Briefs | Smoke escapes from MIA baggage carousel

Authorities have received a report that suggested smoke was spotted coming from the baggage carousel in the departure lobby on the second floor of the Macau International Airport (MIA) early yesterday evening. Firefighters arrived at the scene at around 7 p.m. and confirmed that there was smoke coming out from the carousel. According to information from the scene, the fire took place near the C1 check-in counter that is next to the restricted area. It was also suggested that the carousel was on fire and that the flames were put out by MIA staff members. The authorities are still investigating the incident.

Portuguese School granted Identity Award 2014

The Portuguese School of Macau (EPM) will receive the 2014 Identity Award, granted by the International Institute of Macau. Each year the Institute awards individuals or institutions that have contributed continuously to the preservation and richness of Macanese identity. In a press release, EPM said the award is in recognition of the school’s work over the past 15 years, particularly in promoting Portuguese language and culture as one of the Macanese community’s intrinsic features. The ceremony takes place tomorrow at 5 p.m. at EPM. On Saturday, EPM is also hosting their own school award ceremony. The event intends to honor students who have been awarded prizes from the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) for outstanding academic, civic and artistic work during the previous school year. The ceremony will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Ten workers caught without occupational safety cards

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) deputy director Teng Nga Kan revealed that there were 10 workers who were found without the occupational safety card that has been required for the construction industry since the implementation of the Construction Safety Card Regulation on October 6. So far, authorities have issued more than 120,000 occupational safety cards, with more than 90,000 of them remaining valid. Ms Teng said that DSAL officials have conducted inspections every day since the regulation came into force and have randomly inspected 181 workers. Ten of them, mostly non-resident workers (TNRs), were not cardholders, and punitive procedures were launched against them. Teng Nga Kan said that the regulation has been implemented for only two weeks and the authorities will strengthen their efforts towards  promoting awareness and education.The deputy director made the comment during a cross-Taiwan Strait seminar on occupational safety and health that is being held in Macau until tomorrow.