Briefs | Inflation sees marginal acceleration in Sep.

The Composite Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, grew in September 2017 by 1.39 percent year-on-year to 109.69, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). This was slightly higher than the 1.36 percent growth in August. DSEC attributes the marginal growth acceleration to higher charges for eating out and outpatient services, as well as an increase in tuition fees for the new academic year. Among the various sections of goods and services, the price indexes of health and education grew by 5.3 percent and 4.27 percent year-on-year, respectively. Meanwhile, the price index of food and non-alcoholic beverages, which accounted for the largest share of household expenditure, went up by 1.96 percent. For the 12 months ending September 2017, the average Composite CPI increased by 1.14 percent from the previous period, with a notable increase in the price index of education (+7.14 percent) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (+5.08 percent).

Trade Union bill to be discussed once again at AL

A new version of the Trade Union bill presented by lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho will be one of the first proposals to be voted on at the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL), the lawmaker told the Times. Coutinho’s proposal was submitted to and accepted by the AL, and is now pending a date for discussion in the plenary session. This will be the ninth time that a Trade Union bill will be discussed at the hemicycle. The first eight were rejected by lawmakers, who voted against a bill that would have allowed workers to exercise freedom of association and collectively negotiate labor conditions.

Woman injured in fire now in ‘satisfactory’ condition

A Macau woman, who was hospitalized in critical condition after she was trapped in fire that broke out at a Myanmar hotel last week, is now in a “satisfactory” condition, a statement from the MSAR’s Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) informed. The Office has contacted the affected woman’s family and reports that although her condition is stable, she is “unable to move easily” and must remain in the hospital for some time. The woman’s family arrived in Myanmar late last week to visit her. The GGCT has stated that it will maintain close contact with both the injured resident and the Embassy of China in Myanmar in order to provide assistance as needed.