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The working group on food prices released its latest specific price survey on seasonings. Survey result showed that prices of the 13 surveyed products were similar to the data recorded in June. The working group on food prices collected 13 brands of seasonings from 20 retail outlets on 13th August. A general price difference of 20 to 30 percent was recorded in most surveyed items. 'Tai Yang Hua Brand Table Salt (1lb)', which was sold at $2.50 to $4.0, recorded a price difference of 60 percent; 'Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce (500ml)', which was sold at $29.5 to $40.0, recorded a price difference of around 36 percent. Survey result also revealed that prices of some the surveyed products were sold at difference prices in branches under the same supermarket chain. Selling price of 'Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce (500ml)' at San Miu Supermarket Taipa branch was $3.0 higher than that sold at Pou Seng branch. Consumers are advised to check with the survey data to make practical consumption. The specific price survey on seasonings is now available on the Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that visitor arrivals in package tours increased by 8.4% year-on-year to 662,109 in June 2012. Visitors from Mainland China (465,860) went up by 3.8%, with 167,266 coming from Guangdong Province; besides, those from Taiwan, China (58,971); Hong Kong (28,649); the Republic of Korea (23,808); and Japan (22,225) increased by 66.2%, 23.4%, 22.1% and 25.8% respectively. In the first half year of 2012, visitors in package tours totalled 4,082,895, up by 25.9% year-on-year to account for 30.1% of the total visitor arrivals. Outbound residents in package tours surged by 74.4% year-on-year to 39,867 in June 2012. The most popular tour itineraries were Mainland China (67.3% of total) and the Republic of Korea (10.2%), with 16,892 travelling to Guangdong Province. In the first half year of 2012, residents travelling in package tours totalled 179,031, up by 52.4% year-on-year. Meanwhile, outbound residents travelling under own arrangements using services of travel agencies increased by 30.5% year-on-year to 69,326 in June 2012; the main destinations were Mainland China (48.7% of total); Hong Kong (22.4%); and Taiwan, China (15.7%). In the first half year of 2012, residents travelling under such arrangements increased by 44.7% year-on-year to 401,145. There were 66 hotels and 33 guest-houses operating at the end of June 2012, providing a total of 24,268 guest rooms, an increase of 2,592 rooms (+12.0%) year-on-year; guest rooms of the 5-star hotels accounted for 61.1% of the total. In June 2012, the hotels and guest-houses received 773,570 guests, up by 9.8% year-on-year; the average length of stay decreased by 0.16 night to 1.3 nights. Occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 80.2%, down by 2.3 percentage points; occupancy rate of the hotels was 80.8%, with 4-star hotels leading at 86.7%. Number of guests increased by 12.2% year-on-year to 4,476,310 in the first half year of 2012; occupancy rate of hotels and guest-houses stood at 81.6%, down by 0.4 percentage point. From January to June 2012, visitor-guests accounted for 64.9% of the total number of overnight visitors, higher than the 61.7% in the same period of 2011.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao released today the credit card statistics for the second quarter of 2012. The total number of personal credit cards in circulation was 598,494 at the end of June 2012, equivalent to an increase of 4.0% over a quarter ago. The numbers of Pataca (MOP) cards, Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) cards and Renminbi (RMB) cards were 439,824, 68,303 and 90,367 respectively. MOP cards, HKD cards and RMB cards witnessed respective growth of 3.5%, 1.4% and 8.4% quarter-to-quarter. Compared with a year ago, RMB cards soared 81.7% while MOP cards and HKD cards grew 17.8% and 7.3% respectively. As at end-June 2012, credit card credit limit granted by banks in Macao reached MOP9.9 billion, up 5.0% from end-March 2012. Credit card receivables amounted to MOP1.5 billion while the rollover amount totalled MOP483.8 million, accounting for 33.1% of credit card receivables. The delinquency ratio, i.e. the ratio of delinquent amount overdue for more than three months to credit card receivables, dropped to 0.72%. For the second quarter of 2012, the credit card turnover increased slightly by 0.9% quarter-to-quarter to MOP2.8 billion. The cash advance turnover was MOP151.2 million, accounting for 5.5% of total credit card turnover. Credit card repayments, in which payments for interest and fees are included, went down 8.9% from the previous quarter to MOP2.7 billion.
