More than 3,300 stop-work orders were issued against construction sites across Malta between February and May this year, as authorities stepped up action against those working without a permit or in breach of one, parliamentary figures have shown.

The figures emerged after PN MP Adrian Delia asked the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment how many enforcement notices issued over the four-month period had led to work being suspended, fines being imposed, or permits being revoked.

Replying, Minister Jonathan Attard said the Occupational Health and Safety Authority had issued 260 stop work orders and 98 fines during the period.

The Building and Construction Authority accounted for the bulk of the enforcement action, issuing 3,001 stop work notifications, 49 of which were accompanied by formal enforcement notices, along with a further 146 fines.

Between the two authorities, works were ordered to stop 3,261 times and 244 fines were issued in the space of four months.

One aspect of the question went unanswered: how many permits, if any, were revoked as a result. The Minister's reply made no reference to this.