Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13 2010, the Cross-departmental Working Team has sealed a total of 126 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally. Four more operators are fined 200,000 patacas each. Inspections conducted by the Cross-departmental Working Team involved investigations to a total of 573 occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, including 33 overstayers and 25 illegal immigrants, whose cases are being follow up by police authorities. Macau Government Tourist Office has waged a total of 126 sanctions and 23 operators who provided accommodation illegally were fined 200 000 patacas each according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation". To date, two operators have voluntarily paid the fine of 200 000 patacas within the statutory period. For those who failed to pay the fine within the statutory period, MGTO has notified the Financial Services Bureau to enforce the collection of fine and informed PSP to deny reentry of the involved persons into Macau if they are non-residents. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect till May 26, 2011, MGTO has received 343 reports, involving 307 premises. MGTO is taking a serious view on every report by the citizens and after a series of evidence-findings and investigations, 157 premises were found to be normal residential units not used as illegal accommodation. Over 40 complaints were received since MGTO launched online report in April and 70% of which gave false information. MGTO appeals to the public to avoid abusing the complaint mechanism as not to waste public resources. The Cross-departmental Working Team will carry on its operation to crack down illegal accommodation. Staff of Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) continues to check the premises to ensure they remain sealed and supply of water and electricity suspended. MGTO stressed that damaging the seal and resuming supply of water and electricity is a criminal offence which will be submitted to judicial entity for follow up.