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At the invitation of the Macao SAR Government, the delegation of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission arrived in Macao for a three-day visit.
The 42-member delegation, comprising the Head of the delegation, the Deputy Commander of China Manned Space Engineering, Mr Niu Hongguang, the three astronauts—Mr Jiang Haipeng, Mr Liu Wang and Ms Liu Yang -- and commanders and designers of the manned space programme, arrived in Macao at 4.30pm. They were received by the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Macao Garrison, Mr Xu Jinlin and the members of the Science and Technology Council.
More than 500 local students and members of the public welcomed the delegation with applauses: four students presented flowers to the astronauts. The three astronauts waved back and presented gifts to the crowd.
The delegation then headed to Government Headquarters to meet with the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On. They have exchanged views on joint co-operation on space science education for Macao adolescents.
Mr Chui said that the Government has been supporting and encouraging Macao students to cultivate interest on aerospace technology, and that he hoped this visit would enable more people to meet with the astronauts and share the successful experience of the mission.
Head of the delegation, Mr Liu Hongguang, said he would co-ordinate with the Macao Government, by strengthening co-operation, to bring up more students' interests on aerospace industry, which might help them raise their sense of national identity.
Mr Chui then posed for a group photo with the delegation, after which the delegation presented the model of Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission to the Chief Executive.
After the meeting, the delegation attended the welcome banquet hosted by the Macao Government where some 120 guests attended, including the vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, Mr Edumund Ho Hau Wah, Macao Government officials, and representatives of Central Government organizations.
Mr Chui said in the welcome speech that the success of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendevous mission remarked a new milestone of the country's aerospace industry, it is also an important symbol of comprehensive national strength.
The Macao people will take the astronuant heroes as model and dedicate all efforts to implement the principle of "One country, two systems" for the prosperity of the motherland and Macao, he said.
Head of the delegation, Mr Niu Hongguang, delievered a speech and said that this year is the 20th anniversary of China's manned space industry, and that the manned space station was in developing stage. He said they were willing to support Macao's research institutions and scientists to participate the development of manned space station.
The delegation will attend the Shenzhou 9 Manned Spaceflight Report Meeting, an experience sharing session with local sudents and a welcome variety show tomorrow.
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Consumer Council released its specific price survey on tissue papers. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and is also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. Consumer Council conducted a price check on 12 brands of tissue papers from 24 supermarkets and drugstores on 9th August. Survey result showed that price differences of the same product sold in different retail outlets were similar to the figures recorded in June's survey, though 'VIRJOY Premium (12pcs)' had a significant price difference of 44.31 percent, which was almost doubled when compared with the 22.39 percent recorded in June. Consumer Council indicated that selling prices of the same product are found to vary quite a lot in various outlets and consumers are advised to check with the 'Specific Product Price Platform'. In comparison with June's survey, prices of the surveyed products this time were generally stable and minimal price changes were recorded in most products. Significant changes were recorded in "Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3ply) (10pcs)', which recorded price increases of about 20 percent in two branches of Royal Supermarket, though price drops of about 15 percent were recorded for the same product in six other retail outlets. Consumers are reminded to check the survey and make practical price comparisons. The specific price survey on tissue papers is now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Consumer Council conducted its price check on oral care products earlier. Survey result has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and is also available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. Consumer Council collected prices of 10 toothpastes and mouthwashes from 30 retail outlets, including supermarkets and drugstores, on 7th August. Survey result showed that prices of oral care products varied significantly in different selling spots, prices of 3 of the surveyed items differed for over 50 percent. 