News

The CCAC has detected a case of forgery of attendance record allegedly committed by a sergeant of the Public Security Police Force (CPSP), constituting document forgery under the Penal Code. Offender of such crime shall be liable to an imprisonment of up to three years. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office. It is found that between 2010 and 2014, the sergeant always went to work late and left early, left his duty for over two hours when on duty, or even left the territory for personal matters during normal or additional duty hours. To conceal the situation, the sergeant forged his attendance record by filling in untrue attendance time on the time sheet in an attempt to make his superior believe that he had carried out his duty based on the designated schedule and avoid bearing relevant disciplinary responsibilities and losing additional allowance. The CCAC has already reported the case to the CPSP so that the latter will adopt appropriate follow-up measures and improve the attendance management and monitoring mechanism to plug the loopholes as soon as possible.
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Given the recent situation of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS -CoV) in South Korea, the Health Bureau (SSM) has raised their epidemic response level from a “standard alert” to “high-level alert”, advising Macao residents not to travel to South Korea during this period. The Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) advices Macao residents not to travel to South Korea unless necessary. Macao residents who intend to travel to South Korea or are currently travelling in South Korea should follow the recommendations of the Health Bureau (SSM) and avoid visiting medical institutions or contact with local medical staffs, be aware of personal hygiene by washing hands frequently, and wearing a mask in public areas. From information gathered through the Macao travel industry, there is currently 1 (one) Macao tour group with approximately 4 (four) persons in South Korea which will return to Macao today. Until the present moment GGCT has received 38 requests for information. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000, or the Health Bureau (SSM) Hotline (853) 2870 0800 for information.
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(Macao – 09 June 2015) Online submissions for the “Precious Moments in Macao” 2015 Photography Competition are closing soon. Anyone who is interested in taking part in the competition is welcome to register, and submit their work via the website – http://photo.gcs.gov.mo – till 11 June (24:00). Since the start of submissions on 22 May, a substantial number of entries have been submitted online. Don't miss the chance to showcase your work! Please go to the website http://photo.gcs.gov.mo now, to register with a few simple steps and upload your work for a chance to win cash prizes and trophies. Winners of the First, Second and Third Prizes of the “Precious Moments in Macao” 2015 Photography Competition will receive cash prizes of MOP8,000, MOP5,000 and MOP3,000, respectively, plus a trophy. A total of 50 Merit Prizes will also be awarded, and their winners will each receive a certificate together with a cash prize of MOP500 (Note: the final number of merit prizes will depend on the standard of competition entries). In addition, the Editorial Committee of the 2015 Macao Yearbook will select from the entries the winner of the Yearbook Cover Award, who will receive a cash prize of MOP5,000; and 5-12 winners of the Special Feature Prize Award will each receive a cash prize of MOP1,000. (The actual number of winners will depend on the number of suitable entries). The competition is co-organised by 13 associations: the Photographic Society of Macao, Photography Salon Society of Macao, Macao Association for the Promotion of Photographic Art, Macao Association of Photographers, Macao Multimedia Photographic Art Association, Macao Association of Photographic Art, Macao Camera Lens Art Association, Macao Digital Photography Association, Macao Media Workers Association, Macao Journalists’ Club, Macao Journalists’ Association, Macao Media Club, and Association of Sports Journalists (listed in no particular order). Winning works and outstanding entries will be featured in a public exhibition, including the entries to be used as the cover of the 2015 Macao Yearbook and its full-page illustrations. All photography aficionados are welcome to take part. The date for judging is 28 June 2015.
