The Office of the Chief Executive today assured the people that the nuclear power plants accidents in Japan following last week's devastating earthquakes and tsunami had no direct impact on Macao. But the crisis could last for a certain time and Macao would be watching the situation closely and keep citizens informed of the latest developments, a statement from the Office said. The statement was issued after the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, convened a meeting with his top officials. Officials who attended the meeting included the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the Chief-of-Cabinet of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Tam Chon Weng, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam, the Director of Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping, the Director of Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau, Mr Fong Soi Kun, the Commissioner of Fire Services Bureau, Mr Ma Io Weng, the President of Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Mr Tam Vai Man, the Director of Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion, and the Acting Director of Macau Government Tourist Office, Mr Manuel Gonçalves Pires Júnior. Mr Chui convened the meeting this morning to evaluate the effects of the radiation leakages in relations to Macao. Officials reported what they have done so far and gave their assessments to the Chief Executive. The statement following the meeting said the leakages had no direct impact on Macao to date, but that the crisis could last for a certain period. Mr Chui stressed that the Government would do its utmost to deal with the situation and he called on the public to stay calm and pay attention to information released by the authorities. He had instructed all related government agencies to make the necessary preparation to ensure public health and ordered the Fire Services Bureau and Health Bureau to activate the radiation screening equipment at Macau International Airport. He said the Government was aware of the rumours about radiation and the authorities would keep on releasing information to arrest the rumours. Meanwhile the Government would keep on with its current measures, such as: - Health Bureau provide radiation screening on a voluntary basis to those returning from Japan; - Tourism Crisis Management Office operate 24-hour a day to assist travellers;
- Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau monitor the radiation level in Macao; and - Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau inspect for food imports from Japan. The Government would activate its civil defense mechanism if necessary, the statement said.
