News

The Cross-departmental Working Team checked 13 premises today (August 19). Two premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed and eight occupants were detained. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 170 premises were checked, of which ten were normal residences, while 24 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Among the checked premises, some were vacant or unoccupied. MGTO and the police will continue investigation on unanswered doors which are suspected to be used to provide accommodation illegally. When necessary, MGTO can request a judicial order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. To date, a total of 133 occupants were detained, including five operators, three touts, three persons who manage the premises that provide accommodation illegally (management staff) and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Among the occupants, there were five overstayers and one illegal immigrant.
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 will be denied reentry into Macau. 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.
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The Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) released results of the Employment Survey for the second quarter of 2010, of which the principal indicators such as labour force participation rate (71.6%) and unemployment rate (2.8%) have been published in July. Total labour force was 326,000 in the second quarter of 2010, comprising 317,000 employed and 9,300 unemployed. Compared with the first quarter of 2010, total labour force registered an increase of 3,100, with number of the employed increasing by 3,300 but that of the unemployed decreasing by 200. Analyzed by industry, the majority of the employed were engaging in Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services (23.8%) and Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities (13.9%). In terms of occupation, most of the employed were Clerks (including casino dealers, floorpersons, betting service operators, etc.) and Service & Sales Workers, accounting for 26.1% and 22.8% respectively. Median monthly employment earnings of the employed decreased by MOP 500 from the previous quarter to MOP 8,500, while that of the local residents held stable at MOP10,000. Number of the underemployed totalled 6,200, with 77.2% engaging in Construction and 7.2% in Hotels, Restaurants & Similar Activities. In respect of the unemployed, 92.5% were searching for a new job and 7.5% were fresh labour force entrants searching for their first job. With regard to educational attainment, 34.0% had primary education or lower, 28.8% had junior secondary education and 25.6% had senior secondary education. For the unemployed that were searching for a new job, analyzed by industry previously engaged, 33.4% had worked in Construction and 17.3% in Recreational, Cultural, Gaming & Other Services. Analyzed by previous occupation, 26.0% were Craftsmen and similar workers and 22.4% were Clerks.
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The “Catalogue Show of Malaysian Products and Services, jointly organized by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and SME Service Centre of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), will be held from 23 to 27 September 2010 at IPIM’s Macao Business Support Centre (Alameda Dr. Carlos d'Assumpçao No. 263, Edif. China Civil Plaza, 19 Andar, Macau). The Show is is the second time cooperation of the organizers since the debut Malaysian catalogue show held in September last year, at the same time the tenth catalogue show organized by IPIM since 2008. The Show features catalogues and product display: over 10 types of products and 50 types of catalogues from 29 companies will be showcased, including Halal food, pewter products, green houseware products, equipment for vehicles, MICE, airlines, gems, services, franchising opportunities, trade, investment and travel information, etc. According to statistics, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Macao has grown steadily. Imports from Malaysia amounted 442 million Macao Patacas in 2009. Until June this year, Macao main imports from Malaysia totals 236 million, a 10 million year-on-year increase compared with January to June 2009. These imports mainly comprise hard disk drives, air-conditioners, slot machines, televisions, electronic parts for computers, evaporated milk and biscuits, etc, indicating a persisting demand of Malaysian products. Moreover, A Malaysia business promotion seminar will be held at Macao Business Support Centre, at 3 pm, 24 August 2010. Besides presentation on trade and investment opportunities, three Malaysian companies will have their product presentation and meet with Macao enterprises during the business matching session and interested parties are cordially invited to sign up. The seminar will be conducted in English (with simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese). IPIM now cordially invites interested parties and local SMEs in search for partners or distribution rights from Malaysia to visit the Show and join the above activities. For detailed information about the Show, please contact Mr. Ho or Ms. Leong of Small and Medium Enterprise Service Centre (Tel: 28728212) or visit IPIM’s website www.ipim.gov.mo and Macao Trade and Invest Kiosk.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team continues with its operations to raid premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and conduct inspections in the streets. Promotions were stepped up to encourage residents to report any suspect cases as well as to remind visitors to only frequent legal accommodation.
