I emphatically agree with Michael Owen’s remarks in his letter ‘Border control’ (June 10).

I have mentioned this before in conversation when I visit the island. It’s not only importation of drugs that needs to be guarded against – and this is conspicuous by its absence – but more critical the threat of terrorism.

I always get the impression that there is a perception on the island that Malta is immune to terrorism. Terrorists are what they are, vermin, and there are no boundaries to their evil acts. They look for easy targets because they are cowards.

Malta’s main industry is tourism. Remember Tunisia and Turkey – their economies have not yet fully recovered from having suffered such attacks.

The main capitals of Europe and the US are becoming more difficult for terrorists to penetrate with ease and big cities have the ability to recover quickly and show strong resistance. In Malta, you rarely spot any sort of vigilance on the beaches. One cowardly attack and the boasts of so-called strong economy will evaporate to be replaced by catastrophic consequences.

Beaches are not the same as big city centres. They are venues for families with children and, while people willingly show defiance by standing fast in solidarity with the local population, they will not take risks with their nearest and dearest and will not return with any haste.

The correspondent should be congratulated for drawing attention to the typically laid-back attitude of people in authority.