Campaign results might be deceiving

Instigated by online reports, an investigation by the Times has found that not all of the MOP680 million reportedly generated through the campaign has benefited local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As the Times concluded from online reports and firsthand experience, nearly all electronic payments above the minimum threshold for participating in the lucky draw led to entries and the issuance of discount vouchers – including payments to government services, traffic fines, and other non-commercial expenses.

Several users have reported receiving vouchers while making payments unrelated to spending at local SMEs.

Additionally, local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the methods used to collect the discount vouchers.

These methods require users to go in person to one of the Macau Pass Customer Service Centers to load the voucher value into Macau Pass cards.
As the discount vouchers are usually valued at MOP5 or MOP10, people often choose not to redeem them, as the process is lengthy and transportation costs almost equal or surpass the value of the voucher.

According to the information on the discount vouchers, these can only be redeemed at the three Macau Pass Customer Service Centers located in the Dynasty District, North District, and Taipa, as well as at the mPass Galaxy Service Counter.

The terms and conditions of the voucher also state: “1. Present this voucher at any of the three Macau Pass Customer Service Centers or the mPass Galaxy Service Counter to purchase designated mCard products, and enjoy a MOP5 discount upon spending MOP5 or more. (This voucher is only applicable to special edition mCard; not applicable to standard edition mCard).”

Recently, lawmaker Ron Lam has urged the government – through a written inquiry – to disclose the costs and actual impacts of the IP-themed “punch-card economy” or “Daka” initiatives.

These initiatives have drawn criticism for their cost-effectiveness and questionable benefits to local businesses. RM