Is it legal to carry pepper spray for self-protection in Malta?

Items that can be used as weapons, including certain self-defence sprays, are regulated in Malta, and possession of an item that legally qualifies as a prohibited weapon without proper authorisation can itself constitute an offence under the Arms Act and related provisions connected to the Criminal Code, Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta, meaning that simply intending to use something purely for self-defence does not automatically make its possession lawful if it falls within a legally restricted category. Whether a specific product marketed as 'pepper spray' or similar is actually classified as a prohibited weapon in Malta, or falls outside that classification, can depend on its exact composition, delivery mechanism, and strength, so this is genuinely worth checking carefully against current Maltese regulations, ideally by contacting the police directly for clarification or checking official guidance, rather than relying on assumptions based on what may be legal in other countries. Given the potential seriousness of unknowingly possessing a prohibited item, it would be sensible to confirm the legal status of the specific product before purchasing it, and to also consider other legal, non-weapon-based personal safety measures in the meantime.