In line with the newly implemented law, MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau have launched various promotional and educational activities such as putting up posters at concerned districts and major checkpoints while deploying staff at Macau International Airport, Border Gate, Macau Ferry Terminal and Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal to distribute leaflets and brochures. 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 will be denied reentry into Macau. During the operation today (Aug 18), 22 premises were checked. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 144 premises were checked, of which 9 were normal residences, while 21 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Other premises are under investigation. A total of 110 occupants were detained, including five operators, three touts, three managing staff and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Among the occupants, there were five overstayers and one illegal immigrant. 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 managers 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.
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With the aim to help local SMEs gain access to information on overseas development of Cultural and Creative Industry and enhance their knowledge on brand promotion and overseas market expansion, the “Creating a Better Future” Symposium, organized by SME Service Center of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Pan Mac Junior Chamber, will be held on August 21, 2:30 p.m. at Multi-function Conference Hall of Macao Business Support Center. In recent years, the Cultural and Creative industries become development focus in many countries and regions. The characteristic of integration of Chinese and Western culture, affluent cultural heritage and unique cultural diversity in Macao creates a favorable environment for developing cultural and creative industries. In the Symposium, professionals will share development and operational experience of the industry in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and elaborate how the Macao cultural and creative industries expand overseas market. During the event, business matching between Macao and overseas enterprises will be conducted to seek further business cooperation and opportunities. The symposium will be conducted in mandarin and cantonese. SMEs interested in knowing more about Cultural and Creative industries are cordially welcomed to participate in the event. For more details and registration, please contact Mr. Pong or Ms. Leong of SME Service Center (tel: 28728212; email: smec@ipim.gov.mo) or visit the IPIM website: www.ipim.gov.mo.
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Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Guangzhou and Bureau of Export Trade Promotion of Department of Trade and Industry of Philippine organised an official and business delegation of 19 to visit Macao. Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute and Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR organised a seminar entitled “Business Opportunities for Philippine Food Products in Macao”, in the hope of introducing the Philippines’ latest business environment and processed food industries, as well as enhancing communication and business opportunities between the Philippines and Macao. This Seminar was held in the multi-function room of Macao Business Support Centre at 10am on 18 August. Representatives from the Philippines included the Hon. Renato L. Villapando, Consul General of Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Mr. Raulh. Dado, Consul of Philippine Consulate General, Macao SAR, Mr. Emmanuel Ang, Commercial Attaché and Director of Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Guangzhou and Ms. Rose Marie G. Castillo, Division Chief of Food and Food preparation Division of Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine and 11 processed food enterprises, including retailing/exporting processed fruits (juices, purees, dried fruit.), biscuits, confectionery and snacks, coffee, alcoholic beverages and ice cream. Mr. Jackson Chang, the President of IPIM gave a speech in the seminar, saying that Macao and the Philippines enjoy close economic ties, with the Philippines being the only ASEAN country to set up a Consulate here in the city while direct flights have also boosted co-operation in trade, tourism and other areas between the two. During the 14th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, IPIM signed a MOU on trade fair co-operation with the Centre for International Trade Expositions and Missions, which is under the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (DTI). Based on this MOU, IPIM has also collaborated with the DTI and the Philippine Consulate General in Macao in the organisation of several activities aimed at promoting closer co-operation and offering business opportunities for Macao and Philippine enterprises. In addition, Macao’s total imports from the Philippines rose by 21% from the previous year, of which food products accounted for the biggest share. The growing retail market in Macao provides abundant business and export opportunities for Philippine food products. There were business matching and Philippine processed food tasting sessions during the Seminar, allowing local enterprises to be more familiar with Philippine food products and explore potential business opportunities with their Philippine counterparts. In addition, IPIM also arranged a meeting with IACM for the Philippine delegation to understand the imported food quarantine procedures in Macao. Also, IPIM organised a site-inspection tour for local retailers and processed food factories for the Philippine delegation to allow them to learn more about the development of the processed food industry in Macao. According to the statistics, the volume of trade between the Philippines and Macao was MOP1.6 million in 2009, of which the total amount of imports from the Philippines was MOP69million rising 21% from the previous year. The main import products are agricultural products, fruit and other food products.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team continues with its operations to raid premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and conduct inspections in the streets. During its anti-crime operation, the Public Security Police Force raided another premise suspected to provide illegal accommodation and arrested an illegal immigrant. The Public Security Police Force detected a premise suspected to provide illegal accommodation during its anti-crime operation early this morning and immediately called the Cross-departmental Working Team for action and sealed the premise. Among the four persons found in the premise, one was a management staff (non-Macau resident) and three were occupants, of which one was an illegal immigrant from the Mainland. Furthermore, in the joint operations of MGTO and Public Security Police Force, an overstayer from the Mainland was also found. During the operation today (Aug 17), nine premises were checked. Two premises were sealed and ten occupants were detained, including one operator and one management staff. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 112 premises were checked, 28 premises were accessed, of which 9 were normal residences. 19 premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed with electricity and water supply cut. Ensuing investigations on premises not accessed have been launched. A total of 86 occupants were detained, including four operators, three touts, three managing staff and one occupant who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. 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 incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and management staff face a maximum 20 000 patacas fine. Occupants who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas.