'Oral-B Tooth and Gum Care (100ml)', which was sold at $10.9 to $20.0', recorded the most significant price difference of about 83.5 percent; 'Colgate - Plax Complete Care Mouthwash (500ml)' and 'Crest Cavity Prevention Toothpaste - Icy Mint (200g)' also recorded differences of 78.6 percent and 59.1 percent respectively. Consumers are advised to check with the data available on the 'Specific Product Price Platform'. In comparison with the data collected in June's survey, price increases and decreases were both recorded in the surveyed items. Items which recorded obvious changes include: selling price of 'Colgate Total 12 Professional Whitening Gel (160g)' in Mannings (Avenida Do Hipodromo I) had been raised by 25.1 percent even though it was marked as on sale; price of 'Darlie Double Action Fluoride Toothpaste –Original Strong Mint(250g)' in Farmácia San Hau On (Loja Praceta 1 De Outubro) had been decreased by 28 percent, though it was still the third highest selling price marked for the product among all surveyed spots. The specific product price survey on oral care products has been uploaded to the Council's 'Specific Product Price Platform' website and in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For enquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Government would continue to hand out a series of subsidies to help people tackle inflation as well as to enhance people's livelihood, said the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today. He was speaking at the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly where he answered questions raised by 27 legislators on his governance and social issues. To help the low-income group, Mr Chui said the Government would give out MOP27 million patacas to help some 5,000 households who are already receiving financal allowance. The Government would also increase monthly electricity subsidies from MOP180 to MOP200 for residential households, spending MOP470 million in this campaign. On housing policies, since the Economical Housing Law allows the authority to adjust income ceiling for those applying for economical housing, the government planned to adjust the income ceiling of one-member families to MOP19,355 and two-member families to MOP38,710. He said the new adjustment would cover 80 per cent of Macao households, indicating more families would qualitify to purchase economical homes. The Government would also increase by eight per cent the total subsidy to families qualified and waiting for public housing units, from 1 September 2012 to 31 August 2013, Mr Chui said. The Chief Executive also revealed that a recent study had shown that Macao's property and real estate market appeared to be overheated, and that he had assigned the special group for promoting the substantial development of real estaste to stipulate new regaulation to stop this unhealthy phenomeno He stressed that the Government would strive to complete 19,000 public housing units by the end of 2012, and to provide more land to balance the demand and supply for private. The Government would continue to implement a series of relief measures: tax reduction, susidy on purchasing raw water, adding that the Working Group on Food Prices was dedicated to expand the supply of goods to Macao to stabilise the commodity prices. Speaking on cash handout policy, Mr Chui said the Government would continue to implement the cash handout policy in 2013. The Chief Executive also dealt with questions on social security fund, public services, environmental protection, education, labour rights and other issues. This was the second time the Chief Executive attended the plenary meeting of the Legislative Assembly, the first was on 26 April 2012.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the population estimate of Macao was 568,700 as at 30 June 2012, an increase of 5,800 (+1.0%) compared with end-March. In the second quarter of 2012, there were 1,655 live births, up by 4.9% quarter-to-quarter, with 905 male babies. Gender ratio of the newborn was 120.7, corresponding to 120.7 male babies per 100 female babies. In the first half year of 2012, a total of 3,233 live births were recorded, up by 23.1% year-on-year. Number of mortality cases totalled 468 in the second quarter, down by 9.5% quarter-to-quarter; the top three underlying causes of death were Neoplasms (161 cases), Diseases of the Circulatory System (122 cases) and Diseases of the Respiratory System (87 cases). In the first half year of 2012, mortality went up by 6.7% year-on year to 985 cases and 66.7% of the total aged 65 and above. Number of non-resident workers totalled 102,557 at the end of the second quarter, up by 3,893 quarter-to-quarter. Individuals authorized to reside in Macao recorded a net outflow of 59 in this quarter. In the second quarter of 2012, there were 993 immigrants from Mainland China, up by 178 quarter-to-quarter. Meanwhile, 280 illegal Chinese immigrants were repatriated, a decrease of 7 quarter-to-quarter. A total of 892 cases of marriage registration were recorded, down by 18.2% over the first quarter of 2012. In the first half year of 2012, there were 1,982 cases of marriage registration, up by 20.0% year-on-year.
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Crime statistics for the first half of the year showed a significant drop in robberies, thanks to promotional anti crime campaigns and related initiatives.
