The integration of foreigners begins at community level, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat told Marsa residents on Sunday.
Addressing a political event at Labour's Marsa club, Dr Muscat said he understood the locality was facing pressures due to the influx of foreigners.
The government, he said, was not trying to escape the reality of these tensions, which created situations where some people were afraid to leave their homes.
Residents, however, must not allow far-right groups to ride on these sentiments.
The Prime Minister said he received daily updates about what was going on in Marsa. Those who complained were not racists, as they would be equally angered by anti-social behaviour by Maltese.
Enforcement in Marsa and other areas had been stepped up, he said, and this was serving as a deterrent.
The government would not tolerate abuse from anyone, no matter their nationality, Dr Muscat continued.
He said part of the government’s success was that it did not sweep problems under the carpet.
The country needed more foreigners to come to Malta’s shores, because demand for jobs was outstripping supply
Dr Muscat said the country needed more foreigners to come to Malta’s shores, because demand for jobs was outstripping supply.
A leading Indian company, he said, would be investing millions in an underground data centre at the former Marsa power station site.
The Prime Minister said an underground location that had only been inhabited by cockroaches and rats would now bring in millions in investment.
Dr Muscat said the country’s doors were wide open to foreign talent. He called for national unity in this regard, and said he was proud Malta was preparing itself for the next generation.
Speaking about his recent visit to Australia, the Prime Minister said the descendants of expats who moved there were now expressing a desire to come to Malta because of the opportunities on offer.
The government, he said, was not one which started giving back to people during the lead up to an election. It distributed the wealth being created year after year. This was done while running a surplus.
The Prime Minister said the biggest controversies now stemmed from who to give this money to.
Dr Muscat drew sharp criticism from certain PN MPs over his decision to give €5 million in cash-for-passports money to Puttinu Cares during a late-night phone in during a fund-raising event on Xarabank.
While not directly referring to Puttinu Cares, Dr Muscat said he had no problems facing these controversies, as he was proud to lead a government that gave to the people, instead of taking from them.