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The 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest will be held above the sea area in front of the Macau Tower on September 5, 12, 19, 27 and October 1. Ten contesting teams will brighten up the city skyline with spectacular fireworks on the nights. Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is an event organized by Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO). During the press conference held today (8 June), MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes unveiled the program highlights of this year’s contest. Director Senna Fernandes expressed her gratitude for the ardent support from many well-known fireworks companies from across the globe in the past 26 years, making Macau International Fireworks Display Contest one of the most stunning events of the year which attracts visitors from different places flocking into town for the fireworks show every year. She also expressed, “To work in line with building Macau into a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure, Macau Government Tourist Office will continue to present more fascinating and diversified events for residents and visitors, combining different elements with tourism to attract visitors from around the world to experience Macau’s charm as a ‘city of events’.” The 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is scheduled to take place above the sea area in front of the Macau Tower between September 5 and October 1. The teams from France and Austria will perform on September 27 which is the Mid-Autumn Festival and World Tourism Day, while the teams from Australia and Mainland China will stage their fireworks displays on October 1, a night to celebrate the National Day. Different outstanding pyrotechnic companies came from around the world to join the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest each year in the past, and this year makes no exception. The ten teams this year come from (according to the order in the contest program) Malaysia; Portugal; Finland; Taiwan, China; Korea; Italy; France; Austria; Australia and Mainland China. Malaysia and Finland are two new places in the contest; similarly, the companies from Italy and France will stage their first performance in Macau. Overall the teams demonstrate competitive experience and are ready to bring on a myriad of spectacular displays for both residents and visitors. Red Flame Special Effects Sdn. Bhd. from Malaysia, with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, was the technical team for Danang International Fireworks Competition from 2008 till 2013. The company had participated in a number of international fireworks events and it won the second place in the ‘Malaysia International Fireworks Competition’ in both 2007 and 2008. Suomen Ilotulitus Oy – Finnish Fireworks Ltd. from Finland has over 60 years of experience in the industry and organized each year over 200 shows. The company was the champion of the ‘Samobor International Fireworks Festival 2012’ in Croatia. The companies from Italy and France will make their debut in Macau. Parente Fireworks from Italy, with over 100 years of history, was awarded championship in Danang International Fireworks Competition in both 2011 and 2012. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of constitution in Kuwait, Parente Fireworks produced a mega fireworks show in Kuwait in 2012, which was listed as a Guinness World Record breaking event at that time. Established in 2013, artEventia from France incorporates different elements into fireworks shows, it stands out by integrating massive projected images, lights, water jets and multicolor lasers to create multidisciplinary shows. The other six teams have come to Macau for the contest before and some of them ranked among the top positions. Dancing Fireworks from Mainland China won the second prize in the Macau contest in 2013. The company is also experienced in creating fireworks shows for different mega events, including the opening and closing ceremonies of 2008 Beijing Olympics and the opening ceremony of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, China. Luso Pirotecnia Group from Portugal has set up an office in Macau, and has participated in the fireworks display for celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of Macau SAR in 2008 and celebration of the Chinese New Year in 2009. The company has participated in the Macau contest for three times, and won the fourth place in the 19th fireworks display contest. Yung-feng Firecrackers & Fireworks Co., Ltd. from Taiwan, China took part in the Macau contest twice in the past. Daehan Fireworks Co. from Korea joined the contest last year, and has previously participated in the contest for three times under the name Woori Fireworks Inc. In addition, FIREevent from Austria and Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics from Australia have joined the contest in Macau in the past. This year, MGTO again requests the teams to choreograph their fireworks displays to both music and laser light projections to enhance the audience's experience with a more fascinating light and sound spectacular. Spectators can view live broadcast of the fireworks shows with background music on TDM - Radio Macau's Chinese Channel (FM 100.7) and TDM – Macau TV Channel every fireworks evening. MGTO and Companhia de Telecomunicações de Macau S.A.R.L. (CTM) have