Briefs | CE calls on gov’t officials to implement Xi’s aspirations for Macau

Chief Executive (CE) Chui Sai On called on government officials to adhere to aspirations set out in key speeches made by President Xi Jinping. Speaking at the Macau East Asian Games Dome on Friday, Chui recalled that 2018 had marked the 40th anniversary of the country’s reformation and opening-up policies. According to Chui, President Xi’s speeches not only affirmed Macau’s role and contributions during the reform and opening-up process over the past 40 years, but also expressed the country’s expectation and confidence regarding the SAR’s future development. Further, the CE pledged that the government would develop its youth policies regarding education, employment and self-improvement.

Printmaking Triennial showcases 175 works

The “3rd Macau Printmaking Triennial” is featuring a total of 175 print works from local and foreign artists at the Macau Contemporary Art Centre – Navy Yard No. 1.  According to a statement issued by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the triennial attracted over 1,000 entries from 39 countries and regions, including Asia, Europe, the United States and Oceania. The gold prize was awarded to the work “Habitable structure” by Polish artist Lukasz Koniuszy, while the silver and bronze prizes were awarded to the works “The remains of the painful thing 6” and “The way of harvester No. 2” by Thai artists Warranutchai Kajaree and Rattana Sudjarit, respectively.

Sou proposes debate on affordable houses’ fire dampers

Lawmaker Sulu Sou proposed a debate at the Legislative Assembly to discuss the prospect of changing fire dampers in the affordable houses of Ilha Verde Community Building. Sou noted that Ilha Verde’s affordable house project has not yet issued an occupation permit, and that the government had proposed reinstalling 269 fire dampers at the building, costing a total of MOP40 million. Sou also wants the government to reveal the progress of the amendment over the fire safety regulation, which has been implemented in Macau for 24 years.

More than 20 evacuated in Areia Preta fire

Over 20 people were forced to leave the U Va building in Areia Preta after a fire broke out yesterday afternoon. TDM reported that firefighters arriving at the scene saw thick smoke coming out from a window. A flat was engulfed in flames but nobody was injured. People in the neighborhood claim that a resident in the building was seen burning offering paper at home before going out, which may have triggered the blaze.

Nearly 6pct growth in crossings recorded in 2018

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) reported that a total of 179 million crossings were recorded in 2018, representing an increase of 5.9 percent year-on-year. This marks the sixth consecutive year of border crossing growth. Seventy-five percent of the total crossings were recorded across the Border Gate, representing an annual increase of 5.1 percent. According to the PSP, in December, 1.19 million crossings were recorded at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge’s Macau port, representing 7 percent of the total number of crossings in 2018.