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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, left today for Beijing to report to state leaders on the government's performance in the past year and the policy blueprint for the coming year. Before his departure, Mr Chui told the media at Macao International airport that he would talk about the strategies in boosting economic development and improving people's livelihood to state leaders on this duty visit. He said that considering the complex international financial crisis, the government in the next year will implement preventive measures to cope with difficulties. Mr Chui highlighted that the government would speed up efforts to build Macao as the world's tourism and leisure centre, advancing Macao as the business service platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries in accordance with China's 12th Five-Year Plan. The government would continue to diversify Macao's economy through regional co-operation. When the media asked him about constitutional development, Mr Chui responded that more than 100 submissions were received during the consultation period over the past two years. According to the formal procedures, the government has written to the National People's Congress and would listen to the NPC Standing Committee's suggestion on modification after the Committee had its meeting. Regarding to the constitutional development which led to the recent discussion, Mr Chui emphasised two points: First, Macao's Basic Law is different from Hong Kong's Basic Law. This is the first time Macao had asked the NPC Standing Committee for interpretation after the SAR Government establishment in 12 years. The government must strictly abide by the NPC Standing Committee and in accordance with procedures laid down. Second, the Central Government has the right to start and to make determination in the whole process, said Mr Chui. Yet, he stressed that the government will take the mainstream view of the Macao residents as the basis to move forward with constitutional development. While Mr Chui is away, the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, is acting Chief Executive.
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Consumer Council released test result for the hygienic condition of tissue papers in its latest issue no. 219 Consumer Report, all 18 tested samples passed and complied with the quoted standard. Consumer Council pays attention to the hygienic condition of daily essential product of consumers such as tissue papers. 18 samples, packaged in 6-rolls to 12-rolls formats, were spot checked earlier and tested for their total amount of bacteria, colon bacillus, hemolytic streptococcus, and staphylococcus aureus, according to the quoted mainland China's national standard. All samples tested were satisfactory. Test result showed that the amount of bacteria found in most samples were much less than that stated in the national standard, meaning that the quality of tissue papers available in the market is ensured. However, consumers are advised not to choose tissue papers of poor quality or packaging, or those with unclear product labels, rather, they should choose products with certified labels printed on their packages and check whether they are properly packed without any air leaks or damages to avoid further contamination during transportation and storage. The latest Consumer Report also features an interview with ophthalmologist Dr. Frank Lai from Kiang Wu Hospital about the effects of coloured contacts to consumers' eye health. Consumer Report also covers the promotional work of the Council for the upcoming anti-smoking law that comes into force next year, as well as other recent activities of the Council. Consumer Report is now available free of charge at the two offices of Consumer Council, Public Information Centre at Vicky Plaza and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources online at the Council's official website (http://www.consumer.gov.mo). For enquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that total visitor arrivals increased by 20.1% year-on-year to 2,417,765 in November 2011. Same-day visitors (1,317,503) accounted for 54.5% of the total, with 812,787 coming from Mainland China. Analyzed by place of residence, visitors from Mainland China surged by 33.2% year-on-year to 1,460,992 (60.4% of total), mostly from Guangdong Province (705,194), Fujian Province (88,413) and Zhejiang Province (55,047); Mainland visitors travelling to Macao under the Individual Visit Scheme totalled 561,070, up by 28.3% year-on-year. Visitors from Hong Kong (589,082), Japan (39,713), Malaysia (35,492) and Singapore (30,590) increased by 4.9%, 10.6%, 1.8% and 22.4% respectively; on the contrary, those from Taiwan, China decreased by 6.9% to 89,761. In the first eleven months of 2011, visitor arrivals reached 25,456,561, up by 12,2% year-on-year which had surpassed the annual total (24,965,411) of 2010. Visitors from Mainland China (14,680,367), Hong Kong (6,925,013) and the Republic of Korea (360,302) increased by 22.0%, 1.9% and 20.9% respectively, while those from Taiwan, China (1,129,425) and Japan (355,532) decreased by 4.8% and 5.8%. In the first eleven months of 2011, same-day visitors accounted for 53.9% of the total, at 13,722,712. Analyzed by mode of transport, visitor arrivals by sea totalled 9,979,965 in the first eleven months of 2011, up by 7.6% year-on-year. Visitors arriving at the Outer Harbour increased by 10.7% to 6,433,037, while those arriving at the Provisional Ferry Terminal in Taipa decreased slightly by 0.9% to 3,112,688. Visitor arrivals by land registered an increase of 16.9%, at 13,944,205 in the first eleven months of 2011, with 12,900,168 arriving through the Border Gate. Visitor arrivals by air increased by 3.0% year-on-year to 1,532,391. Visitors arriving at the Macao International Airport increased by 2.8% to 1,508,877, with the majority coming from Mainland China (37.9%); Taiwan, China (34.3%); and Malaysia (6.1%).
