Briefs | WHO regional director meets with Chui

Dr Takeshi Kasai, the Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization, recently visited Macau and met with Chief Executive Chui Sai On. During his visit, Kasai noted the three main directions of his work in the next five years are working toward non-infectious disease prevention, being well prepared for a possible infectious disease cycle, and improving health problems caused by pollution. Kasai also visited the Conde S. Januário Hospital, the Areia Preta Health Center, and the Pac On Camp of the China International Emergency Medical Team (Macau SAR), which was verified by the WHO on April 30. Kasai expressed his appreciation for the work conducted by the Health Bureau on smoking control.

PSP to take ‘rigorous attitude’ on taxi surveillance law

On the Sunday talk show hosted by TDM, a representative from the Public Security Police Force (PSP), in response to taxi drivers’ worry about the use of surveillance systems on taxis, said that they are going to take “an even more rigorous attitude” to new legislation. The taxi industry voiced concern that there were still a lot of uncertainties about the details of the in-car video and voice recording system. Questions have been officially sent to the Transport Bureau, according to the Taxi Driver Union, but no response has since been received. The new law is to take effect on June 2.

90% of spot-checked helmets meet standards

The Transport Affairs Bureau (DSAT) and the Public Security Police Force (PSP) have jointly conducted 15 spot checks on helmets used by motorcyclists between January and April this year. This has seen 188 helmets inspected, of which nearly 90% met the standards set forth in the administrative regulations regarding approved types of helmets. Some 168 of the inspected helmets were models approved by the DAST. Two met legal technical standards but have yet to be approved. Eighteen were suspected not to meet legal standards, and were transferred to the PSP for follow-up action. The DSAT reminded riders to fasten the safety leash when using their motorcycle helmets. Failure to do so will result in a fine of MOP600.