More illegal inns reportedly involved in criminal activity

An increasing number of illegal inns have been linked to criminal activities over the past four years, the Public Security Police Force (CPSP) revealed in data presented to the Legislative Assembly.
The Follow-up Committee for Public Administration has been discussing and assessing law enforcement issues relating to illegal inns. Lawmaker Chan Meng Kam, who heads the AL Committee, revealed that there has been an increase in the number of crimes committed in illegal inns.
According to a Radio Macau report, police data shows that, in 2010, 94 illegal inns were shut down, 28 percent of which were involved in criminal cases. Authorities recorded a total of 49 incidents. Last year, 42 percent of sealed illegal inns were involved in crimes (115), with police recording a total of 62 incidents.
Between January and April this year, authorities recorded a total of 45 crimes within 24 housing units operating as illegal inns.
Furthermore, the Judiciary Police (PJ) informed lawmakers that they investigated a total of 11 illegal inns last year that were allegedly connected to criminal activities. In 2011, they investigated 23 cases and 17 in 2010.
Chan Meng Kam explained that this increase in the number of crimes committed in illegal inns has led some lawmakers to suggest changes to current legislation. However, they did not reach a consensus – some proposed that the Macau Government Tourist Office should have more power to act upon these cases, whereas others believe that police authorities’ duties should be reinforced instead.
The AL Committee is preparing a report regarding the means by which legislation on illegal inns has been implemented.
The director of the Macau Government Tourist Office, Ms Helena de Senna Fernandes, revealed that the government has not revealed a specific timeframe in which to move forward with any amendments to the law. She added that they would conduct a more in-depth study, involving different government departments.
Helena de Senna Fernandes also said that the government is still studying the possibility of residents renting out rooms to tourists. She expects a report to be published on the matter by the end of the year. CP