The feared invasion of Malta by migrants is actually just an ethnic grocery store in Gzira, Bis-Serjetà can reveal.
Many Maltese believe migrants, particularly those from Africa and the Near East, are coming to Malta en masse in a coordinated effort to take over the country and forcibly replace Maltese culture and beliefs with their own.
However, following a two-month investigation, Bis-Serjetà can reveal that these fears are unfounded.
During the investigation, no telltale signs of an imminent invasion, such as troops massing at the border, fighter jets violating airspace or countries withdrawing their staff from embassies – were found.
However, a little Syrian-owned grocery store was discovered down a side street in Gzira.
“Come in habibi, welcome to Sayid Minimarket,” shop owner Sayid Malouf told Bis-Serjetà, before offering a complimentary glass of mint tea and a plate of freshly made baklava.
Malouf mainly stocks a variety of Middle Eastern and North African staples, but also sells a wide selection of products preferred by locals.
“I think some Maltese people are angry because I only stock 30 different types of pasta,” Malouf speculated.
Asked if he was a scout, spy or any other kind of foreign agent, the Syrian replied that he was a simple shopkeeper who fled the war in his homeland.
Asked if there was a remote possibility that he was part of an invasion force without actually knowing it, Malouf said he was “pretty certain.”
Despite his assurances, some Maltese people still have their doubts.
“Did you check if the felafel mix was actually plastic explosives?” asked local racist Clint Zahra.
