News

Holders of Republic of Korea passports are now required to fill in a health declaration form upon arrival, as the Government stepped up measures to prevent an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Macao. And leaflets are being distributed at immigration checkpoints urging Korean visitors to wear surgical masks if they developed symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, and to seek medical treatment immediately. Meanwhile, the Public Security Police Force had invited the Health Bureau officers to brief its staff on how to handle suspected MERS cases, its symptoms and preventive measures. The Government has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel to Korea and introduced a string of measures, including the 24-hour operation of the MERS cross-departmental group and the extension of the enquiry hotline 2870 0800 from 9 am to midnight. It also urged the public to use ambulances and go to Conde S. Januário Hospital if they experienced MERS symptoms within 14 days of returning from affected areas instead of using public transportation or visit other clinics. So far no report of the virus has been detected in Macao.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) hosts the Committee Meetings, Global Seminar & Stakeholder Dialogue of 2015 of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) in Macao on 15–19 June 2015. This international event are attended by over 200 members and stakeholders representing various countries and jurisdictions. The Committee Meetings on 15–17 June focuses on various insurance supervision issues, which are for the participation by IAIS members only. Furthermore, a two day Global Seminar & Stakeholder Dialogue will be arranged for both members and the stakeholders on 18–19 June for providing updates on IAIS activities in the areas of standard setting, financial stability and implementation. There will be arrangements to allow dialogue between participants and the IAIS Executive Committee, in order for the stakeholders to express opinions on select topics. The IAIS was established in 1994 and the AMCM is one of its founding members. The IAIS has strictly adhered to its general principles for the purpose of promoting cooperation and exchange among its members; and also for collecting and disseminating useful information of a statistical and technical nature.
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The Monetary Authority of Macao announced today that the preliminary estimate of Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves amounted to MOP139.1 billion (USD17.42 billion) at the end of May 2015. The reserves increased by 1.3% from the revised value of MOP137.3 billion (USD17.20 billion) for the previous month. Macao SAR’s foreign exchange reserves at end-May 2015 represented 12 times the currency in circulation or 105.2% of Pataca M2 at end-April 2015. The trade-weighted effective exchange rate index for the pataca, a gauge of the domestic currency’s exchange rates against the currencies of Macao’s major trading partners, fell by 1.09 points month-to-month but rose by 6.51 points year-on-year to 103.77 in May 2015.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on fresh, refrigerated, and frozen pork on 11 June. Result of the mentioned survey has been uploaded to the Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and is available in the Council’s ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps For inquiry, please call the Council’s hotline: 8988 9315.
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The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (“DICJ”) has always maintained close communications and cooperation with the Judiciary Police to fight against illegal activities such as illegal gambling websites that accept bets under the name of the DICJ illicitly. In response to the rising number of public inquiries on issues related to illegal gambling websites, the DICJ made the following clarification: 1.The only official website of the DICJ is www.dicj.gov.mo. 2.So far, the Macau Government has never issued any online interactive gaming license to any companies. Hence, all online interactive gambling websites in Macau are considered illegal operations. 3.The function of the DICJ is to monitor and supervise the various gambling activities. As such, the Bureau will not encourage, promote or operate any form of gambling activities. 4.Any unauthorized use of DICJ official website information and photos for promotional purposes without obtaining prior consent is an offense. The DICJ will not tolerate such illegal acts and will reserve the rights to pursue the matter through legal channel.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launched today (12) a fun activity “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” under the project of “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities – Walking Tour Routes”, inviting residents and visitors to join. The fun activity aims to encourage residents and visitors to explore the beauty of different areas of Macau, thus boosting community tourism and smart tourism development. Following the launch of the stamp collection fun activity for "Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities" in June last year, MGTO is presenting this year the initiative “Take Selfies to Win Prizes”, aiming to develop tourism community as well as smart tourism. From June 12 until November 30 this year, residents and visitors only need to download the “Step Out, Macau” smart phone application (App), take selfies on two designated shooting spots of any walking tour route, present them to staff of any MGTO Tourist Information counter and redeem a souvenir. In addition, visitors can also access “Step Out, Macau” App to upload selfies and share their travel experience in Macau, to enter a lucky draw, with prizes including two round-trip air tickets in business class (from winner’s place of residence to any destination), tablets, and other awards. (Only visitors are eligible to join the lucky draw.) MGTO launched on 27 September 2013 the first four walking tour routes under the theme “Step Out, Experience Macau's Communities”, and in February this year, the existing routes were redesigned with a total of eight walking tour routes presented, to encourage visitors to explore different neighborhoods, while also balance visitor flow trends around Macau and foster community tourism development. The eight routes are as follow: Footsteps into the Historic Centre; An Experiment of Creativity; Crossroads of China and Portugal; A Legacy of Arts and Culture; Enchanting Stories of Our Lady of Fatima Parish; The Marriage of East and West in St. Anthony’s Parish; Bygone Days of Taipa Village and Nostalgia in Coloane. On weekends, MGTO presents different performances at certain sightseeing points along the tour routes, further enhancing livelihood to their specific neighborhoods. Moreover, the Office joins hands with local organizations to present community tourism activities and boost the charm of the communities. With the variety of activities offered, visitors can enjoy a more fantastic stroll along these routes and explore different local quarters for hidden gems and a glimpse of the city’s aroma. Residents and visitors can download the free App “Step Out, Macau” on App Store and Google Play. More information is available on MGTO’s website www.macautourism.gov.mo and Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000. This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/ MGTO “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” promotional video available at: http://en.macautourism.gov.mo/corner/videoclips.php