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On will pay a duty visit to Beijing on 25-26 December, after which he will also visit Tainjin In Beijing, Mr Chui will meet state leaders and report on the recent developments in Macao and his policy blueprints for next year, according to an announcement by the Office of the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive has re-affirmed that boosting economic development and improving people's livelihood are the focal points of the policy address of the SAR Government for next year. He said the Government would work together with the community to build Macao as the world's tourism and leisure centre, advancing Macao as the business service platform for China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.
While Mr Chui is away, the Secretary for Economic and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, will be acting Chief Executive.
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Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 15th December. In comparison with last month's record, average prices of rice and cooking oil had become stable and decreased respectively while those of many surveyed samples of noodles, milk products, sanitary and hygienic products had increased slightly by 2 to 4 percent. A total of 300 kinds of products were surveyed by Consumer Council. Prices of rice and cooking oil, where obvious price increase were recorded last month, had turned stable and dropped respectively; though several Thai rice brands recorded no change in price in the last two months, certain brands, such as '"Fung Soi" Thai Hom Mali Rice (10kg)' and '"Tsing Ling Gi" Thai Hom Mali Rice (10kg)', still showed significant increase in price. Among the 25 samples of cooking oil surveyed, prices of half of them had dropped since last month, e.g. a price drop of over 13 percent was recorded in 'King Chef 100% Pure Corn Oil (3.5L)'. Further, average prices of several brands of instant noodles had increased by 0.5 to 8 percent. Some samples from the categories of milk products, sanitary and hygienic products also recorded a price increase. For canned foods, prices of most of the samples surveyed in both the 'Supermarket Price Survey' and 'Specific price survey on canned foods' were stable, with only an exception of 'Greatwall Brand Chopped Pork & Ham (340g)' in which average price had increased by 4 percent since last month. Consumers are advised to check with the price data provided by the Council and to download the new 'Supermarket price platform' iPhone app available for free on the Council's website. Both 'Supermarket Price Survey' and 'Specific price survey on canned foods' are now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). 'Supermarket Price 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. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315.
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With reference to media reporting of the occurrence regarding the loss of communication during cruise that took place on 01 October 2011 of an Air Macau wet leased operation, AACM has now completed its investigation. The occurrence and the investigation conclusions are summarized as follows: On 01 October 2011, the Air Macau wet leased flight (Air China Flight CCA101) which was destined to Hong Kong International Airport took off from Beijing Capital International Airport at 0844. From 0921 to 1037, the air traffic control centres that CCA101 passed through were not able to establish contact with the flight for more than one hour. The flight landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 1139. During this occurrence, the cabin conditions were normal and no passengers were affected. (A wet lease is a special leasing arrangement between two airlines whereby the lessor provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance to the lessee. The lessor aircraft logo and the registration mark remain unchanged.) In accordance with the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting System established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM), Air Macau notified the Authority on the same day after the occurrence. Having analysed the nature, AACM mobilized its investigation. Air Macau was also required to find out the root cause and submit their report. The operator subsequently suspended the duties of the two flight crew members to assist in the investigation. Air Macau submitted their report to AACM on 28 October 2011, which AACM has analyzed. The Authority has interviewed the flight crew members to obtain their statements as well as carried out a thorough review on all relevant information, including the maintenance records of the aircraft, the data decoded from the digital flight data recorder and cabin voice recorder, the training and the duty time records of the flight crew, the air ground communication records of the air traffic controllers and so on. After review and analysis of all factual information, data and the flight crew statements, the investigation did not find any factors on the part of the ground and air communication equipment and the air traffic