co-launched "Macau International Fireworks Display Contest SMS Game" since 2010. The game has won enthusiastic feedback with over 1,700 text messages received last year. MGTO will again present the SMS Game with CTM this year to encourage residents' participation in the event. The Office will actively promote this year's fireworks display contest through an array of international, regional and local media and advertising channels, including advertisements broadcasted through international media in neighboring regions and promotion via key media and travel magazines in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. Other strategies include poster and leaflet distribution and so forth. The event is also widely promoted in regional and overseas travel fairs and exhibitions. The Office uses the Internet as a promotion platform as well. MGTO and the General Union of Neighbors Association of Macau will jointly present the Fireworks Carnival again to add more fun and color to the fireworks evenings. The five-day carnival last year attracted 74,000 arrivals in total. MGTO accepts applications for the Trophy Design Contest, Photo Contest and Student Drawing Contest of the 27th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest starting from today (8 June). This press release is available at: http://industry.macautourism.gov.mo/en/pressroom/
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Consumer Council conducted its second ‘Supermarket price survey’ in June on 8 June for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Iao Hon Market and the Border Gate area (Portas do Cerco ) in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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The Government hopes to take advantages of the 6th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum to leverage its bridging role in fostering the construction of international facilities and investments worldwide. The Forum brings significant development opportunities to Macao, in line with the country’s increasing emphasis in infrastructure. This is according to the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Leong Vai Tac, who was speaking at a meeting with more than 40 officials from 31 countries and areas on 4 June, ahead of the opening of the Forum. Mr Leong said the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (“Belt and Road”) and establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank also brought new opportunities to Macao in regional co-operation. Both the country and Macao were experiencing the “new normal” in economic development, the Government would step up its efforts to transform Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure and a commercial and trade co-operation service platform between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries. Deputy China International Trade Representative of the Ministry of Commerce, Mr Zhang Xiangchen, expressed his gratitude to the Macao Government for organising the Forum and said “Belt and Road” would bring opportunities in international infrastructure and investments. This year’s Forum is held on 4-5 June with the theme “Regional Economic Integration Spurs New Development of International Infrastructure Co-operation”. As the host of the Forum for the fourth consecutive year, the Government expected it to create a platform for international infrastructure and bring in more elements in Macao’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) industry. Officials in the meeting included the Vice President and Minister of Finance of Costa Rica, Mr Helio Fallas Venegas; the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development Bahamas, Mr Philip E. Brave Davis; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macao, Mr Yao Jian; the Director of the Macao Economic Services, Mr Sou Tim Peng; and representatives from the mainland, Antigua and Barbuda, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Fiji, Maldives, Honduras, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Myanmar, Niger, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, East Timor, Britain, Uganda, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) organized today a seminar on international business etiquette and professional image building, tailored for local travel trade professionals, to enhance participants’ and companies’ corporate image, enabling them to raise their competitiveness, and ultimately solidifying the city’s image as a tourism destination. Famous Hong Kong etiquette expert and celebrity Mary Cheung conducted the training. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, together with some 200 management level staff from local hotels and travel agencies, and association representatives, attended the seminar, held this morning at MGM Macau. Etiquette and public relations expert, Mary Cheung conducted the training in a practical and interactive way, heightening participants’ knowledge on professional image building, international social manners and business etiquette, among other professional skills. The seminar is part of a series of industry training activities that MGTO has been organizing in order to enhance industry management and service quality, in line with the goal of positioning Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure. Last year, more than 4,300 tourism professionals attended training courses and workshops organized by MGTO.