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To increase the protection for the air transport passenger rights, the Civil Aviation Authority of Macao SAR (AACM) has studied into the legislation for the issue since several years ago. The Authority has now completed the draft administrative regulation of “Minimum Air Transport Passenger Rights in case of Denied Boarding, Flight Cancellation or Delay”. To ensure that the draft regulation is practical for implementation by the industry operators, AACM has launched a one-month consultation period to solicit views from the aviation sector and the tourism sector and so on. A consultation session was also held on 17 August 2010 by the Authority to present the draft regulation to and collect views from the two sectors. The views collected will be studied thoroughly by AACM and appropriate amendments will be introduced. The Authority anticipates that the implementation of the new regulation, when approved, will further enhance the quality of service of Macao’s aviation and consolidate Macao’s image as a tourism city. Provisions of the new draft regulation The new administrative regulation stipulates the minimum rights enjoyed by passengers in situations of denied boarding against passenger will, flight cancellation or delay, as well as the penalty on the air carriers if they do not comply with the regulation. The regulation is applicable to all flights departing from Macau International Airport and all flights operated by airlines registered in Macao. In case of the occurrence of the above three situations, the passengers can enjoy the rights listed in Table 1. In addition to providing the assistance as listed in Table 1, the regulation also specifies other provisions, such as, the airline must inform the passengers of their rights as set out in the regulation; in case of landing in an alternate airport, the airline should pay for the cost of the transfer to the airport originally planned; and all the obligations under the regulation cannot be excluded by the “conditions of carriage” established by the airline. Reference from legislation in Europe and the Americas AACM started the study on the legislation on air transport protection rights several years ago, including the research on similar legislation in places worldwide. The Authority pointed out that in Asia, only mainland China has issued a guidance material to airlines for handling cases of denied boarding, flight cancellation or delay. AACM worked on the drafting of the regulation since 2008, taking into reference the respective laws and regulations in Europe, USA, Canada and Brazil. Present and future regulations help further protect air transport passenger rights In what regards the air transport passenger protection rights, the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules relating to International Carriage by Air (Warsaw Convention) which is applicable to Macao, and the 11/2004 Administrative Regulation which was devised in accordance with the Warsaw Convention have already laid down provisions that airlines should compensate passengers for damages caused by flight delays. In addition, the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air (Montreal Convention), complementary to the Warsaw Convention, has also become applicable to Macao since 2006. The Montreal Convention stipulates that a passenger is entitled to compensation for damages caused by an airline in case of flight delay, up to the limit of 4,694 SDR (around MOP58,000.00), unless the airline can prove that all reasonable measures have been taken, or it is impossible to take any measures, to avoid the damages caused. AACM is now in the process of amending the 11/2004 Administrative Regulation in order that the Regulation can go in line with Montreal Convention. In a way different from the above regulation on compensation, the draft regulation of minimum air transport rights aims to regulate the airlines to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the passengers in case of denied boarding, flight cancellation or delay. The implementation of the new regulation together with the present 11/2004 administrative regulation can refine Macao’s legislation on the protection of passenger rights. Solicit views for further study The consultation session, officiated by the President of AACM, Mr. Simon Chan, took place at the conference facilities of the Conselho Consultivo para o Reordenamento dos Bairros Antigos de Macau from 15:00 to 17:00. Attendees were (local aviation operators) CAM-Macau International Airport Co. Ltd., Administrations of Airports. Ltd, Air Macau, East Asia Airlines and Menzies Macau Airport Services Ltd.; (foreign airlines operating to Macao) EVA Air, TransAsia, Air Asia, Tiger Airways and Philippines Airlines; (Comissão de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Turístico) Labour Services Bureau, Consumer Council, Cultural Institute, individual members appointed by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Tourism Industry Association of Macau, Travel Agency Association of Macau, Tourism Retail Services