The Cross-departmental Working Team continues its operation to raid premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and conducts inspections in the streets. This morning, two more premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were cracked and such enforcement actions will continue. Staff from MGTO’s Inspection Division, together with additional manpower from other subunits, joined force with the Public Security Police Force to take action around the clock and swooped in districts with higher density of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, conducted inspections in the streets and seized touts. During the operation today (Aug 14), three premises were checked, with one unanswered door. Two premises were sealed, seven occupants were detained, among which one overstayer refused to collaborate and was fined MOP3,000 for violating her duty to cooperate. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 33 premises were checked, with 22 unanswered doors, 11 premises were accessed, of which two were normal residences. Nine premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, three suspected offenders were seized, including two operators (also working as touts) and one managing staff. 36 occupants were detained, including one who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Following the operation, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, managing staff and touts and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the above premises and sealed the doors. Directors and concerned department heads of MGTO also took on-call duties around the clock to give command and coordinate operations to combat the malpractice. Parallel with the measures against illegal accommodation, MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau proactively promote the new law to visitors and citizens. Pamphlets are available for visitors at all MGTO counters and more staff from MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau has been stationed at various checkpoints to distribute leaflets. A new round of promotional activities will also be launched soon.
