As many as 509 old motorcycles have been collected as a result of the subsidy scheme for motorcycle replacement, the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) disclosed in its reply to a lawmaker inquiry.
In his written inquiry dated September 8, lawmaker Leong Hong Sai pointed out that an air quality gauge in Coloane had recorded an Air Quality Index at 188, which is categorized as “Bad.” He emphasized that it was the poorest air quality recorded since January 1, 2021, when the weather bureau updated the Air Quality Index gauging mechanism.
The lawmaker cited the Macau Environmental Status Report 2021, stating that overall air quality in the city had improved between 2013 and 2021, but pollution by ozone would still be a problem across the Greater Bay Area. Meanwhile, transport is a major source of pollution in Macau.
As such, the lawmaker asked the DSPA several questions on the progress of the motorcycle replacement subsidy scheme, cremation facility upgrade and industrial steamer exhausts.
In response, acting director Ip Kuong Lam of the DSPA disclosed that as of September 23, the motorcycle replacement scheme had received 721 applications. Besides receiving 509 old motorcycles for disposal, 364 new electric motorcycles have been purchased in relation to the scheme.
The scheme is intended to encourage motorcycle owners to phase out their old gasoline motorcycles and replace them with electric ones.
On the question regarding the cremation facility upgrade, Ip cited the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM), stating that the exhaust from the upgraded facility will be evaluated based on the national standard of GB13801-2015 and the Hong Kong guidelines of BPM 12/2(2020). The IAM will hire professional third-party entities to monitor pollutant levels emitted from the upgraded facility. The manufacturer has also been requested to produce a detailed maintenance plan.
Ip pointed out that many operators of industrial steamers have opted for cleaner energy options for their steamers.
