Briefs | IAS provides sign language interpreter for case investigation

The man connected to a recent crime was said to be hearing impaired. The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) said that they deployed social workers and sign language interpreters to the scene to provide assistance. The Bureau explained that there is a mechanism for interaction with law enforcement, by which mechanism assistance by the IAS was requested. The Bureau pledged to continue their role in the investigation, while they reiterated their constant improvement of accessible facilities in Macau. Further and continuous training will be offered to train more sign language interpreters. The Neighborhood Union, on the other hand, urged the police to release information related to the case.

Lawmaker comments on current condition of tourism

Records of border-crossing headcounts were broken again during the past Labor Day holiday, leaving a multitude local districts packed. With regards to easing this, lawmaker Si Ka Lon made three recommendations: first, improving smart tourism, including the provision of all necessary data to tourists to enable them to travel on non-peak days; second, pacing up the development of commercial circles near border checkpoints, community tourism, harbor tourism, and island tourism; and third, constructing integrated tourism complexes, such as a theme park featuring Chinese culture. Si also suggested the use of a surveillance system to monitor crowding at bus stops. 1.2 million people crossed the border on the first two days of the holiday.

Old-style travel passes between mainland, Macau, HK to expire

The passport-shaped travel pass for use between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong or Macau will be completely out of use by September 13, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said. Citizens will not be able to use old-style passes to apply for a travel permit, said the NIA statement, urging citizens to renew travel documents as quickly as possible. The new travel pass, which has been available since 2014, is in the shape of an ID card. As of April 1 this year, mainland residents may apply for travel passes to Hong Kong and Macau across the country regardless of their household registration.