BRIEFS | MT5 route to begin operation

The new MT5 bus route connecting NAPE to Taipa will commence operations tomorrow, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) said in a statement. The route will operate between 7am and 8pm at 20-minute intervals. Its terminal is located at Edificio do Lago in Taipa. DSAT said that the MT5 route is intended to ease mobility between Taipa and NAPE, where many residents commute every day for work. The new route will stop closer to Alameda Dr. Carlos d’Assumpção than the existing MT1 and MT2 routes. DSAT said it would monitor MT5 operations closely and adjust schedules or routes if necessary.

Armed robber takes HKD1 million

The Judiciary Police arrested a mainland man for robbing a Chinese victim of HKD 1 million, after he was allegedly found armed with a “pistol-like object.” The 24-year-old victim allegedly met the 26-year-old suspect two months ago inside a local casino, where the suspect suggested taking loans from the victim. The suspect would return the loan at an interest rate of one percent. Last Friday night, the victim once again met the suspect in a Cotai Strip hotel room with the loan, but was left handcuffed after the suspect held him at gunpoint and fled with the money. The suspect, stopped by the authorities at the border gate checkpoint the following day, denied the threat and refused to disclose the whereabouts of the cash.

Taipa Library opens tomorrow

The Taipa Library will be officially inaugurated tomorrow, the Cultural Affairs Bureau said in a press release.  The library – intended to encourage reading habits among Taipa residents – had been operating on a trial basis since April. It is the first to operate under the IC and the first to provide a self-service option on book loans and returns.

Woman abused after drinking excessively

A mainland woman was sexually assaulted by a man, whom she met through a friend, in a hotel room in NAPE over the weekend. The 28-year-old victim was said to have drank excessively at dinner in a restaurant near the hotel. The 30-year-old suspect took her to his room before returning to the dinner, but made excuses to return and started molesting the victim. Upon waking, the lady escaped and contacted the authorities.