Concerns about the electricity surcharge and illegal immigration are expected to take a back seat for the next 30 days as Malta is gripped by football fever.
Televisions across the islands were tuned in to the World Cup opening ceremony at 4.15 p.m. yesterday as the four-yearly football extravaganza kicked off in style.
And to add to the fever, for this European edition, most matches will take place in the late afternoon or evening, which means football fanatics will not go to work bleary-eyed as happened when Japan and South Korea hosted the tournament in 2002.
Still, many company bosses keen to avoid the plight of their British counterparts have decided to install televisions in their offices to ensure employees remain on the premises. According to figures released by the UK's provider of absence management, British businesses are set to lose almost £100 million (Lm67 million) for every day England is in the World Cup.
Active Health Partners have estimated that for every game England plays in the first round of the World Cup, employee absence will increase by 20 per cent. This figure can realistically be expected to increase to as much as 40 per cent if England progresses through the rounds, resulting in a significant loss to UK industry.
But one company's loss is the other's gain as retailers in Malta cash in on the hype by selling flags, team jerseys and any item even remotely related to the World Cup.
Whether it is decorating their premises with Italian, English or German flags, all kinds of gimmicks have been dreamt up by bar-owners to get people in a competitive spirit.
Practically every bar has advertised the fact that patrons may watch the matches at their establishments. A bar in Ta' Xbiex has, however, given a thought to football widows by advertising the fact there are no TVs in its main bar "for those who want to avoid the World Cup".
But even when you walk out of establishments you are likely to catch sight of a football pitch. Big screens have been installed in places like the Tiguglio car park, the Valletta Waterfront and the Ta' Qali national park.
Pierre Stafrace, general manager of Wands, said that several items of Budweiser merchandise - one of the World Cup sponsors - will be handed out in different venues across Malta.
"People have really been looking forward to the tournament and we know that many prefer to watch the matches in an atmosphere out of home," Mr Stafrace said.
Football is, after all, on everybody's minds even if the traditionally loved Italy and England have not yet taken to the field - suffice it to say that over 1,000 votes were posted to the timesofmalta.com's poll about the World Cup in just a day.
"I intend watching most of the matches. I've already warned my wife I will become a permanent fixture in the living room," Italy fanatic Paul Calleja said.
The scandal surrounding Italian football and the injury sustained by England star striker Wayne Rooney have been the talk of town.
Manchester United Supporters Club president James Bullock expressed concern that Rooney was being rushed to make him fit for the World Cup.
"We have seen what happened in the past when Gary Neville and David Beckham were rushed through their recovery to make it to a major tournament. Having said that, as an England supporter we all want him to play."
Mr Bullock believes England have one of the best squads since the 1970s and are to be considered among the favourites. The snag is whether the team will gel.
Like most other supporters' clubs, the Manchester United club will be open to screen all the tournament matches.
"But I do caution England supporters to avoid wearing the kits of rival clubs like Liverpool or Chelsea," he added.