The Cross-departmental Working Team checked 22 premises today (August 20). One premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally was sealed and three occupants were detained.
Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 216 premises were checked, of which 17 were normal residences, while 25 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. MGTO and the police will continue investigation on unanswered doors which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. When necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. To date, a total of 157 occupants were detained, including five operators, three touts, three persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Among the occupants, there were five overstayers and one illegal immigrant.
In line with the newly implemented law, MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau have launched various promotional and educational activities such as putting up posters at concerned districts and major checkpoints while deploying staff at Macau International Airport, Border Gate, Macau Ferry Terminal and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal to distribute leaflets and brochures. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau remind travelers that, according to the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation”, occupants found in premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally have the obligation to provide information or will be fined 3,000 patacas for violating the duty of cooperation. Occupants providing false information need to bear criminal responsibility. Non-residents who fail to pay the fine by due date will be denied reentry into Macau. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and person who manage the premise that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas.