In the first six months of this year there were 126 cases of robberies, a 5.7 per cent drop compared with the first six months of 2011.
This was disclosed by the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, at a press conference today at the security force headquarters on crime statistics for the first half of 2012. Mr Cheong said police would continue with their initiatives, and to educate residents and visitors on crime prevention.
Juvenile crimes recorded 45 cases with a drop of 26.2 per cent from the corresponding period last year. However, total crimes recorded a 5 per cent increase with 6,222 cases (+294 cases). This was mainly in cases of theft where people found property and not return them. Mr Cheong appealed to residents and visitors to look after their own properties carefully: more promotional activities would be launched shortly to educate them about this.
Crimes against property increased 8.9 per cent with a total of 3,612 cases in the reporting period: pick-pocketing cases recorded a drop of 5.7 per cent.
In Crimes Against The Person -- one of the five major categories of crimes classified in the Penal Code of Macao – Wounding accounted for a drop of 5.7 per cent to 816 cases. Criminal intimidation cases increased 53.4 per cent to 47 cases. Crimes against society increased 1.4 per cent with 347 cases, due to a 55.3 per cent increase in the use of forged documents.
Other crimes not included in the above classifications increased 4.1 per cent, with 660 cases.
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Since its establishment in June this year, the working group on food prices has started its price survey work on different kinds of food items. Prices of rice, cooking oil, canned foods, beverages and eggs were collected from over 20 supermarkets and grocery stores in July.
According to data released by the working group, among the 5 categories of food items, beverages recorded the most significant price difference. Many beverage items sold at various retail spots recorded double, or even triple price differences, prices of 'Cool Distilled Water (750ml)' in different outlets varied for over 200 percent. Obvious price differences of over 36 percent were also observed in cooking oil and canned foods while differences of about 20 percent were observed in both eggs and rice prices. Among the 5 categories of 71 food items, the top 3 food items with most price differences in each category are: Beverages
- Cool Distilled Water /750ml (lowest price $2.0/highest price $6.2), price difference: 210.00%
- Bonaqua Mineralized Water/770ml (lowest price $2.5/highest price $5.9), price difference: 136.00%
- Watsons Water Pure Distilled/430ml (lowest price $2.8/highest price $5.9), price difference: 110.71%
Cooking oil
- Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil/500ml (lowest price $35.0/highest price $47.9), price difference: 36.86%
- Mazola Corn Oil/3.5L (lowest price $89.0/highest price $118.0), price difference: 32.58%
- Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil/2L (lowest price $71.0/highest price $94.0), price difference: 32.39%
Canned foods
- Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat/340g (lowest price $16.8/highest price $22.9), price difference: 36.31%
- Del Monte Sardines in Tomato Sauce/215g (lowest price $13.9/highest price $17.5), price difference: 25.9%
- Greatwall Brand Chopped Pork & Ham/340g (lowest price $21.6/highest price $26.5), price difference: 22.69%
Eggs - Fred Meyer Grade AA Extra Large Eggs/12 pcs (lowest price $18.8/highest price $22.8), price difference: 21.28%
- Surewin Egg/8 pcs (lowest price $12.0/highest price $14.5), price difference: 20.83%
- Select US Grade A Fresh Extra Large White/Brown Eggs (lowest price $19.9/highest price $22.9), price difference: 15.08%
Rice
- Golden Rabbit/10kg (lowest price $123.0/highest price $148.8), price difference: 20.98%
- Golden Elephant Brand Premium Jasmine Rice/8kg (lowest price $119.0/highest price $143.0), price difference: 20.17%
- Kangaroo Brand/5kg (lowest price $75.0/highest price $88.0), price difference: 17.33% The working group on food prices indicates that different levels of price differences, some quite extreme, were recorded in those food items surveyed. Consumers are advised to compare prices at different retail outlets, especially if some on sale items are really cheaper than those offered in other retail spots. The working group will continue to expand its survey work to provide comprehensive price information to consumers. Prices of the abovementioned 5 categories of food items can be found on the Consumer Council's website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo/c/supermarket/en/price.asp).
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