control operations that could have contributed to the occurrence. The factual information indicated that the flight crew members are properly licensed with airline traffic pilot license and are technically qualified to operate the flight. Their duty time complied with the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau. AACM's investigation report concluded that the causal factor in this occurrence was the flight crew's negligence in maintaining an effective radio listening watch. In addition, the flight crew members' failure to set and monitor the guard frequency and their lack of situational awareness during flight are factors contributing to the occurrence. For the purpose of preventing recurrences in order that safety can be maintained, AACM's investigation report listed out 14 safety recommendations for Air Macau to take action, which include: the operator should take concrete steps to enhance flight crew members' understanding of and compliance with their operational procedures and instructions in flight operations, particularly in maintaining radio listening watch and setting and checking correct radio frequency; the operator should look into their certificate of maintenance review process for effective checking of compliance status to relevant regulations and requirements; the operator should take concrete steps to enhance line maintenance personnel's understanding of and performing maintenance work; the operator should study and increase the frequency of line proficiency checks conducted to flight crew members in wet lease flights and ensure that these checks are conducted on regular basis; the operator should, as part of their Safety Management Systems, assess the safety risks of mixed operations of wet lease flights and apply mitigation measures to control the risk probability. In the aspect of safety monitoring work, AACM will enhance oversight on aircraft equipment status during the renewal process of the aircraft certificate of airworthiness. Analysing the nature of this occurrence and the investigation conclusions, in accordance with Provisions 1 (3) and 3 of Article 20 of the Administrative Regulation No. 10/2004 and Paragraph 4 of the Thirteenth Schedule of the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau, AACM has decided to suspend the license of the two flight crew members for 6 months. AACM reiterates that the purpose of investigation is to look for the casual factors so that effective corrective actions can be implemented to avoid similar recurrences in the future.
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To help hospitality and food and beverage professionals understand more about Macanese cuisine, IFT hosted the Macanese Cuisine Cooking Demonstration Workshop on 21 December 2011. Ms. Graca Pacheco Jorge was invited to share the concepts of Macanese cuisine and demonstrate five traditional recipes. GRAÇA, born in Macao, is descendent of an ancient Macanese family. In 1992, she wrote the book "A Cozinha de Macau de Casa do Meu Avô" which was edited by the Instituto Cultural de Macau and reedited by Editorial Presença in Lisboa in 2003. In 1999, she was invited by the Japanese TV Channel (NHK) to participate in a prime time Tokyo TV Show, to talk about Macanese culture and gastronomy. In 2004 she participated in several programmes for the Portuguese National TV about Macanese Cuisine. Throughout the period of 2009 to 2011, she has maintained her activity of divulging the Macanese gastronomy with workshops, theoretical and practical classes, in partnership with Macau Tourism Promotion and Information Centre in Lisbon, and Casa de Macau (Lisboa). In June 2010, she was being elected as "Confreira de Mérito da Confraria de Gastronomia de Macau". The workshop composed of five sessions: Macanese Cuisine Introduction, Introduction of five Traditional Macanese Cuisine, Recipe Sharing and Cooking Method Demonstration, Food Tasting and Q&A. Participants gained a lot of basic knowledge about Macanese cuisine through the demonstration and recipe sharing. The workshop attracted a total of 27 chefs from hotels and restaurants. IFT has always been dedicated to organise promotions of different ethnic cuisines for the public. At the same time, it arouses the interests of food service industry in Macao to explore more ideas in cooking. Through "Country Traditional Cuisine Introduction & Cooking Demo Series" IFT forms a communication platform for local and overseas chefs. The institute will make more efforts to offer more training programmes to help enhance the knowledge and skills of industry professionals.