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) and commercial real estate loans (CRELs) declined in April 2015. With regard to outstanding balance, RMLs and CRELs both witnessed increases. New lending approved In April 2015, new RMLs approved by Macao banks decreased 11.7% month-to-month to MOP4.4 billion; of which, 94.6% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents and non-residents decreased 10.7% and 25.1% respectively. When compared with the same period of 2014, new approvals of RMLs witnessed an increase of 24.5%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) decreased by 7.7% month-to-month to MOP1.6 billion. The equitable mortgage extended to residents, which accounted for 90.7% of the total, decreased 7.2%. When compared with the same period of 2014, new RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units increased by 329.3%. New CRELs dropped by 5.3% month-to-month to MOP9.2 billion; of which, 84.9% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents decreased 17.7% whereas non-residents increased 517.1%. On an annual basis, new approvals of CRELs rose by 32.7%. Outstanding balances As at end-April 2015, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP162.2 billion, an increase of 2.0% from one month earlier or 27.9% from a year ago. The resident component made up 94.1% of the total. Compared to end-March 2015, outstanding RMLs to residents and non-residents rose 2.0% and 1.9% respectively. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs increased 3.7% from end-March 2015 and was up 37.5% from end-April 2014 to MOP137.2 billion. Residents accounted for 89.1% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents and non-residents grew 2.2% and 18.7% respectively. Delinquency ratios At the end of April 2015, the delinquency ratio for RMLs remained virtually unchanged from a month ago at 0.07% or up 0.01 percentage point from a year ago. The ratio for CRELs, at 0.05%, fell by 0.01 percentage point from a month ago or 0.02 percentage points from end-April 2014.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) participates in the 29th Hong Kong International Travel Expo (ITE) during 11-14 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to promote leisure and business tourism of Macau. MGTO Head of Destination Marketing Department, Betty Fok, led the MGTO delegation and trade partners to join the Expo as well as the opening ceremony. To work in line with building Macau into “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”, MGTO has put efforts on promoting diversified tourism products, as well as to continuously promote community tourism and enhance quality assurance. Through ITE, MGTO provides the latest tourism information of Macau’s diversified products as well as to showcase the unique cultures and mega events in Macau. In addition, 31 Macau trade representatives from hotels, travel agents, ferry companies and event organizers join MGTO in this leading tourism event. Aligning with the theme of “Touching Moments, Experience Macau”, the design of the booth makes use of various lighting effects together with the silhouettes of Macau’s famous architectures. The top of the booth uses five “Touching Moments” advertisements, stretching out from the center of the exhibition booth like the petals of a blooming lotus. The reception backdrop is the Macau’s landmark, the Ruins of St. Paul’s with different lighting effects in order to signify the iconic unique of Macau. Furthermore, MGTO organizes travel seminars for the trade and public visitors on consumer days (13-14 Jun). The two seminars named ‘Explore the New Facet of Macau I & II’ will introduce the new “Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities” walking routes to the public, which aims to present the rich cultural and tourist elements of the less explored areas of Macau. During the consumer days, MGTO will cooperate with three travel agents to provide special travel packages include discounts and offers for the ferry tickets and hotel accommodation to visitors. Audience who purchase Macau packages from any travel agents at ITE can also redeem a special gift at the MGTO booth. Press release will be available on MGTO website： http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/cn/pressroom/index.php?page_id=172
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The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, said today the Government had not received any application for a casino in Coloane. Asked by reporters before a committee meeting of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Leong stressed only casino concessionaires could make such a request; the Government would take into consideration the project’s scope of development, location and if it would help transform Macao as a world centre for leisure and tourism. The Government will heed the people’s views on building casinos in Coloane, which is the only casino-free island in Macao, and will not approve anything that is against the law. Mr Leong said he did not see any legal restriction on where casinos would be built in Macao, but the principle of the number of gaming table – an annual increase remains of no more than three per cent until 2023 – would not be changed.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, will meet with officials in Beijing between 16-18 June to exchange views on Macao’s jurisdiction over its “customary waters” and boundary-crossing arrangements. Mr Chui is scheduled to meet with the Minister of the General Administration of China Customs, Mr Yu Guangzhou, and the Director of the State Oceanic Administration, Mr Wang Hong. Officials accompanying Mr Chui on the visit would include the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Ms Lai Man Wa; the Chief-of-Office of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms O Lam; the Director of the Government Information Bureau, Mr Chan Chi Ping; and the Director of the Protocol, Public Relations and External Affairs Office, Mr Fung Sio Weng. During Mr Chui’s absence, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, will be acting Chief Executive.
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