary process based on proper con- sultation and careful legislative scrutiny. The government's human rights reform package has al- ready attracted criticism from several stakeholders. Church schools have raised concerns that provisions in the proposed Equality Act could affect their autonomy and Catholic ethos, while civil society organisations have urged lawmakers to allow more time for consultation be- fore the reforms are enacted. KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt