News

A price check on beverage and canned food items has been conducted earlier (29th September) by Consumer Council. In comparison with last month’s survey, 6 canned food items are found to have a price decrease, among which “Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat (340g)” is marked with a significant price drop. Prices of the remaining items remain stable, with only “Hong Mei Brand Ox Tail Soup (298g)” having a price increase of about 10 percent. Regarding the beverage items surveyed, an overall decrease in price is recorded when compared with the data collected in July and August. Many items are recorded with price drops of over 15 to 20 percent. Consumers are reminded that significant price differences are observed for the same items sold in different places, with a huge difference of almost 80 percent in selling price being observed in the price check. Consumers are therefore advised to check with the reports for the most updated prices in different retail stores to save time and money. The Council will continue to monitor local price trend of both beverages and canned foods. The above-mentioned reports are now available online at the Council’s official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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From yesterday 5 p.m. until 5p.m. today (October 3), the Cross-departmental Working Team sealed a premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally. The premise comprised 24 bedspaces and 9 occupants were found.
The premise, which comprised three rooms, offered 24 bedspaces. According to investigation and statement obtained on site, occupants paid about 60 patacas a day to rent a bedspace.
Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, a total of 579 premises were checked, of which 73 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 65 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found four premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases.
To help the investigations, when necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate.
To date, the operations involved more than 582 occupants, among whom 318 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 12 operators, 9 touts, 9 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and 4 occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation (among the three occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation, one has paid the fine). Among the occupants, there were 13 overstayers and 11 illegal immigrants.
Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and person who manage the premise that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team sealed two premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally on the first day of week-long National Day holiday. The water and electricity supply to one of the premises was found disconnected due to non-payment of such charges and candles suspected to be used for illumination were found on site. An illegal immigrant was also found in the premise and handed over to the police for investigation. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, a total of 568 premises were checked, of which 72 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 64 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found four premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. To help the investigations, when necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. To date, the operations involved more than 571 occupants, among whom 309 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 12 operators, 9 touts, 9 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and 3 occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation (among the three occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation, one has paid the fine). Among the occupants, there were 13 overstayers and 11 illegal immigrants. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and person who manage the premise that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises. MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau remind travelers that, according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation", occupants found in premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally have the obligation to provide information or will be fined 3,000 patacas for violating the duty of cooperation. Occupants providing false information need to bear criminal responsibility. Non-residents who fail to pay the fine by due date might be denied reentry into Macau in the future.
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The splendid 22nd Macau International Fireworks Display Contest comes to a fruitful end as Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co., Ltd. from Japan netted the top prize, while Panda Fireworks Group Co., Ltd. from Mainland China and
Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines took second and third places at a ceremony held at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Center on October 1.
Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government Cheong U, Macau Government Tourist Director João Manuel Costa Antunes, Deputy Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes and Manuel Pires attended the prize giving ceremony. Cash prize to the winner is US$8,000, while prizes to the first and second runners-up are US$4,000 and US$2,500 respectively.
This edition featured ten teams from the UK, Chinese Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Portugal, Korea, Japan, France, Italy and China.
The organizer purposely invited teams with distinguished performances in international contests. Over the years, there were internationally known fireworks companies participated in the contest and this year, MGTO invited 10 companies from various countries and regions to Macau.
A few strong teams with outstanding performance in the previous editions of the Contest step foot again in Macau this year. Among which, Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co. Ltd. from Japan won the championship in 2004, 2005 and 2009, as well as the second prize in 2008. Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines was the second runner-up of last year. Pyro 2000 Limited from the United Kingdom pocketed the second prize of the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest 10 years ago while Wan Dar Fireworks Mfg. Co., Ltd. from Chinese Taiwan attained the third prize in 2008.
Director Antunes expressed that this year came across some bad weather during the Contest, but finally turned out well. With professionalism, skillfulness and creativeness, the 10 fireworks teams made the show a brilliant one. The organizer arranged China's Panda Fireworks Group Co. Ltd. to present the last fireworks show to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. Crowds of residents and visitors enjoyed the fireworks during the National Day holiday at various spots of Macau and Taipa, adding festive and joyful atmosphere to the city.
This year MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) jointly launch "SMS Game" to promote citizen participation in the event. Macau residents can send one text message to CTM through their mobile to vote for their favorite team after each night of display. The 5 teams who get the most SMS votes will be awarded with "The People's Choice" certificates and souvenirs. However the voting result will not affect the jury's decision on the fireworks display contest. Organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest has a history of 22 years and receives wide accolades and recognitions. The annual glamorous fireworks displays, together with the colorful activities, have become a signature event that brings splendid experience to the public and visitors in Macau.
To add festive atmosphere to the fireworks display contest, MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau jointly presented the Fireworks Carnival on the shorefront beside the Macau Tower on each of the fireworks display nights, offering an array of live entertainment, cultural activities and culinary delights.
This Press Release is available at http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
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Since yesterday until 5pm today, the Cross-departmental Working Team sealed one more premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally. Since the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation" took effect on August 13, a total of 555 premises were checked, of which 70 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, while 64 were normal residences. Ensuing investigations on the rest of the premises have been launched. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) will continue investigation on unanswered doors, which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. Meanwhile, during investigations to other cases, PSP has found four premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and informed the Cross-departmental Working Team to handle the cases. To help the investigations, when necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. To date, the operations involved more than 568 occupants, among whom 306 were occupants of premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and were investigated, including 12 operators, 9 touts, 9 persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and 3 occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation (among the three occupants who failed to fulfill their duty of cooperation, one has paid the fine). Among the occupants, there were 13 overstayers and 10 illegal immigrants. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved operators, touts and managing staff, and adopted provisional measures to cut the supply of water and electricity to the concerned premises and sealed the doors. According to the new law, operators and person who manage the premise that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. Public can also call 2833 3000 to report suspected premises. MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau remind travelers that, according to the law on "Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation", occupants found in premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally have the obligation to provide information or will be fined 3,000 patacas for violating the duty of cooperation. Occupants providing false information need to bear criminal responsibility. Non-residents who fail to pay the fine by due date might be denied reentry into Macau in the future.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said today new mortgage lending guidelines would be announced next week to facilitate the development of a healthy property market. Speaking to reporters after attending the National Day reception at Macau Tower, Mr Chui said he had listened to public opinions from how to speed up procedures of relevant legislation, to establishing new mortgage lending guidelines. Last week the Working Group for Promoting Sustainable Development of Real Estate Market had announced a string of measures to regulate the property market. The Chief Executive also told reporters that the Government was highly concerned with the implementation of the new policies and would closely monitor its introduction and the public’s reaction. Mr Chui also said that the Government was still on track with plans to build 19,000 public housing units in 2012 and to increase the rental subvention for Macao residents who are on the waiting list for these subsidised housing. Following Mr Chui’s disclosure, the President of the Monetary Authority of Macao, Mr Teng Ling Seng, who was at the same reception today, told reporters that caps on mortgages would be introduced. Mortgages for properties valued above 3.3 million patacas would be capped at 70 per cent for Macao residents and non-Macao residents. As for properties valued below 3.3 million patacas, Macao resident would enjoy 90 per cent mortgage and non-residents 70 per cent. These will come into effect on 1 December, but there will be a two-month grace period for applications that were in the pipeline, Mr Teng said.
