Restrictions added for cash handout amid rising calls, Says Sam Hou Fai

Following the Macau government’s introduction of new eligibility restrictions for its cash handout scheme, Chief Executive (CE) Sam Hou Fai has underscored the importance of “sustainability, health, and stability” in welfare policies, acknowledging the rising calls for improvements and reforms from diverse sectors of society.

The Macau government has been implementing the cash handout scheme, officially known as the “Wealth Partaking Scheme,” since 2008, providing annual cash distributions to both permanent and non-permanent local residents.

Currently, each permanent resident is entitled to MOP10,000, while non-permanent residents receive MOP6,000.

This year marks the 18th year of the scheme.

Recently, the government announced new eligibility restrictions, specifying that individuals must stay in Macau for at least 183 days to qualify for the cash distribution. Exemptions are available for eight categories of individuals deemed “eligible,” including those studying or hospitalized in mainland China, living in the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, those aged 65 or older living in mainland cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, as well as certain workers.

After the announcement, public opinion was divided into two camps, with one side supporting the change and the other opposing it.

Speaking to the media yesterday on the sidelines of the honorary degree conferment ceremony at the University of Macau (UM), Sam made a brief summary regarding the government’s views on adjustments to the cash handout scheme.

He stated that the cash sharing system began in 2008, with total expenditures amounting to about MOP92 billion over the years.

This issue has long been controversial, particularly in 2011, when the government had already considered potential adjustments.

Sam continued by noting that with increasing calls for improvements to the scheme in recent years, the authorities conducted surveys through television, radio, and academic institutions. According to him, the results indicated that many people expressed a desire to summarize and enhance the existing scheme, prompting the decision to make corresponding adjustments.

“During my election campaign for Chief Executive, various groups from different industries and communities raised relevant issues with me, and in preparing this year’s policy agenda, we conducted in-depth research and gathered opinions from different sectors of society,” the CE said.

Sam pointed out that in adjusting the measure, the authorities had considered several principles, namely, that welfare policies must be based on sustainability, health, and stability; that targeted measures should focus on vulnerable groups in the community, such as the elderly and grassroots workers; that there is a need for coordination and consistency in social welfare policies; and that consideration should be given to the social welfare systems of other countries and neighboring regions.

“Our social welfare policies need to reflect on the developments of the past 25 years and adjust according to current social conditions. If we fail to adhere to this principle, governments – whether in neighboring regions or other countries – may be forced to make large-scale adjustments in response to economic changes, leading to greater social costs,” he remarked.

The CE emphasized that safeguarding people’s livelihoods remains a top priority, stating: “We must adhere to this policy, lay a solid foundation, and ensure long-term sustainable and healthy development. The importance of this policy lies not only in the next five or ten years but in our ability to effectively respond to major adjustments and avoid difficulties.”

Concerts’ impact should not be underestimated

Promoting investment in non-gaming attractions to diversify Macau’s economy is a key policy objective of the current government, with Sam emphasizing yesterday that the economic benefits of concerts highlight the importance of this diversification in the tourism industry.

“Especially in the past two years, concerts have played a crucial role in promoting economic diversification. Large-scale concerts have not only driven the development of the leisure and tourism industries but also stimulated the gambling economy. The growth of these industries inevitably brings economic benefits to society as a whole,” Sam said.

He pointed out that these benefits are evident in longer tourist stays, increased consumption, and improved income.

Citing data from the Statistics and Census Service Bureau (DSEC), the CE noted that the average per capita spending of concert attendees is “very high,” typically around MOP4,000 to 5,000, while general tourists spend only about MOP1,000. “This highlights the positive impact of concerts on economic diversification,” Sam said, adding that while the impact on individuals may seem minimal at times, the overall healthy development of these industries is highly beneficial to society and significantly supports the vity’s economic diversification efforts.

The remarks were made in response to a recent case in which 69 mainlanders were caught working illegally as “volunteers” at a concert in Macau.

Regarding such occurrences, Sam emphasized that if any illegal activities are detected, especially those involving suspected illegal employment, the Macau Public Security Police (PSP) and Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) will strictly enforce the law.

“The police have already prosecuted such illegal activities, so there is no need for concern. We will manage these issues rigorously in accordance with the law,” Sam said.

Additionally, in response to recent problems like ticket scalping, he said the Consumer Council (CC), Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and police will join forces to comprehensively address such issues and protect consumer rights.