Hi Zbls,
There are no Income Tax implications on the receipt of a cash gift unless the cash gift generates interest or dividends.
These would then potentially be subject to tax.
Further guidance can be found here:
Tax on savings interest
Inheritance tax is payable on the UK estate of the deceased, if they are not resident in the UK and their world-wide estate if they are UK resident.
The cash gift will not have UK Inheritance Tax implications, but there could be something of this nature in Malta for your friend.
Thank you.