Public voices support for consumption cards over cash distribution

Opinions have been expressed urging the Macau government to reassess the purpose and structure of its Wealth Partaking Scheme and to consider alternative distribution methods, such as consumption cards or vouchers.

The government held two public consultations last week to gather feedback on enhancing the cash handout scheme, chaired by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai Kin Ip, and the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, O Lam, respectively.

The local government has resumed the distribution of cash handouts to residents as of July 2023, reinstating the arrangement that was in place before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a specific timeline for this year’s scheme has not yet been announced.

The recently released 2025 Policy Address indicates that the scheme will persist as a people-oriented initiative, providing eligible permanent Macau residents with MOP10,000 and non-permanent residents with MOP6,000.

According to a joint statement by the two offices, about 60 representatives from various community organizations who attended the two public consultations unanimously affirmed the need to improve the cash handout scheme.

Their suggestions included adopting alternative distribution methods, such as consumption cards or vouchers. They also recommended considering reasonable circumstances – like working, studying, or retiring in mainland China –  as exemption conditions, while exploring a requirement for local residents to be physically present in Macau for 183 days, similar to the residency criteria for the Central Provident Fund’s government grant.

Such proposals are viewed as a way to ensure that saved resources can be redirected to support disadvantaged groups.

In this context, the two Secretaries, as noted in the statement, said these proposals serve as an important reference for the government in optimizing the distribution of cash handouts. They emphasized their commitment to thoroughly assess the needs of all sectors of society, carefully listen to and analyze each proposal with an open and pragmatic approach, and implement improvements to the scheme in a timely manner.

Following the release of related news on Friday, there was significant debate in a local Facebook group. Some netizens supported the proposals raised in the two meetings, commenting that “distributing cash without targeting specific groups is a waste of money; we should review the policy and focus on assisting those in need,” and “cash distribution lacks long-term planning; we should establish sustainable measures.” Others argued, “distributing cash does not help unemployed youth; we need to implement training programs.”

Conversely, some netizens expressed concerns that the government might alter the cash distribution plan: “This is terrible! Could this really change the cash distribution plan? Will they even stop it altogether? Previously, they announced the schedule in early May and distributed the funds in early July.”

Some suggested allowing residents to choose their preference: “If you prefer consumption vouchers, apply directly through the Macao One Account. Use last year’s data; it will be clear, simple, and efficient.”

Others believed that cash distribution could encourage savings.