DSPA head comments on environmental problems

Raymond Tam

The director of the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA), Raymond Tam, said during a TDM radio show that “Macau’s main source of air pollution comes from transportation.”

Last year, the city passed a law implementing additional restrictions on car emissions. The director expects this new law to come into effect in July, which should help to improve Macau’s air pollution situation.

“We hope that when the law comes into effect, it can positively help improve Macau’s air quality,” said Tam.

Tam also pointed out an issue concerning the use of plastic bags in Macau. “Society, in general, backs the idea of charging for shopping (plastic) bags,” said Tam, and added that his department is working hard to promote this topic.

The director noted that a survey conducted earlier by his department showed that 60 percent of Macau residents consider that the city has a problem with the oversuse of plastic bags.

According to Tam, the government is considering charging one pataca per bag. This cost was widely accepted by the general public during the government’s consultation period. However, the final value will be finalized when the related law is passed in town, informed Tam.