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Composite CPI (112.56) for November 2011 increased by 6.65% year-on-year. The increment was attributable to higher charges for meals bought away from home and rising prices of clothing and gasoline. For the 12 months ended November 2011, the average Composite CPI increased by 5.57% from the previous period; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.24% and 5.75% respectively. In comparison with November 2010, significant increase was observed in the price index of Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+10.44%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (+9.58%); Transport (+7.34%); and Clothing & Footwear (+6.83%) on account of dearer prices of fresh pork, fresh fish, vegetable, men and women's clothing, gasoline and gold jewellery, as well as higher charges for meals bought away from home. On the contrary, price index of Communication decreased by 14.07% year-on-year. The CPI-A (111.71) and CPI-B (112.93) for November 2011 increased by 6.47% and 6.82% respectively. The Composite CPI for November 2011 increased by 0.39% month-to-month, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 3.24% upon new arrival of winter clothing; however, price index of Transport decreased by 0.75% with lower gasoline prices. The CPI-A and CPI-B increased by 0.35% and 0.41% respectively month-to-month. The average Composite CPI for the first eleven months of 2011 increased by 5.71% year-on-year; the CPI-A and CPI-B rose by 5.39% and 5.90% respectively. The Composite CPI, with base year April 2008-March 2009, reflects the impact of price changes on the general population. The CPI-A relates to about 50% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP6,000 to MOP18,999. The CPI-B relates to about 30% of the households, which have an average monthly expenditure of MOP19,000 to MOP34,999.
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The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the Government will strongly encourage Macao residents to embrace self-enhancement and will support them to learn and read more. Mr Chui said this as he delivered a speech at a reception at the Macau Tower to celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Macao SAR. 'Over the past year, with the full support of the central government, the bulwark of the Basic Law and the efforts of the whole Macao community, the great principle of "One country, two systems" continues to be realised and to develop progressively,' he said. 'We promote scientific governance, build a sunshine government, step up efforts to improve people's livelihoods, promote adequate diversification of the economy, position Macao to support the national 12th Five-year Plan, intensify regional interaction and cooperation, and enhance the quality of culture and people. 'Macao's economy is maintaining steady growth, with strong fiscal reserves and a high employment rate. Education and healthcare development is improving, and society is generally stable and harmonious,' he said. 'Economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods are still the most important tasks for the Government in the coming year,' he said. 'We will work closely with every sector of society to develop Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre and bolster its capability as the commerce and trade service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries so as to promote adequate economic diversification. 'In addition to fostering new engines of growth within Macao, we will further grasp the opportunities from the 12th Five-Year Plan to strengthen the close cooperation with mainland governments, especially that of Guangdong province. In this direction, we can continuously raise the level of our regional collaboration and maximise the output of our cooperation. 'We will actively develop Macao's limited scale to create new opportunities for the expansion and restructuring of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide increased employment options for the younger generation. The Government signed the Eighth Supplementary Protocol to the Mainland and Macao Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (8th Supplementary Protocol to CEPA) a week ago. 'In the year ahead, we will gain more support to promote the development of Macao's service industry. At present, through arrangements including the Macau Investment and Development Company Limited and the Assessment Committee for the Macao Projects for Hengqin Development, we encourage Macao enterprises and residents to participate in the Hengqin and Nansha development projects to further both self-development and the development of the whole city. '"Putting people first" is our constant policy-making principle as well as the starting point for the further enhancement of our governance. For these reasons, we prioritise policies that promote the continuous improvement of people's livelihoods and assure the community of a reasonable share of the fruits of economic development. 'Even though inflation in the mainland has slowed lately, the lives of Macao people are still affected by local inflation from the combined effect of multiple factors. The Government will continue to closely track the changing price levels of consumer goods and services, while we expand import channels of food products to Macao and actively implement every possible relief policy. If inflation keeps rising, the Government will roll out new relief measures in a timely manner. 