Government announces 814 million subsidies

The Government today announced a 814 million patacas package to help the public tackle rising inflation, ranging from a 1,800 pacatas electricity subsidy for all households to cash payment for the financially-challenged. A spokesman said it is hoped that these measures would help those whose buying power have been diminished by rising inflation and help enhance their living standard. All 180,000 households in Macao will see a 150 patacas payment into their electricity bill account for 12 months, effective April. Households who use less than 150 patacas electricity a month will see their balance carried forward. This subsidy will cost the Government 324 million patacas. Another payout, which is not means-tested, will be a 1,800 patacas one-off payment to recipients of the Old-Age Allowance. This will cost the Government 72.5 million. Other measures, with certain criteria to prevent abuse, are: - ensuring that low-paid Macao workers aged 40 and above get at least 4,000 pacatas per month, with the Government paying the difference if their salaries fall short of 4,000. The Executive Council will study the plan and unveil its details by a by-law shortly. This is expected to benefit 16,000 workers and will cost the Government 350 million patacas. Other measures include: - giving financially-challenged households that are on welfare, a one-off payment equivalent to three monthly payments, in April. In addition, three types of families that are especially in difficulties will get another three monthly payments, as well as extra subsidies in May and August. These measures will cost the Government 67.5 million patacas. Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said at a press conference as the Government could not control the prices of commodities in a free society, it is hoped that these measures would help the people alleviate some of their hardship. Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Chui Sai On, said on another occasion, that the Government would continue to monitor the effects of inflation and study other possible solutions to help the public. He added that in view of these new measures, the Social Services Committee would further discuss a possible adjustment to the Old-Age Allowance.