Frontline civil servants lack support, lawmaker says

Lawmaker Leong Veng Chai has urged the government to launch measures to protect civil servants working on the frontline, especially employees working as supervisors for the Transport Bureau (DSAT) or the Health Bureau (SSM), who, he said, are sometimes even physically assaulted while on duty.
Leong Veng Chai said in a written enquiry that two frontline workers from DSAT and SSM, respectively, were recently assaulted and had to seek medical treatment. “Either because of lack of competence or support, these workers can hardly guarantee their own safety,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed out that frontline workers’ duties often include applying fines, which can make offenders angry and thus lead to aggression. He added that civil servants claim that the help provided by Macau’s government isn’t sufficient.
He reiterated that frontline workers deserve to be respected and safe while on duty.
Leong Veng Chai urged the government to launch measures to protect these supervisors and inspectors, and to secure their safety while they’re working to ensure that Macau’s laws are being followed.
The lawmaker claimed that the challenges and threats that these workers face while on duty have led some to choose another career. To meet social needs, Leong Veng Chai questioned the government on what types of measures it will take to retain these frontline civil servants.
The lawmaker is also looking to learn whether the government is willing to provide them with a better insurance policy.