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According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, broad money supply rebounded in April. As total deposits increased at a faster pace than total loans, the overall loan-to-deposit ratio of the banking sector dropped from a month earlier. Money supply Currency in circulation grew 0.6% whereas demand deposits dropped 0.7%. M1 thus decreased 0.4% from one month earlier. Concurrently, quasi-monetary liabilities rose 3.6%. The sum of these two items, i.e. M2, increased 3.1% to MOP492.5 billion. On an annual basis, M1 and M2 rose 7.1% and 5.9% respectively. The share of Pataca (MOP) in M2 stood at 26.8%, down 0.7 percentage points from a month ago but up 2.5 percentage points from a year earlier. The share of Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) in M2 was 51.2%, up 1.4 percentage points month-to-month or 2.0 percentage points year-on-year. The share of Chinese Yuan (CNY) was 11.6%, down 0.3 percentage points month-to-month or 5.2 percentage points year-on-year. The share of United States Dollar (USD) was 8.1%, down 0.4 percentage points month-to-month but up 0.6 percentage points year-on-year. Deposits Resident deposits increased 3.2% from the preceding month to MOP481.0 billion. Of which, MOP, HKD, CNY and other foreign currency deposits increased at respective rates of 0.6%, 6.0%, 0.4% and 4.4% while USD deposits decreased 1.8%. Non-resident deposits grew 0.8% to MOP238.4 billion. Public sector deposits with the banking sector increased 8.4% to MOP123.0 billion. As a result, total deposits with the banking sector rose 3.2% from a month earlier to MOP842.4 billion. The shares of MOP, HKD, CNY and USD in total deposits were 19.2%, 41.9%, 13.2% and 21.2% respectively. Loans Domestic loans to the private sector increased 1.7% from a month ago to MOP360.1 billion. Among which, MOP96.3 billion was MOP-denominated, MOP238.8 billion was denominated in HKD, MOP2.6 billion was denominated in CNY and MOP20.7 billion was denominated in USD, representing 26.8%, 66.3%, 0.7% and 5.7% of the total respectively. On the other hand, external loans grew 1.2% to MOP358.7 billion; of which, loans denominated in MOP, HKD, CNY and USD accounted for 1.4% (MOP5.2 billion), 21.7% (MOP77.8 billion), 17.9% (MOP64.3 billion) and 53.1% (MOP190.3 billion) respectively. Loan-to-deposit ratios The loan-to-deposit ratio for the resident sector at end-April dropped 1.5 percentage points from the previous month to 59.6%. The ratio for both the resident and non-resident sectors also declined 1.5 percentage points to 85.3%.
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Consumer Council conducted its first ‘Supermarket price survey’ in June on 4 June for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12 June. Surveyed locations included supermarkets near Areia Preta and Avenida de Venceslau de Morais in N. Sra. de Fátima Parish. The latest ‘Supermarket Price Survey’ is now available on Consumer Council’s website (www.consumer.gov.mo), ‘Supermarket Price Information Platform’ iPhone and Android apps, and on the Council’s WeChat account page. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM’s Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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Establishing a joint working committee with the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) would help the work of transforming Macao into a world centre for tourism and leisure. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, told CNTA Chairman Mr Li Jinzao this when they met at Government Headquarters in Macao on 2 June. On the same day, representatives of CNTA and the Macao Government signed an agreement to set up a joint working committee to foster Macao becoming such a centre, a strategic positioning laid down by the Central Government. Following the signing ceremony, a seminar that explored strategies to facilitate Macao achieve its goal under the emerging opportunities was held where the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Tam Chon Weng, and Mr Li Jinzao spoke. Developing tourism along with new industries such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions), commerce, and cultural and creative, was the direction to follow in tourism development, said Mr Tam. Regional integration also favoured achieving the goal, especially in co-operation with Guangdong, which would help Macao reach more cities in Western China. In his speech, Mr Li outlined four highlights in Macao’s tourism development that included acquiring views from tourists, residents and other government departments; developing with Macao’s own features; studying the integration with Hong Kong and Zhuhai, especially strengthening ties with Zhuhai; and review the city’s capacity amid a growing number of visitors. After the seminar, Mr Tam told reporters that the Government would make policies not only to offer a pleasant journey for visitors but to ensure that it would not affect the people’s livelihood. The Government had been working on promoting temples and religious culture that could help Macao become a more favourable destination. The agreement just signed is aimed promoting Macao as a world centre for tourism and leisure, with the formation of the joint working committee in tourism, make regulations and plans for promotion, arrange Mainland-Macao exchanges, manage the sector and conduct researches on regional co-operation.
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