Briefs | Inflation reaches 5.3 percent in February

Macau’s Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February increased 5.3 percent over the same period as last year, according to figures released yesterday by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). The DSEC attributes this increase “to rising rentals for dwellings and dearer charges for eating out, as well as higher charges for package tours during the Lunar New Year period.” Compared to February 2014, the price index of housing and fuels increased 10.7 percent. Recreation and culture went up 9.49 percent, and health increased 9.49 percent. For the 12 months before February 2015, the average Composite CPI increased 5.88 percent from the previous period. The price index of housing & fuels (+11.82 percent) and food & non-alcoholic beverages (+5.84 percent) registered remarkable increases.

Lionel Leong launches website and WeChat account

The office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, has already launched its official website and WeChat account.  According to a statement made by the office, it aims to strengthen interactions with different society sectors. Citizens can now search “SEFRAEM” on the instant messenger for subscriptions, and may also access www.gsef.gov.mo for more information and updates from different departments under the secretariat. Citizens can voice their opinions and proposals through these newly established services.

Chui sends letter of condolence to Singaporean PM

The Chief Executive offered his condolences to the Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, over his father’s passing in the early hours of yesterday morning. In a letter, Chui praised Lee Kuan Yew’s devoted efforts in leading the country out of difficult times to one of the world’s wealthiest nations, as the founding father of Singapore. The CE also described him as not only an old friend to the Chinese people, but a heavyweight political figure on the international stage. The letter also mentioned the former prime minister’s great contributions to the cooperation between Macau and Singapore at various levels. The CE hoped that his “phenomenal leadership” and political ambition would remain respected and honored by the city.