The Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU has called for an extension to the date by when beneficiaries of a €15-million energy grant scheme for businesses, which Malta Enterprises has suspended pending criminal investigation, could complete their installations.

In a statement, the GRTU said it was holding ME responsible for the commercial damage, delays and any unjust implication of guilt that may be suffered by innocent parties.

Malta Enterprise temporarily suspended the scheme after it discovered that certain quotations submitted by beneficiaries could be "in bad faith". These were being investigated.

The scheme supported companies investing in energy saving measures and alternative energy sources. About 250 firms had been approved grants that were now on hold.

The GRTU complained that businessmen were being called at the police headquarters to be investigated as if they were criminals.

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