'We are fully committed to completing the construction of 19,000 public housing units. In addition, we will continue to assist our residents to resolve housing problems, improve the traffic system and promote environmental protection. We are increasing aid and support to the elderly and disadvantaged groups, including the long-term social security system and the retirement protection framework. 'Alongside improving public services, we see various social organisations and different sectors of the community warmly caring for the needy. "Caring for One Another," "Respect for the Elderly" and "Helping People in Need" are not only the great traditions of Macao people but also the driving force of Macao's healthy development,' he said. 'As Macao maintains strong progress, the Government, society and citizens face the challenge of self-improvement to raise competitiveness. So, the Government will strengthen the training of civil servants and allocate more resources to education－raising teaching standards by perfecting teacher training programmes, continuing the provision of education subsidies, improving study allowances for tertiary students, and expediting the introduction of education legislation and formulation of educational reforms to enhance conditions for our citizens, especially the younger generation. 'To strengthen our all-round competence, we will increase our investment in culture and human development. Continuing a fine Chinese tradition, we strongly encourage Macao residents to embrace self-enhancement and will support them to learn and read more. We are dedicated to the accumulation of abundance and cultural wealth for the well-being of Macao society,' he said. He thanked the Central Government and all its representative offices in Macao for their comprehensive support for Macao, and expressed gratutide to all Macao residents and the dutiful civil servants for their efforts to build this city. Guests attending the reception included the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Ho Hau Wah, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Bai Zhijian, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in Macao SAR, Mr Hu Zhengyue the Commander of the Macao Garrison of the People's Liberation Army, Senior Colonel Zhu Qingsheng, the President of Legislative Assembly, Mr Lau Cheok Va, and the President of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Sam Hou Fai. In the morning, more than 300 guests attended the flag raising ceremony at Golden Lotus Square.
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According to the nomination of the Decoration Awards Committee, the Macao SAR Government confers Decorations, Medals and Certificates of Merit to 38 individuals and entities in recognition of their outstanding achievements, contributions and distinguished services rendered to the Macao SAR. Decorations of Honour, including the Decoration of Honour - Grand Lotus, the Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus and the Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus, are intended to award to individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the image and reputation of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus Ms Ho Teng Iat Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus Mr Wan Chun Seven types of Medals of Merit are awarded for: 1. Professions; 2. Industry and commerce; 3. Tourism; 4. Education; 5. Culture; 6. Philanthropy; and 7. Sport. Each of these categories of decorations is awarded to individuals or entities that have make major or excellent contributions in their respective fields The recipients are: Medal of Merit – Professions Mr Lam Wai Hou Mr António José Dias Azedo Ms Victoria Alexa Kuan Chan Medal of Merit - Industry and Commerce Mr Ma Chi Ngai Frederico Mr Leong Iam Chong Banco Nacional Ultramarino, S.A.
Medal of Merit - Tourism Mr Alan Reginald John Ho Mr Wu Keng Kuong Medal of Merit - Education Mr Wang Yitao Ms Wong Lai Heng Sister Yong Pac Hun Mr Tai Chan Lam Medal of Merit – Culture Mr Ching Cheung Fai Mr Tang Chou Kei Case de Portugal em Macau Medal of Merit – Philanthropy Mr Nuno Maria Roque Jorge Mr Leong Sio Pui Mr Lou Wai Sek Medal of Merit - Sport Mr Chu Chi Wai Ms Hoi Long Mr Chui Iu Medals for Distinguished Services are awarded to public entities, organisations or their staff for outstanding performance of their duties or community service. The recipients are: Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Dedication Ms Ho Tin Ka Ms Manuela Teresa Sousa Aguiar Ms Chan Ioc Chan Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Community Service Mr Un Iok Meng Ms Iek Ka Iok Mr Cheong Pak Io Certificates of Merit including the Honorific Title - Prestige and the Honorific Title – Merit, commend Macao SAR residents or other people who have made major contribution to the reputation, development or social progress of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Honorific Title - Prestige Mr Richard Stuart Moffatt Honorific Title - Merit Mr Ho Man Fai Ms Ng Wing Mui Ms Hong Ka I Mr Wu Nok In Mr Ngou Pok Man Mr Lio Chon Hou Mr Chio Wai Keong Confraternidade Cristã Vida Nova de Macau Extensivo aos Jovem Consome Drogas The decorations, medals and certificates of merit awards ceremony will be held in early 2012.
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