The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry commended the government on its decision to postpone the second round of stimulus vouchers in the interest of public health. 

Yesterday, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri hinted that the issuance of the vouchers may be delayed, with Schembri saying that the ministry is consulting with the health authorities and other stakeholders so that the vouchers are issued at a time when they are most beneficial. 

“As it has said all throughout the pandemic, The Malta Chamber reiterates its position that all, and any initiatives taken must, at all times reflect, the highest public health interest. The Government’s decision, as announced by the Minister of the Economy yesterday is hence commended”, the Chamber said. 

It had initially been planned for the vouchers to be issued by mid-January, with this being communicated to stakeholders such as the MHRA during the holiday period.  However, this timeline seems to have been pushed back as Malta faces a renewed resurgence in Covid-19 cases. 

The Chamber said that while the issue of vouchers is eagerly anticipated by many business operators, as it is expected to once again inject a much needed impetus into the economy, priorities of public safety must take precedence.