Association of Macau, Hotel Association of Macau, Restaurant Proprietors Association of Macau, Tourist Guide Association of Macau, Automobile Association of Macau and Transmac. The attendees expressed a number of views during the consultation. Some operators pointed out that most of the flight delays at Macau International Airport were caused by uncontrollable factors such as weather and air traffic control. The operators requested to waive the uncontrollable factors as these factors cannot be prevented and are not caused by the operations of an airline. AACM said that the purpose of having the one-month consultation was to solicit views from the aviation sector and the tourism sector and so on for further study on appropriate amendment so that it is not a regulation that merely serves the passengers but is also a regulation that can be implemented practically by the industry. AACM will study into all the views collected and make appropriate amendments to the draft regulation. Some operators also expressed their views that the new regulation might decrease the interest of foreign airlines in operating to Macao. To this, AACM emphasized that the drafting of the new regulation is to further enhance the quality of service of Macao’s aviation through the strengthening of passenger protection. The Authority pointed out that presently the local airlines and some foreign airlines have already implemented similar measures to handle those situations and some airlines have even adopted measures that are more advantageous than the standards laid down in the new regulation. AACM believed that through complying with the provisions, airlines can improve their handling procedures in response to reasonable requests made by the passengers and hence improve their customer relations. This will ultimately benefit both the passengers and the airlines. In addition, the new regulation provides a guideline for the passengers and the airlines to follow in cases of denied boarding, flight cancellation or delay, which can help to avoid conflicts between the two parties. New regulation expected to be implemented next year Upon completion of the final draft, the regulation will go through the necessary legal procedures for bringing it into force. AACM expects that the new regulation can be implemented next year. Anyone interested in knowing about the provisions of the draft regulation of “Minimum Air Transport Passenger Rights in case of Denied Boarding, Flight Cancellation or Delay” can download the text through AACM’s website at www.aacm.gov.mo (under “News”). Table 1 Passenger rights Denied boarding Flight cancellation Flight delay The airline should look for volunteers that accept to change their bookings in return of benefits offered by the airline. If the number of volunteers is insufficient, R e-imbursement of the full cost of the ticket at the price at which it was bought, for the part or parts of the journey not made, and for the part or parts already made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to the passenger's original travel plan, together with, when relevant, a return flight to the first point of departure, at the earliest opportunity Meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the waiting time Hotel accommodation if the passenger needs to stay one or more nights Transport between the airport and the hotel 2 free of charge phone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails Unless the airline informs the passenger of the cancellation of the flight 15 days before the departure time, or else it has to provide the following assistance: R e-imbursement of the full cost of the ticket at the price at which it was bought, for the part or parts of the journey not made, and for the part or parts already made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to the passenger's original travel plan, together with, when relevant, a return flight to the first point of departure, at the earliest opportunity Meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the waiting time Hotel accommodation if the passenger needs to stay one or more nights Transport between the airport and the hotel 2 free of charge phone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails 1. Delays of more than 30 minutes inform the passenger of the reasons for the delay 2.Delays of more than 3 hours Meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the waiting time 3. Delays of more than 5 hours ： The airline must offer the passengers the possibility to choose the re-imbursement of the full cost of the ticket at the price at which it was bought, for the part or parts of the journey not made, and for the part or parts already made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to the passenger's original travel plan, together with, when relevant, a return flight to the first point of departure, at the earliest opportunity 4. If the passenger does not accept the option mentioned in point 3 above, and the delay has been over 8 hours and involves an overnight stay, the airline should provide ： Hotel accommodation Transport between the airport