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The Macao SAR Government had been preparing the next Policy Address by the Chief Executive, taking into account public opinion and scientific studies. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said this in the morning when he addressed more than 1,000 guests during the National Day reception hosted by the Government. The reception was attended by the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; Vice Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR, Mr Lu Shumin; the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng; the Acting President of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Ho Iat Seng; the President of Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai, and Macao’s principal officials and community leaders. Reviewing the motherland’s achievements since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Chui highlighted the astonishing successes in various aspects after the reform and open policy. And this year the motherland had not only overcome problems caused by natural disasters in Qinghai and Gansu, but also took on the challenges caused by the global financial crisis, he said. Macao had directly benefited by the development of the motherland and continued to forge ahead, with the support of the Central Government and many provinces and regions and the great efforts of Macao residents. He said the Government would continue to steer towards an even more transparent administration and promote scientific policy-making. The Government would also promote co-operation with the motherland, including Guangdong and Hong Kong, by taking the opportunities brought about by the Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta and the Twelfth Five-Year Plan. Mr Chui said the Government would continue to serve the people and address fundamental problems: the administration had been making great efforts in dealing with housing and transport issues. On behalf of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Chui thanked the Central Government for its all-out efforts in supporting Macao, as well as the Liaison Office, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Macao Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army.
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1 Macao Resident Identity Card 2 Macao Special Administrative Region Passport 3 Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permit 4 Visit Permit to the Hong Kong S.A.R. 5 Other valid passports or travel documents
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the value of total merchandise export for August 2010 decreased by 1.2% year-on-year to MOP540 million, with value of domestic exports falling by 15.8% to MOP188 million, but that of re-exports rising by 8.8% to MOP352 million. The value of total merchandise import amounted to MOP3.78 billion, up by 21.0% year-on-year. A trade deficit of MOP3.24 billion was recorded for August 2010. In the first eight months of 2010, total value of merchandise export fell by 5.9% year-on-year to MOP4.78 billion, of which the value of domestic exports declined by 27.8%, but that of re-exports expanded by 10.3%; meanwhile, total value of merchandise import grew by 20.4% to MOP28.02 billion. The trade deficit from January to August 2010 widened by 27.7% year-on-year to MOP23.24 billion; the exports/imports ratio went down by 4.8 percentage points year-on-year to 17.0%. Analyzed by destination of exported goods, value of merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP2.07 billion) and Mainland China (MOP761 million) in the first eight months of 2010 increased by 13.0% and 1.7% respectively year-on-year, while that to the USA (MOP563 million) and the EU (MOP275 million) decreased substantially by 44.1% and 41.7% respectively. Exports of Textile & garment amounted to MOP1.10 billion, down by 41.6% year-on-year to account for 23.0% of the total merchandise export; however, value of Non-textile exports (MOP3.68 billion) grew by 15.1%, with that of Copper & articles thereof and Clocks & watches rising notably by 74.6% and 58.8% respectively. Regarding the country of origin of imported goods, in the first eight months of 2010, value of merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP8.70 billion) and the EU (MOP6.13 billion) expanded by 18.4% and 25.9% respectively year-on-year. The value of imports of Consumer goods rose by 39.2% year-on-year, with that of Motor cars & motorcycles growing significantly by 109.8%; nevertheless, the value of imports of Capital goods and Raw materials & semi-manufactures fell by 7.8% and 0.5% respectively. From January to August 2010, total value of merchandise import and export amounted to MOP32.79 billion, up by 15.7% compared with MOP28.35 billion in the first eight months of 2009.
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The Macao SAR Government will hold celebrations to commemorate the 61st National Day on Friday. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will officiate a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Flower Square at 8 am. Representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the MSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR, the Macao Garrison of the People’s Liberation Army, heads of the legislature and judiciary, principal officials and community leaders will attend the ceremony. The Government will hold a reception at Macau Tower at 9:30 am. Several government departments will also hold celebratory events, including the National Day Fun Run starting at Golden Lotus Square after the flag-raising ceremony, and a variety performance at Macao East Asian Games Dome at 2 pm. Commemorative covers will be on sale and a stamping service will be offered at the Post Office from 9 am to 5.30 pm. The Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and Liaison Office will hold variety performances at Macao Forum at 8 am on Thursday and Friday, and firework displays will be held on the waterfront near the Macau Tower at 9 pm and 10 pm on Friday.
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