Prime Minister Robert Abela announced security initiatives as he presided over a Cabinet meeting earlier today.The meeting took place at the Civil Protection Department(CPD) facilities in Ħal Far, where Abela, Cabinet ministers, and representatives from Malta’s law enforcement and security forces gathered to discuss national security.During the meeting, Abela stressed that despite international challenges currently facing the world, Malta remains prepared and continues to be a safe country. He said that people in Malta still enjoy certainty and peace of mind.Abela announced that the Police Force has invested in 30 new vehicles for the Rapid Intervention Unit. The vehicles are well-equipped for law enforcement operations and provide a strong sense of authority and visibility. They are fitted with reinforced glass, offering greater protection for officers inside. The initiative represents an investment of nearly €2 million, with the vehicles expected to be on the roads by next month.The Prime Minister also noted that in recent days there has been constant dialogue with various authorities regarding the situation of an abandoned tanker drifting in the Mediterranean Sea. In this context, he praised the seriousness and commitment of Maltese forces and authorities working to protect the health and safety of the public.Abela emphasised that disciplined forces deserve every investment and said that in recent years the government has significantly increased funding for these corps. He recalled that this government introduced the first collective agreements for disciplined forces after a legislative change in 2015 that granted workers in these sectors the right to join unions.“Today we are close to concluding the eighth agreement for another section of workers within the disciplined forces. We are about to seal another agreement for Civil Protection workers,” said Abela.Once this agreement is finalised, the government will have signed two agreements for each disciplined force within a few years.The Prime Minister also praised the important work carried out by authorities to ensure Malta remains a safe country. He noted that only a few weeks ago, during severe storms that hit the country, disciplined forces together with other workers demonstrated their dedication and service to the community. He remarked that these forces always rise to the occasion, often putting themselves in danger to protect society.“For this reason we are grateful to them- grateful for the important work they carry out to safeguard the security of our country,” he said, while expressing the nation’s confidence in them and encouraging them to continue working for Malta and Gozo.Abela added that the Government is also providing the best resources for these forces. He said the Government understands that behind every worker there is a family. Among the investments introduced are body cameras, which are already proving effective in crime detection and investigative processes. Panic alarms have also been introduced for victims of domestic violence, while the Community Policing project continues to be implemented across communities.“This is another investment towards a safer Malta, one that we can make thanks to a strong economy — an economy that delivers results and gives us the space to invest,” the Prime Minister said. “We invest in families, in communities, and to ensure our people continue to live in serenity.”The Cabinet meeting was also addressed by Security Minister Byron Camilleri. He said Malta’s preparedness and safety did not happen by chance but are the result of preparation, prevention and action.The minister explained that preparation involves investment in training and equipment, while prevention relies on well-planned strategies aimed not only at solving problems but also preventing them. He said these measures have helped ensure that Maltese and Gozitan families live in one of the safest countries in the world, with one of the lowest crime rates.He added that although the Government has already achieved significant progress in this sector- confirmed both by people’s daily experiences and by international reports such as the World Justice Report- further measures are being implemented.Among them is the introduction of the first specialised squad in Paceville from next summer, which will work alongside surveillance cameras already installed in the area and in other localities.At the same time, legal amendments are being drafted to introduce on-the-spot fines for individuals who are not residents of Malta.“We also want citizens to be better prepared,” the minister said, explaining that a booklet on prevention will be distributed to every household together with a fire blanket, with the aim of ensuring safer families through prevention.Camilleri also referred to further results, including a 93% reduction in irregular migrant arrivals, complemented by one of the highest return rates in the European Union. Last year, 2,316 individuals were returned, 111 of whom had committed criminal offences. He concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to further work and results.Before the Cabinet meeting began, Abela, accompanied by Camilleri, visited the CPD’s fire station. They met with department workers and were given a demonstration of a fire wall display, including the use of the department’s new fire engines.•