and the hotel 2 free of charge phone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 8,575 building units were purchased and sold at MOP16.79 billion in the second quarter of 2010 according to Stamp Duty records, up by 34.3% and 67.5% respectively quarter-to-quarter. There were 5,372 residential units amounting to MOP13.78 billion, up by 38.3% and 73.5% respectively over the previous quarter, of which 1,773 residential units were purchased and sold under Intermediate Transfer of Title, up sharply by 123.9% quarter-to-quarter, and the total value soared by 124.8% to MOP8.43 billion. Regarding the price of transaction, 1,609 residential units were sold for over MOP1,000,000 to MOP2,000,000, and 1,361 units for MOP1,000,000 or less. Analyzed by year of completion of building, 2,212 residential units were completed in 2000 and after, 1,940 units in 1990-1999 and 1,220 units in 1989 and before. As regards floor area of unit, 2,635 units (49.1% of total) had an area of 50 to 99.9 square metres. In the second quarter of 2010, opening sale of the major residential property pushed up the average transaction price of residential units in Coloane by 1.3 times quarter-to-quarter to MOP59,509 per square metre of usable area, bringing the overall average price of residential units to increase by 19.3% to MOP32,026 per square metre. Meanwhile, the average transaction price of residential units in the Macao Peninsula increased by 3.5% from the previous quarter to MOP27,603 per square metre, and the average price of those in Taipa went up by 3.8% to MOP28,372 per square metre. With regard to transaction of residential units under Intermediate Transfer of Title, the average price stood at MOP48,093 per square metre, up by 7.2% quarter-to-quarter. The average price of office units dropped by 6.6% from the previous quarter to MOP22,169 per square metre, whereas that of industrial units rose by 2.9% to MOP6,712 per square metre. There were 3,353 cases of real estate sale and purchase contracts made in the second quarter of 2010; the number of units transacted rose by 6.2% quarter-to-quarter to 4,572 and the total value went up by 29.4% to MOP6.44 billion. Moreover, total value of mortgage loans amounted to MOP45.19 billion, up by 4.6 times quarter-to-quarter. In the second quarter of 2010, construction of new buildings with a gross floor area of 5,840 square metres has been started, which will provide 41 units upon completion (of which 33 are residential units), down by 95.3% and 91.9% respectively quarter-to-quarter. In addition, gross floor area of buildings completed totalled 609,154 square metres, altogether providing 1,869 units (of which 1,801 are residential units), up sharply by 8.4 times and 11.5 times respectively quarter-to-quarter; number of parking spaces for cars and motorcycles completed surged by 14.8 times and 1.7 times to 2,307 and 379 respectively.
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The Cross-departmental Working Team will continue with its operations to raid premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally and conduct inspections in the streets, with the action plan adjusted when necessary, in a combat that will be maintained long-term. Residents are encouraged to report any suspect cases, while promotion to visitors against illegal accommodation will be reinforced. During the operation today (Aug 16), 23 premises were checked. Two premises where accessed, which were normal residences. Since the law on “Prohibition of Providing Illegal Accommodation” took effect on August 13, a total of 96 premises were checked, 24 premises were accessed, of which 9 were normal residences. Fifteen premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally were sealed, and electricity and water cut, a total of 73 occupants were detained, including 2 operators who are also working as touts, an operator (a couple who jointly run a premise suspected to provide accommodation illegally), one managing staff, one tout, and one guest who failed to fulfill her duty of cooperation. Following the raid to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO began sanction proceedings on involved managing staff, touts and operators. According to the new law, managers incur a penalty up to 800 000 patacas, touts can be fined up to 100 000 patacas and operators face a maximum 20 000 patacas fine. Guests who fail to cooperate are fined 3 000 patacas. The new law confers investigation powers to MGTO, and during the four consecutive days of inspections to premises suspected to provide accommodation illegally, MGTO staff together with Public Security Police Force (PSP) conducted 14 operations, wherein 96 premises were checked. For those premises not accessed, investigations will continue, and MGTO can request a judge’s order to enter into the suspect premises to investigate. Parallel with the combat against illegal accommodation, MGTO and Legal Affairs Bureau proactively promote the new law to visitors and citizens. A new round of promotional activities will also be launched soon.
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